People and Culture Director - Steppenwolf Theatre Company

For over 40 years, Steppenwolf Theatre Company has been a cultural leader in Chicago and model for theatre companies in the United States and around the world. Formed by a collective of actors in 1976, the ensemble represents a remarkable cross-section of actors, directors, stage managers and playwrights. Steppenwolf’s artistic ambitions are made possible by its incredible workforce of individuals, who help create a culture of inclusivity, collaboration and accountability. To that end, we attempt to use an anti-oppressive and anti-racist lens in our roles and everyday decision-making. Join us in this ongoing process, as we navigate, together, our complex world.



People and Culture Director



The People and Culture Director is a key team player within Steppenwolf’s general management team. Reporting to the General Manager, the People and Culture Director is responsible for all facets of human resources and talent strategy for Steppenwolf’s 200+ staff and artists. This position plays an integral role as an organizational culture strategist and change management advisor to the General Manager and Executive Director, partnering on initiatives ranging from company communications, business model design, succession planning, restructures, and Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Access (IDEA).

The ideal People and Culture Director brings a high level of understanding of the dynamics of an arts organization and demonstrable experience building responsive people and culture environments that balance creativity and accountability for all.



AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY:



STRATEGY

• Collaborates with the General Manager and Executive leadership to understand the theater’s goals and strategy related to organizational culture, staffing, recruiting, and retention.

• Provides guidance and strategic direction for all dimensions of the business impacting the organization’s structure, staffing, employee engagement, and employee relations.

• Advises the Executive Director, Artistic Director, General Manager, and other members of the senior management team on the human resource implications and risks related to key issues and important strategic decisions.



TALENT MANAGEMENT

• Administers or oversees the administration of people and culture programs including, but not limited to: compensation, benefits, and leave; disciplinary matters; disputes and investigations; performance and talent management; productivity, recognition, and morale; and training and development.

• Identifies staffing and recruiting needs; develops and executes best practices for hiring and talent management.



IDEA

• Partners with the General Manager and the Associate People and Culture Director to develop a holistic people and culture strategy that deepens the commitment to inclusion, diversity, equity and access (IDEA) at Steppenwolf.

• Leads the program management of Steppenwolf’s IDEA work with the staff, board and ensemble; including, but not limited to, coordinating the development and implementation of priority initiatives and actions by the staff-driven IDEA Action Council plus the Ensemble and Board of Trustees efforts. Supports the IDEA Steering Committee in its creation and organizational-wide oversight role.

• Identifies and manages IDEA partner relationships and recruits facilitators and outside support, when needed.

• Supports and shepherds affinity spaces for interested staff.

• Serves as the primary liaison with Enrich Chicago, a collaborative of over 40 Chicagoland arts and philanthropic organizations committed to ending systemic racism in the arts.



OPERATIONS

• Adopts and institutionalizes leading-edge human resources methods, systems, and tools that elevate Steppenwolf’s human resource capacity and establishes consistent best practices.

• Plans, leads, develops, coordinates, and implements policies, processes, training, initiatives, and surveys to support the organization’s human resource compliance and strategy needs.

• Develops, monitors, implements and adjusts, when needed, departmental budget (via Excel).

• Ability to translate People and Culture initiatives into accessible data and present it in a clear, concise and compelling manner.

• Supervises one full time Associate People and Culture Director who manages benefit administration, oversees payroll, onboarding, worker’s comp, cultural HR events, and aspects of talent management.



COMPLIANCE/NEW TECHNOLOGY

• Monitors and ensures the organization’s compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations, and recommended best practices; reviews and modifies policies and practices to maintain compliance.

• Maintains knowledge of trends, best practices, regulatory changes, and new technologies in human resources, talent management, and employment law; applies this knowledge to communicate changes in policy, practice, and resources to upper management.

• Works closely with pro-bono employment counsel on employment-related personnel issues.



MAJOR OBJECTIVES

Within the first 3-12 months, the People and Culture will achieve the following objectives:



• Ensure that the People and Culture deliverables from the organization’s IDEA Action Plan are progressing and hitting deadlines. Communicate to constituents about progress in a regular and timely manner.

• Develop and implement a strong, flexible human resources infrastructure that can meet the needs of Steppenwolf, a beloved Chicago arts organization, as we recover from a year of closure.

• Serve as an effective business partner and advisor to the General Manager and Executive Director on all issues around managing people in a dynamic and creative environment.

• Working closely with the Director of Operations, transition administrative staff back to the office in a hybrid mode post-COVID.



Successful candidates will have:

• Demonstrable experience advocating for and activating inclusion, diversity, equity, and access in their professional and personal lives.

• A deep commitment to working with diverse groups in terms of gender expression, race, sexual orientation, religion, ability, age, class, and immigrant status.

• Outstanding written and oral communication skills.

• Excellent interpersonal and negotiation skills.

• Excellent organizational/project management skills and attention to detail.

• Possess excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

• The ability to manage up, sidewise and down with class and calm.

• Proven strong supervisory and leadership skills within an HR/People and Culture department.

• Ability to quickly adapt to the needs of the organization and employees.

• Thorough knowledge of employment-related laws and regulations.

• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite and communication IT tools that best support human resource communication.

• SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP highly preferred.

• Preference to those who have non-profit arts HR experience.



About Steppenwolf:

Steppenwolf Theatre Company is the nation’s premier ensemble theater. Formed by a collective of actors in 1976, the ensemble represents a remarkable cross-section of actors, directors and playwrights. Thrilling and powerful productions from Balm in Gilead to August: Osage County—and accolades that include the National Medal of Arts and 12 Tony Awards— have made the theater legendary. Steppenwolf produces hundreds of performances and events annually in its three spaces: the 515-seat Downstairs Theatre, the 299-seat Upstairs Theatre and the 80-seat 1700 Theatre. Artistic programming includes a seven-play season; a two-play Steppenwolf for Young Adults season; Visiting Company engagements; and LookOut, a multigenre performances series. Education initiatives include the nationally recognized work of Steppenwolf for Young Adults, which engages 15,000 participants annually from Chicago’s diverse communities; the esteemed School at Steppenwolf; and Professional Leadership Programs. While firmly grounded in the Chicago community, nearly 40 original Steppenwolf productions have enjoyed success both nationally and internationally, including Broadway, Off-Broadway, London, Sydney, Galway and Dublin. Anna D. Shapiro is the Artistic Director and Brooke Flanagan is the Executive Director.

For additional information, visit steppenwolf.org, facebook.com/steppenwolftheatre, twitter.com/steppenwolfthtr and instagram.com/steppenwolfthtr.



Steppenwolf Mission:



Steppenwolf Theatre Company strives to create thrilling, courageous, and provocative art in a thoughtful and inclusive environment. We succeed when we disrupt your routine with experiences that spark curiosity, empathy and joy. We invite you to join our ensemble as we navigate, together, our complex world.



Steppenwolf Core Values:



Equity + Inclusion

Integrity + Curiosity

Courage + Collaboration

Accountability + Leadership



Compensation:

Excellent benefit package for full time employees, including medical, dental, vision insurance, short-term and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, vacation pay, paid sick time, personal days, Ventra transit benefit program, employee assistance program and 401(k) matching retirement program.



How to apply:

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume and three references by going to our website https://www.steppenwolf.org/about-us/work-with-us/job-openings/ by June 18, 2021.



Steppenwolf Theatre Company is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. We provide equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, Steppenwolf complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

We strongly encourage applications from people of color and members of underrepresented groups.



NO PHONE CALLS OR EMAILS PLEASE










Salary: $70,000 - $90,000