Executive Director of People and Culture

Job description

About Vivalon

For 72 years, Vivalon has served as the central resource hub for Marin County’s older adults and people with disabilities. Vivalon has helped this valuable population stay active, informed, supported and nourished, while also meeting their crucial transportation needs. We believe that beyond our services of Rides, Meals, Classes, Care and Advice, there is something more vital at work: the sheer power of human connection. Our goal is always to help the individuals we serve thrive through that power of connection, to live a more vibrant, healthier and happier life.

Vivalon is the largest Bay Area nonprofit serving older adults and people with disabilities.

Today, we are a 200+ person organization with 5 sites (Solano, San Francisco, Santa Rosa, Modesto, and Marin) and our employees are at the heart of everything we do.

The Opportunity

Vivalon is seeking an experienced and strategic Executive Director of People and Culture to lead our HR team and strengthen a workplace where staff feel valued and supported. Reporting directly to the CEO, you will be a trusted advisor to senior leaders, a coach to managers, and a steward of the culture that supports our mission.

This is a highly visible role for an HR leader who is equally comfortable shaping people strategy and rolling up their sleeves to solve day-to-day problems. A core part of the role is building a culture of accountability, where expectations are clear, feedback is regular, and strong performance is recognized and managed.

What You'll Do

People Strategy and Culture

• Shape and carry out people strategies aligned with Vivalon's mission and business plans.

• Advise the CEO, executive team, and organizational leaders on people, culture, and workforce matters.

• Strengthen employee engagement, recognition, and connection.

• Contribute to organizational strategic planning and lead people-related initiatives.

Talent and Development

• Lead recruitment, onboarding, retention, and succession planning strategies, partnering with hiring managers at every stage.

• Coach and train managers and supervisors on effective people management.

• Oversee required and developmental training, including harassment prevention, HIPAA, cultural competency, and leadership.

Performance Management and Accountability

· Lead and continuously strengthen Vivalon's pay-for-performance program, including goal setting, ongoing feedback, annual evaluations, and clear, current job descriptions, to ensure equitable policies and application.

• Coach managers and supervisors to set clear expectations, give timely and constructive feedback, and address performance concerns early.

• Guide managers through performance improvement plans, progressive discipline, and separations, ensuring consistency, sound documentation, and legal compliance.

Employee Relations and Compliance

• Serve as a confidential, trusted resource for employees and managers on concerns, complaints, and disputes.

• Lead or oversee workplace investigations and recommend corrective action.

• Keep policies and practices current and compliant with federal and California law.

• Oversee USDOT drug and alcohol testing in partnership with the Transportation Department.

Total Rewards and HR Operations

• Oversee benefits administration, vendor relationships, benchmarking, and cost containment.

• Lead payroll to ensure timely, accurate, and compliant processing.

• Administer Vivalon's Pay-for-Performance program (our merit-based compensation program) equitably and consistently. Ensure pay decisions are grounded in documented performance.

• Oversee HRIS and employee records to support data-informed decisions.

• Manage workers’ compensation and workplace risk, with a focus on reducing claims, controlling

costs, and improving return-to-work outcomes.

What You Bring

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business, or in a related field, or an equivalent education and experience.

• 10+ years of progressively responsible HR experience, including 5+ years in an HR leadership role.

• At least 2 years of employee relations experience supporting a heavily non-exempt workforce.

• Outstanding written and verbal communication, with the ability to explain complex HR, financial, and administrative concepts to a diverse workforce.

• Working knowledge of California and federal employment law, including wage and hour, leave, and workplace investigations.

• Experience with payroll, benefits, compensation, and HRIS.

• Proven experience designing and running performance management systems and coaching managers through performance improvement and corrective action.

• Sound judgment, discretion, and a calm, tactful, solutions-oriented approach.

• Desired but not required:

o Experience with, or familiarity with, DOT/FMCSA drug and alcohol program requirements

o Operations or Transportation experience

o Experience in a union environment

• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation.

• SPHR or SHRM-SCP preferred.

Compensation and Benefits

• $170,000 - $180,000 annually (DOE)

• Benefits include medical, dental, and vision; retirement plan and match; paid time off and holidays.

• Schedule: Full-time, Hybrid TBD

How to Apply

Portal Consulting is partnering with Vivalon on this search. Please send your resume and a cover letter to with "Executive Director of People and Culture" in the subject line. In your cover letter, tell us about a time you built or strengthened culture in a large non-exempt workforce.

Vivalon is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in accordance with the California Fair Chance Act, and we provide reasonable accommodations upon request.

Compensation details: Yearly Salary

PI818b7e26a

Worksite address

san rafael, CA, 94911, US

Who can apply

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