Director of People and Culture

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Director of People and Culture is a senior leadership role and the Club’s sole HR professional, functioning as a true “department of one.” This is a hands-on, strategic, and executional role for a leader who is equally comfortable developing organizational policy and personally processing onboarding paperwork. The Director serves as the strategic and operational lead for all human resources functions while also championing the unique culture and mission that defines the Club.

A key responsibility of this role is fostering deep understanding and genuine appreciation of military culture, traditions, and service among all Club employees. The Director of People and Culture ensures that every staff member, regardless of their own background, understands the significance of serving an active-duty, veteran, and military-affiliated membership, and is equipped to do so with the respect, discretion, and pride that The Army and Navy Club’s mission demands.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS & DUTIES

Strategic HR Leadership

·       Serve as a trusted strategic advisor to the General Manager and senior leadership team on all matters related to people, culture, and organizational effectiveness

·       Develop and execute an annual HR strategy aligned with the Club’s operational goals, membership expectations, and long-term vision

·       Lead workforce planning efforts to ensure the Club is appropriately staffed across all departments year-round, with contingency plans for peak periods, events, and seasonal fluctuation

·       Build and maintain a HR infrastructure appropriate for a private members’ club, including policies, procedures, and systems that reflect Club values and DC employment law

·       Track, analyze, and report HR metrics to leadership including turnover, time-to-fill, retention, training completion, and employee satisfaction indicators

·       Partner with department heads to anticipate staffing needs, resolve organizational issues, and build strong, service-oriented teams

Military Culture & Mission Education

·       Design, develop, and oversee a comprehensive Military Culture Orientation program for all new employees, ensuring every staff member understands the history, mission, and significance of The Army and Navy Club

·       Educate employees on the traditions, customs, courtesies, and rank structures of the U.S. Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Space Force, and Coast Guard, and how these inform the expectations of Club Members

·       Cultivate a workplace culture of genuine respect and gratitude for military service, ensuring this ethos is reflected in every Member and Guest interaction

·       Partner with the General Manager and Club leadership to align staff culture programs with Member initiatives, special observances (Veterans Day, Memorial Day, Armed Forces Day), and Club traditions

·       Serve as an internal resource and point of contact for staff with questions about military customs, protocols, or appropriate conduct in specific situations

Talent Acquisition & Onboarding

·       Lead full-cycle recruitment for all Club positions using the GetHired platform, from posting positions and sourcing candidates through offer negotiation, hire, and digital onboarding

·       Build and maintain talent pipelines through partnerships with hospitality schools, culinary programs, veteran employment organizations, and community workforce development agencies

·       Design and administer a structured, engaging onboarding experience that integrates Club culture, service standards, military culture education, and role-specific training from day one

·       Oversee the Employee Referral Bonus Program and other talent acquisition initiatives

·       Ensure all hiring practices comply with applicable DC and federal equal employment opportunity laws and Club policy

Employee Relations & Performance Management

·       Serve as the primary HR resource for employees and managers navigating workplace concerns, performance issues, policy questions, and interpersonal conflict

·       Conduct thorough, impartial investigations into employee complaints or policy violations; document findings and recommend appropriate resolutions in accordance with Club policy and applicable law

·       Develop and administer a consistent, equitable performance management program including goal-setting, mid-year check-ins, and annual reviews

·       Coach and support managers in delivering effective, constructive feedback and managing performance improvement plans

·       Manage all employee separations, including voluntary resignations, retirements, and involuntary terminations, in compliance with DC employment law

·       Maintain absolute confidentiality and discretion in all employee relations matters, consistent with the expectations of a private members’ club environment

Training & Organizational Development

·       Develop and manage a Club-wide training calendar covering mandatory compliance training, service standards, food safety, ABRA alcohol service, military culture education, and professional development

·       Partner with department managers to identify skill gaps and design targeted training solutions that elevate service quality and staff confidence

·       Oversee the design and maintenance of training materials, SOPs, and employee handbooks, ensuring all documentation is current, accessible, and aligned with Club standards

·       Identify and coordinate external training resources, certifications, and development opportunities for staff at all levels

·       Evaluate training effectiveness through feedback, observation, and performance data; adjust programs accordingly

Compensation, Benefits & Compliance

·       Administer and periodically benchmark the Club’s compensation structure to ensure competitiveness within the DC hospitality and private club market

·       Manage employee benefits programs including health insurance, retirement plans, and any supplemental offerings through the Kelly Benefits & Payroll portal; serve as the primary liaison with benefit vendors, brokers, and the Kelly platform for enrollment, changes, and employee inquiries

·       Ensure full compliance with all applicable DC and federal employment laws including wage and hour regulations, FMLA, ADA, OSHA, and ABRA requirements

·       Maintain accurate and confidential employee records in accordance with legal retention requirements

·       Oversee payroll coordination in partnership with Finance, ensuring accuracy and timeliness

·       Administer workers’ compensation claims and coordinate return-to-work processes in compliance with DC law

Culture, Engagement & Recognition

·       Champion a workplace culture rooted in service, respect, professionalism, and pride in the Club’s mission to “Serve Those Who Serve”

·       Design and administer an employee recognition program that celebrates exceptional service, long tenure, and contributions to Club culture

·       Conduct regular employee engagement surveys or listening sessions; analyze results and develop action plans in partnership with department leaders

·       Lead and coordinate staff appreciation events, team-building initiatives, and Club-wide communications that reinforce a cohesive and motivated workforce

·       Serve as a visible, accessible, and trusted presence for employees at all levels of the organization

QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS

Education & Experience

·       Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Organizational Development, Business Administration, Hospitality Management, or a related field required; master’s degree preferred

·       Minimum 7–10 years of progressive HR experience, with at least 3 years in a senior or director-level role

·       Experience in a private members’ club, luxury hotel, military installation, veteran-serving organization, or similarly high-service, relationship-driven environment strongly preferred

·       Demonstrated experience developing and delivering cultural education, DEI, or organizational values programs

·       Prior military service, a military family background, or significant professional experience working alongside or in support of military personnel is a strong differentiator

·       Must be able to read, write, and speak English clearly and professionally; Spanish language skills a plus

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

·       Deep, working knowledge of DC and federal employment law, including wage and hour regulations, ADA, FMLA, OSHA, Title VII, and EEO requirements

·       Proven ability to build trust across all levels of an organization and navigate sensitive situations with sound judgment, discretion, and empathy

·       Strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to present to Club leadership, facilitate training for large groups, and communicate effectively with front-line staff

·       A true “thinker and doer” — equally skilled at developing HR strategy and personally executing the day-to-day work that keeps the department running; no task is beneath this role

·       Ability to work independently and make confident, sound decisions in a fast-paced, event-driven environment

·       Passion for hospitality, service excellence, and the mission of supporting the military community

Preferred Qualifications & Certifications

·       SHRM-SCP, SPHR, or equivalent senior HR certification strongly preferred

·       Proficiency with GetHired (applicant tracking and onboarding) and the Kelly Benefits & Payroll portal required; familiarity with Jonas, Northstar, or similar club management software a plus

·       Certified Hospitality Trainer (CHT) or similar instructional design or adult learning credential preferred

·       Knowledge of private club operations, membership structures, and the National Club Association (NCA) or Club Management Association of America (CMAA) resources preferred

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The physical demands described here are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this role. Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities.

·       Primarily office-based with regular movement throughout Club facilities to engage with staff and observe operations

·       Regularly required to sit, stand, and walk for extended periods; must be able to move between multiple floors and areas of the Club

·       Frequently required to use hands for typing, document handling, and operating office equipment

·       Occasionally required to set up or assist with training sessions, requiring light lifting of materials or equipment up to 25 lbs

·       Requires adequate vision and hearing to read documents, present training materials, and conduct in-person meetings

·       Ability to work a flexible schedule including occasional evenings or weekends to support Club events, staff meetings, or time-sensitive HR matters

This job description outlines the general nature and level of work performed. It is not an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications. The Army and Navy Club is an equal opportunity employer.