JOB SUMMARY
NKI is the economic development arm of the Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe. HR Director will lead NKI’s people strategy and counsel leadership in the areas of talent management, compensation and benefits, employee relations, compliance and employee engagement. HR Director will be responsible for accelerating NKI’s successful employee recruiting strategy, and retention efforts. HR Director is a communicator and team builder, and highly skilled at developing new relationships and attracting and recruiting talent. HR Director oversees a staff with a varied internal-client pool, including: The Point Casino & Hotel, Meat & Seafood Distribution (S’Klallam Meat & Seafood / Minder Meats), High Point Cannabis, Gliding Eagle Market, Gas Stations, Commercial Real Estate Holdings and Developments (collectively, “NKI Portfolio”). HR Director will foster a culture of mutual respect, collaboration and active engagement embodying the values of the Tribe and NKI (collectively, “PGST Community”).
ROLE
• Lead the human resources function, including compensation and benefits team, talent management, employee relations, contracts and negotiations.
• Develop and implement short and long-term strategies to improve recruiting, retention and performance management.
• Set measurable goals and metrics, and continuously analyze, re-tool, and ultimately hold the function accountable for meeting and achieving said goals.
• Ensure that policies are followed, update and draft policies to position NKI as a best-in-class employer.
• Promote the PGST Community as a key representative and stakeholder with both public and Tribal Member community(ies).
• Lead, coach, develop and retain a high performing human resources team.
• Prioritize the Tribal Development Program, developing new strategies to increase Tribal Member engagement, activation and improved numbers and results.
• Develop and implement merger and acquisition human resources onboarding plans for new enterprises.
• Succession planning, reviews, and client engagement around long-term sustained employee stability.
• Serve as a key interface with PGST Tribal Government and your peer group PGST HR leader, and related inter-agencies, including TGA, Police, etc., and thoughtfully manage the various relationships and create efficiencies of process with meaningful collaboration and transparency.
• Build and maintain strong relationships and open communication with the Board, maintaining regular communication with its members and leading its meetings.
• Other duties as may be necessary, required or assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
To hold the HR Director position, you must be thoroughly committed to PGST Community’s values and have proven senior HR leadership experience. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
2025
REQUIRED
Bachelors Degree
SHRM-CP or PHR Certification or ability to obtain within 6 months of employment
Minimum 5 years of HR management experience
Successful obtainment of Class III Gaming License
PREFERRED
MBA, J.D. or Graduate Degree
Experience working in Native Tribal Community / Enterprise / THRP Certification
NKI exercises Tribal preference in hiring decisions in accordance with NKI’s Tribal Preference Policy
COMPETENCIES
• Clear understanding of employment and labor laws, and compensation and benefits programs
• Understanding of Tribal Sovereignty and applicability of state and federal employment laws on Tribal enterprises
• Budget development and implementation
• Recruiting, talent management, contracts and negotiations
• Strong interpersonal skills and public speaking
• Ability to develop and enhance understanding of tribal practices with external stakeholders
• Continuous and adapter, willing to experience, share and embrace the values of the PGST Community
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
The physical demands of this position must be met to successfully perform the essential functions: standing, walking, sitting, and using hands to finger, handle, or feel objects.
Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position. Constantly requires the ability to receive detailed information through oral communication, and to make fine discrimination in sound.
TRAVEL
NKI and PGST facilities are arranged around multiple locations. The HR Director will be required to be on-site to perform the role. Local, regional, and occasional out-of-state travel will be required.