Description

The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (RMEF) is a mission-driven non-profit dedicated to ensuring the future of elk, other wildlife, their habitat and our hunting heritage. Since our founding in 1984, we have helped conserve nearly one square mile of elk country every day. In partnership with others, we have conserved or enhanced more the 9.1 million acres including improving public access to 1.6 million acres.  

This is an exciting opportunity for a seasoned HR leader to apply their expertise in a mission-focused environment – combining their strategic leadership with the rugged charm of Montana’s outdoor lifestyle. Make your passion your career where your professional role directly supports our meaningful conservation mission!

Position Summary: The Director of Human Resources role provides strategic leadership and operational expertise to oversee the full range of Human Resources functions for the organization. This position partners directly with executive leadership to design and implement a comprehensive employee strategy that supports business growth, fosters a culture that aligns with RMEF values, and ensures HR operational efficiency.

This position leads the HR team and is responsible for driving initiatives in talent acquisition and development, employee engagement, performance management, compensation and benefits, compliance, payroll, HR systems, and workplace culture. The Director of Human Resources ensures the company’s HR practices meet legal and regulatory requirements, align with organizational priorities, and create a positive, high-performance environment for all employees.

Location: This position is based at RMEF’s Headquarters office in Missoula, MT

Essential Functions:

Strategic Leadership & Culture: Work with supervisor and CEO to develop, communicate, and execute comprehensive HR strategies that align with organizational goals. Work closely with supervisor, CEO and other senior leaders to anticipate workforce needs, optimize organizational structures, and build leadership capacity. Lead initiatives to enhance employee engagement, retention, and workplace culture, ensuring alignment with RMEF’s values.

Talent Management & Development: Responsible for full-cycle recruitment and onboarding. Partner with executive leadership on workforce planning for all levels of the organization.
Drive leadership and professional development programs, including performance management systems and training initiatives. 
Develop and execute employee engagement strategies and recognition programs.

Compensation and Benefits: Direct the design, administration, and communication of competitive and compliant compensation, benefits, and rewards programs. Partner with finance on budgeting and analysis related to compensation, benefits, and HR department Ensure benefits programs are cost-effective, well-communicated, and aligned with organizational and employee needs.

Compliance, Employee Relations & Reporting: Ensure organizational compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local employment laws. Oversee employee relations strategy, investigations, disciplinary processes, and conflict resolution.
Maintain all required government and internal reporting, including demographic, payroll, and HR compliance reports.

HR Operations & Systems: Lead the administration, optimization, and integration of HR technology systems.
Oversee accurate and timely payroll processing. Ensure accurate data entry, reporting, and records management to support compliance, analytics, and decision-making.

Organizational Support & Special Initiatives: Partner with executive leadership on organizational design, structuring, and staffing strategies. Oversee employee events, service awards, wellness programs, and employee branding initiatives.

Additional Responsibilities:  Perform other duties as required.

Supervision of Others:  Supervises Human Resource staff.

Requirements

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in human resources, business administration or related degree, or a combination of HR specific experience and HR certification(s) required
• Ten plus years of progressive Human Resource experience
• Experience supervising required
• Five years in a leadership role preferred
• Professional HR certification (PHR, SPHR, or SHRM-SCP) preferred