Director of Human Resources and EDI

A general schedule of standard business hours (Monday‑Friday). Due to the nature of a performing arts organization, this role requires regular flexibility, including evenings and occasional weekends to support performances, events, and organizational needs. The Director is expected to adjust their schedule accordingly to ensure consistent leadership presence and partnership across the organization. The Director is expected to maintain a strong on‑site presence (approximately 3‑5 days per week) to effectively partner with staff and leadership.

Limited remote work flexibility is available based on business needs and schedule demands.

Reports To:

Executive Director. Supervisory Responsibility:
Yes, direct supervision of HR team and cross‑functional leadership influence.

Founded in 1965, American Conservatory Theater (A.C.T.) is one of the nation’s leading nonprofit theaters and a cornerstone of San Francisco’s cultural life. For six decades, A.C.T. has been dedicated to producing bold and innovative theater, nurturing new voices, and engaging audiences through transformative artistic experiences.

Performances take place at the historic Toni Rembe Theater in Union Square and The Strand Theater in San Francisco’s Mid‑Market district. A.C.T. is equally committed to education and artist development. Through the Young Conservatory (YC), one of the most respected theater training programs for young people in the country, A.C.T. provides rigorous artistic training, scholarships, and performance opportunities for students across the Bay Area.

A.C.T. is in an important period of organizational transition and renewal. This moment presents an opportunity to strengthen the organization’s infrastructure, culture, and people practices while supporting its evolving artistic and organizational future. The Director of Human Resources & EDI will play a significant leadership role in this work, partnering with organizational leaders to build sustainable HR practices, support employees and managers, and advance A.C.T.’s commitment to equity, inclusion, accountability, and organizational effectiveness.

The Director of Human Resources & Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) is a strategic and operational leader responsible for A.C.T.’s people strategy, HR operations, employee and labor relations, and the integration of equity and inclusion into organizational practices. Reporting to the Executive Director and serving as a member of the organization’s senior leadership team, the Director partners closely with executive leadership, department heads, managers, employees, union representatives, and external partners.

• Provide strategic and practical HR leadership across a complex, mission-driven performing arts organization.
• Lead and strengthen core HR operations, including employee and labor relations, talent management, compliance, compensation, benefits, payroll oversight, leave administration, HR systems, and policy development.
• Develop the HR team and establish clear, effective, and sustainable HR processes, systems, and accountability.
• Partner with organizational leaders and colleagues responsible for EDI initiatives to integrate equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging into A.C.T.’s people practices, workplace culture, and organizational decision-making.
• Serve as a trusted advisor and coach to leaders and managers throughout the organization.

This is both a strategic and hands‑on leadership role. The successful candidate will be equally comfortable advising executive leadership, addressing complex employee relations matters, developing organizational strategy, and ensuring that essential HR operations are functioning effectively.