About The Company
The Cowles Company, renowned for its longstanding commitment to journalistic integrity and community service, operates one of the most respected media organizations in the Pacific Northwest. As the parent company of The Spokesman-Review, it has a rich history of delivering impactful news, fostering transparency, and supporting local communities through innovative media solutions. The Cowles Company prides itself on adapting to the evolving media landscape by embracing technological advancements and cultivating a dynamic, inclusive workplace environment dedicated to excellence and integrity.
About The Role
The Cowles Company is seeking a strategic and people-centered Human Resources Director to lead our HR initiatives and support our organizational growth. This executive role is pivotal in shaping the company's human capital strategies, ensuring compliance with employment laws, and fostering a positive, inclusive work culture. The Human Resources Director will serve as a trusted advisor to senior leadership, providing guidance on employee relations, talent acquisition, organizational development, and labor relations within a fast-paced newsroom and publishing environment. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of HR best practices, demonstrate strong leadership capabilities, and be committed to advancing the company's mission of delivering quality journalism while maintaining a supportive and innovative workplace culture.
Qualifications
The ideal candidate will possess a bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field. They should have at least eight years of progressive HR leadership experience, preferably within media, nonprofit, or mission-driven organizations. A thorough knowledge of Washington State employment laws is essential, along with experience managing unionized work environments. Exceptional communication, judgment, and leadership skills are required to effectively navigate complex employee relations and organizational challenges. Familiarity with HRIS systems such as Rippling or other app-based, decentralized HR platforms is highly desirable. The candidate should demonstrate a commitment to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion within the workplace, aligning with the organization’s core values.
Responsibilities
* Serve as a strategic advisor to the executive leadership team, providing insights and recommendations on HR matters that align with organizational goals.
* Lead employee relations efforts, including investigations, conflict resolution, and workforce planning to ensure a positive and productive work environment.
* Oversee compliance with federal and Washington State labor laws, maintaining up-to-date policies and procedures to mitigate legal risks.
* Support labor relations and collective bargaining activities, fostering constructive dialogue and mutually beneficial agreements.
* Drive talent acquisition strategies, including recruitment, onboarding, and retention initiatives to attract and retain top talent.
* Develop and implement leadership development programs to nurture future organizational leaders.
* Maintain and enhance HR policies, systems, and organizational best practices to support operational excellence.
* Partner with newsroom and operational leaders to promote organizational culture, accountability, and alignment with the company's mission.
* Support organizational growth and transformation efforts through strategic HR initiatives and process improvements.
Benefits
The Human Resources Director will have the opportunity to take on an executive leadership role within a highly respected media organization dedicated to impactful journalism. The position offers a collaborative, mission-focused work environment that values innovation, diversity, and professional growth. This role provides the chance to influence the future of local journalism in the Inland Northwest while working alongside a passionate team committed to community service. A comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, and professional development opportunities, is available to support the well-being and advancement of our employees.
Equal Opportunity
The Cowles Company is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We value the unique perspectives and experiences of all employees and are dedicated to providing an environment where everyone can thrive. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected characteristic. We encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply and join our team in shaping the future of journalism and media innovation.
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