Openings

SUMMARY:

The Director of Human Resources is a key leadership role responsible for providing strategic direction and operational management of Human Resources functions across all Kiowa Casino properties. This position ensures alignment with the organization’s mission, tribal values, and executive expectations while fully complying with tribal, federal, and state employment laws. The Director works closely with the Executive Team and Tribal Leadership to drive organizational excellence, employee satisfaction, and cultural integrity.

 All Team Members must embrace and deliver Kiowa’s Guest Service Standards to every Guest on every shift, as outlined in Orientation, the Team Member Handbook, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and any other related training.

• Provide strategic leadership for all HR operations, including recruitment, compensation and benefits, compliance, employee relations, performance management, training, and development.
• Collaborate with executive leadership and liaise with tribal authorities to align HR initiatives with tribal sovereignty and enterprise goals.
• Develop, update, and enforce HR policies, handbooks, and procedures in compliance with all regulatory requirements.
• Conduct wage/salary analysis; oversee compensation strategy, HR budget development, and forecasting.
• Manage benefits administration (healthcare, leave policies, FMLA, PTO, Workers’ Comp) and ensure HIPAA compliance.
• Lead change management, employee engagement, team building, and retention initiatives that reflect the organization’s mission and values.
• Develop and maintain a human resource system that ensures compliance with all applicable laws.
• Develop and implement cross-training, career development, and succession planning programs.
• Design and administer employee surveys, analyze results, and implement departmental improvements.
• Monitor HR legal and industry trends to maintain competitiveness and compliance.
• Present HR updates and strategic recommendations to the Kiowa Casino Operating Authority (KCOA), Kiowa Gaming Commission (KGC), and Tribal Executive Branch as needed.
• Lead conflict resolution, conduct internal investigations, and handle sensitive employee relations issues.
• Oversee unemployment claims, hearings, and appeals.
• Manage all employee data, records, compliance documentation, and reporting requirements.
• Responsible for hiring, training, evaluating, promoting, disciplining, and terminating staff with COO concurrence.
• Train Human Resources staff on applicable employment law and regulations.
• Oversee the assessment, development, and implementation of all required and requested training needs.
• Support Leadership training for Executives as requested or directed.
• Responsible for hiring, retaining, promoting, performance evaluations, training, disciplining, and terminating employees with concurrence of the COO.
• Ensure compliance with all safety protocols, labor regulations, and internal controls.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

Specifics Required:

• High school diploma or GED required

• At least 21 years of age

• Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resources or related field and 10+ years in HR, with at least 5 years in a leadership role; related experience in Strategic Planning, Budgeting, Compensation & Benefits, Managerial Core Competencies, Performance Assessments, Employee Relations, Employment Laws, HR Compliance, Tribal Gaming Regulations, Training & Development and gaming or hospitality industry experience.

 Preferred:

• SHRM-CP accreditation or higher (e.g., SHRM-SCP, SPHR)
• Experience in a tribal enterprise, casino, or hospitality environment
• Master’s degree in human resources, business administration, or related field

Skills Required:

• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and HRIS systems
• Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to adapt quickly to changing priorities
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
• High attention to detail and accuracy in all work
• Strong problem-solving and critical thinking abilities
• Demonstrated ability in report writing and conducting investigations

Abilities Required:

• Exhibits strong leadership and a commitment to serving both internal and external stakeholders
• Capable of independently managing multiple tasks and competing deadlines professionally
• Ability to maintain the highest level of confidentiality in all matters
• Able to maintain a composed and professional demeanor under pressure

• Skilled in budget development, labor cost control, and financial forecasting for HR operations

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Must be able to communicate using written, oral, and computer methods
• Must be able to operate computer equipment for extended periods of time
• Requires manual dexterity for computer use
• Must be able to sit, stand, and walk for extended periods of time

WORKING ENVIROMENT

• Office, gaming floor, and convention center environment
• Exposure to flashing lights, loud noises, and cigarette smoke
• Extensive computer use required
• Must be flexible with work schedule and available to work any shift as needed
• High-volume, direct public contact; occasional interaction with angry or hostile guests