Director of People & Culture

Zeno Power is the leading developer of nuclear batteries – compact power systems that provide reliable, clean energy in frontier environments. By harnessing the heat from radioisotopes, Zeno’s batteries power critical missions on Earth, in space, and  bring this technology to market by 2027, Zeno is seeking out purpose-driven and innovative professionals who are comfortable working in a startup environment. Team members will have a direct impact in enabling commercial and national security missions from the depths of our oceans, to the surface of the moon, and in austere environments here on Earth.

Zeno is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to attracting, retaining, and developing a highly qualified, diverse, and dedicated work force. We do not discriminate in hiring on the basis of sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religious creed, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected Veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

Zeno is seeking an energetic, passionate, and process-driven Director of People and Culture with exceptional judgment, interpersonal skills, and a desire to develop and grow a talented and diverse team. Success in this role requires a strong understanding of the recruitment, onboarding, and culture building functions of a high-growth team, and familiarity with employment law and compliance.

In this role you will:

• Manage Zeno’s onboarding process, ensuring that new team members feel welcomed, informed about company benefits and policies, and prepared to excel in their roles
• Manage and grow the team leading Zeno’s recruitment and hiring processes, ensuring Zeno attracts quality team members at every level, in technical and non-technical roles
• Develop and implement comprehensive diversity, equity, and inclusion strategies, initiatives, and action plans that align with Zeno’s core values.
• Ensure equitable, inclusive, and cohesive cultures in and across Zeno's Seattle & DC's offices, and implement a system for tracking culture development
• Lead Zeno’s performance management process, including goal-setting, mid-year reviews, and the EOY performance review process.
• Manage and serve as a primary point of contact for all compensation and benefits at Zeno, and stay abreast of benefit and policy trends and best-practices, and Ensure
• Ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal labor and employment Zeno's laws
• Monitor adherence to internal policies and legal standards; develop, issue, and implement new policies as needed, manage disciplinary action when required

• Bachelor’s degree required, master’s degree preferred, in a related field such as Human Resources or Organizational Psychology
• A minimum of 7 years of HR experience, and at least 3 years of managing HR (or related function) at a 50-100 person organization
• Experience managing company-wide DEI efforts, including external engagement
• Experience implementing strategies and systems for talent management, compensation and benefits, and HR technology
• Strong business acumen and leadership abilities
• Working knowledge of employment laws and other compliance issues
• HRCI and/or SHRM Certification is preferred.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Confluence and Jira experience preferred

• Position requires in-office presence in Seattle (South Lake Union) on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, remote work is optional on Mondays and Fridays
• Travel:
  Travel is required, 15-25%,
• Motor Abilities:
  Sitting and/or standing for extended periods, bending/stooping, grasping/gripping, fine motor control (hands)
• Physical exertion and/or requirements:
  Minimal, with ability to…