Chief People and Culture Officer - Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority

Who are we?

Yes, we're an airport, but that's only part of the story. Without question, we are an organization on the precipice of great change, and on an upward trajectory that shows no sign of stopping anytime soon. We are a pivotal player in the economic health of our region, and we take that responsibility very seriously. We are about one year into an 8–10-year revitalization project, MoreRNO, that will change the face of our airport for decades to come. We're not the City. We're not the County. We're not the airlines or the rental cars or the taxicabs or the shop owners. We are 290+ hard-working, innovative, and passionate people who take enormous pride in the work we do to operate the airport and to ensure that we have all the pieces in place to get people (and goods!) where they need to go in a safe, reliable, and secure fashion. This is an exciting role in a dynamic industry, and every day offers opportunities for leadership.

Who are You?

Of course, you are a tenured Human Resources Executive! You have a demonstrated commitment to cultivating a positive, collaborative work environment that values teamwork, honesty, respect, recognition, integrity, innovation, versatility, and excellence. You understand how to operate from an enterprise business perspective to provide forward-thinking leadership for the People Operations division in support of the RTAA's strategic priorities.  You appreciate the value of teamwork and bring your best self to work every day. You thrive in a position where no two days are alike, where your work makes a real difference, and where your efforts are central to the success of the big picture. You are committed to making a daily, positive contribution to your workplace's culture and are excited about this rare opportunity to join our highly successful and busy team.

The Position

The Chief People & Culture Officer is a strategic and transformational partner in the on-going success and future growth of the Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority.  This position is responsible for the oversight of People Operations programs and services for the RTAA to achieve effective people operations, development of staff, and effective relations between management, labor units and employees.  This position serves as a member of the Executive Leadership Team, reporting to the President/CEO.

This position requires top-notch skills in leading, planning, designing, and overseeing a comprehensive people operations program, including organizational culture, talent acquisition and management, employee development, employee and labor relations, compensation, benefits and wellness, HRIS/analytics, performance management, equity and inclusion, and compliance.  Provides leadership to a team that offers expert professional assistance and guidance to management on all people operations related matters.

How to apply: Click on the ‘Apply Now' button to fill out the short Work History Questionnaire and upload your detailed resume.  Make sure your Work History and resume clearly speak to whether or not you meet the minimum qualifications and why you are the right person for this position. To find out more about the RTAA, visit renoairport.com. Applications must be received no later than Friday, November 8, 2024. 

Primary Responsibilities/Essential Duties

• Develop and implement policies, programs, and initiatives that attract, retain, and develop talent within the organization. Focus beyond the People Operations department to encompass organizational culture, diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts.
• Plan, organize, oversee, and evaluate the work of the People Operations Department. Develop, implement, and monitor long-term strategic plans, goals, and objectives focused on achieving the organization's mission and strategic objectives.
• Provide strategic enterprise leadership and partner with the organization to ensure a high performing, customer-centric work environment that supports the achievement of the department's mission, strategic objectives, and service expectations.
• Lead the negotiation and administration of labor contracts; advise, counsel and coach executives, department heads, and other managers and supervisors on employee relations matters, including grievances, disciplinary procedures and actions, and arbitration; represent the RTAA in grievance and disciplinary actions; work with employees and labor organizations to resolve problems.
• Direct the investigation and resolution of complaints; work with and assist the RTAA's attorneys and outside labor counsel in developing and presenting the Airport Authority's position.
• Oversee the administration of a comprehensive professional and talent development program, including succession planning, job shadowing, learning and development, and employee scholarship program.
• Oversee a comprehensive talent management program, including recruitment, outreach, selection, on-boarding, and retention.
• Propose and direct the development and maintenance of comprehensive compensation plans including incentives and award programs.  Ensure the program remains market competitive and rewards high performance.
• Propose and direct the administration of a broad range of health and wellness benefits programs; recommend design changes in benefits programs; negotiate provisions and rates for benefit plans.
• Oversee the administration of tuition reimbursement, employee assistance program, and paid time off programs.
• Oversee the administration of a comprehensive organizational development program, including performance management, 360-degree reviews, and employee engagement & culture programs.
• Evaluate the performance of staff, providing regular feedback regarding quality and quantity of work performed; provide employees with the guidance and direction needed to correct deficiencies; and work with employees to help improve individual and operational productivity.
• Direct People Operations-related activities to ensure compliance with state, federal, and local laws, and regulations to include but not limited to such areas as recruitment and employment, compensation, record keeping and HRIS activities, employee benefits and workplace practices to include OSHA compliance.

This position may be deemed to be essential personnel as part of RTAA's Emergency Response Team and may be required to respond to airport incidents as requested/required.

Required Education / Experience

Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university in Human Resources, Public Administration, Business Administration, or a closely related field.

Ten (10) years of increasingly responsible experience in the leadership of a major human resources program with at least seven (7) years of experience as a human resources director.  

Required Licensing and/or Certifications

Senior Professional Human Resources Certification (SPHR) is strongly preferred. Possession of a valid Nevada Driver's License; ability to obtain and maintain eligibility to hold a Security Identification Display Area (SIDA) badge.

Entry Salary: $151,970 - $191,482 per year. Initial salary placement will be based upon experience and qualifications.  This is an at-will position which is salaried and exempt from overtime.

Benefits: The RTAA offers a competitive wage and benefit package and provides a high-quality work-life balance. Employee benefits include 100% employer paid contributions to the Nevada PERS retirement program; 100% employer paid health insurance for the employee; paid vacation and sick leave; and 14 paid holidays per year, and more.

Selection Procedure

Review of Application: After submission, the application and/or Resume will be reviewed to determine if it is complete and if minimum qualifications are met. It is essential that applications include detailed information regarding education and experience to enable evaluation of the application.

Interview Process: Only the most highly qualified applicants will be invited for an interview. The interview may include an initial panel interview, followed by subsequent assessment exercises to demonstrate the ability to perform job-related tasks and/or employment interviews with other RTAA personnel.

Pre-Employment Requirements: The RTAA requires each candidate to successfully complete employment history verification prior to being considered for employment. All employment offers are subject to successful completion/passing of a drug-screening test, a fingerprint criminal history records check, and security badging test.

Tips for Success

Review the minimum qualifications carefully! Make sure you clearly state how you meet the minimum qualifications listed on the job announcement through your detailed resume or manually entered Work History.

• Please provide at least five years of employment history.
  If you had more than one position with the same employer, list each position separately along with the timeframe or dates you were in each position.
• Explain any gaps of employment of 6 months or more in the work history section. To do this, just add a ‘New Position' and write ‘Unemployed' for the Company and what was occurring under the 'Title' (e.g., unemployed, student, etc.), and list dates. Please note, a statement in the 'Summary' section is not sufficient to address gaps in employment.

Good luck! Please know we are here to help, so don't hesitate to call our People Operations office at (775) 328-6450 if you have any questions about the application, recruitment and/or selection process, the physical demands of the position, or requests for a reasonable accommodation.