Human Resources Manager

Position Summary — The Human Resources Manager is responsible for overseeing and managing assigned areas of the HR function, including employee relations and performance management. This role ensures HR policies and practices align with organizational goals and legal requirements while fostering a positive, inclusive, and high-performing workplace culture. The HR Manager serves as a strategic partner to leadership and a resource to employees, playing a key role in talent acquisition, planning, talent development, and organizational effectiveness.

Essential Functions

An individual in this role must be able to perform the following functions with or without reasonable accommodation:

• Serve as a trusted resource for employees and managers on workplace issues, providing guidance on conflict resolution, performance management, and policy interpretation.
• Conduct employee relations investigations, ensure thorough documentation, and follow up to resolution.
• Promote a positive, respectful, and inclusive workplace culture.
• Partner with leadership to address disciplinary actions, terminations, and corrective actions in accordance with internal policies and legal standards.
• Ensure HR practices comply with applicable federal, state, and tribal laws and regulations.
• Collaborate on updating and enforcement of HR policies, procedures, and handbooks.
• Support audits and reporting as required for internal and external stakeholders.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of HR strategies that support organizational objectives.
• Collaborate with the HR Director on HR metrics (e.g., turnover, retention, engagement) to guide decision-making.
• Support and collaborate around organizational development, succession planning, and change management initiatives.
• Support HR staff responsible for recruitment, training, and HR operations functions.
• Foster strong cross-functional relationships and serve as a liaison between employees and leadership.
• Lead HR-related projects and initiatives with a focus on continuous improvement and operational excellence.
• Participant in the recruitment lifecycle, ensuring consistent, equitable, and compliant hiring practices and highest quality decision making aligned with tribal preference.
• Support training and development programs to enhance employee skills, engagement, and retention.
• Support onboarding and orientation processes to ensure consistent and effective new hire integration.

This position description is not an exhaustive listing of the expectations associated with the role and additional tasks may be assigned as needed by management. Changes to this document may only be made by a member of the Human Resources team. Catawba Indian Nation reserves the right to amend this job description.

Catawba Indian Nation exercises INDIAN PREFERENCE:

Native American Indian preference shall apply to this position pursuant to the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (24 U.S.C. 450, et seq.), 25 CFR 271.44 and other relevant laws (title 25, U.S. code, Section 472 & 473).

Qualifications

Experience: 5–7 years of progressive HR experience, with at least 2–3 years in a supervisory or managerial role. Experience in talent acquisition, training and development, and employee relations is a plus. Prior experience in a multi-functional HR role or within a government, nonprofit, or tribal organization is a plus.

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Organizational Development, or a related field.

Licenses & Certifications: SHRM or PHR Certification preferred. Valid State Driver’s License and insurable driving record. Tribal HR designation preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong understanding of HR best practices and employment laws (federal, state, and tribal).
• Demonstrated experience in conflict resolution, investigations, and performance management.
• Knowledge of instructional design and training methodologies.
• Familiarity with HRIS and applicant tracking systems.
• Ability to analyze HR data and apply insights to improve policies and practices.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to build trust and maintain confidentiality.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with all levels of the organization.
• Proven leadership, coaching, and decision-making abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

High level of professionalism, cultural sensitivity, and integrity.

Work Environment & Physical Demands

• Exposure to normal office environment with occasional visits to program sites.
• Capacity to maintain high concentration levels and work long, irregular hours as needed.
• Ability to travel for training, leadership development, and other events.
• Relocation within 60 miles of Catawba Nation Tribal Offices.

Ability to lift up to 25 pounds, handle paperwork, and operate office machinery.