Organization: National Hot Rod Association (NHRA)

Position Title: Head of Human Resources

Location: San Dimas, CA

Search Contact: Prodigy Search

BACKGROUND

At the National Hot Rod Association, we crave speed. We race the fastest vehicles in motorsports at speeds of more than 300 mph, with power exceeding 11,000 hp. NHRA is the most extreme sport on the planet! At NHRA, we believe in Speed for All, which provides competition opportunities for all drivers, from streetcar owners to professional racers. NHRA also offers career-driven opportunities off-track and behind the scenes. We serve content to our highly engaged audiences at on-site events, on the Fox broadcast and Fox Sports networks, on NHRA.com, through our live streaming service NHRA.TV, and within the pages of our publication, National DRAGSTER. Our team supports the infrastructure of local grassroots-level racing all the way up to the professional touring series all across the country, as well as our corporate offices and remote functions. If you are looking to join a dynamic and high-speed organization in the sports and entertainment space, have the drive to innovate and the satisfaction of seeing your work in action, read on.

SUMMARY

Working closely with the department heads, you will be responsible for driving HR initiatives that support the organization’s strategic objectives and fostering a positive work environment. This “hands on” role requires a combination of strategic thinking, leadership skills, and HR generalist expertise to effectively manage the organizations human capital comprised of approximately 150 full-time nationwide employees across the nation, plus a seasonal/on call staff of 1,300 employees that support our race events nationwide. To be successful, you will need a solid and broad-based working knowledge of the following areas: Strategic HR Planning; Talent Acquisition and Management; Employee Relations and Engagement; Performance Management; Compensation & Benefits; Health & Safety Programs; Employment Law and Regulations; HR Compliance and HR Technology and Systems. A background with Affirmative Action programs is a plus. This position will require some travel to our nationwide race events as needed to provide on-site HR support and to visit our Indianapolis office.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop and execute HR strategies that align with the organization’s overall goals and foster a strong, positive workplace culture.
• Lead and manage talent acquisition, employee engagement, and retention initiatives to ensure a high-performing workforce across the organization’s full-time and seasonal staff.
• Oversee the design and implementation of compensation, benefits, and health & safety programs to support employee well-being and organizational compliance.
• Ensure compliance with employment laws, regulations, and HR best practices, while collaborating with legal counsel to mitigate risks.
• Provide guidance to senior leadership and department heads on HR-related matters, acting as a trusted advisor for organizational development.
• Implement and monitor performance management systems, facilitating feedback, goal setting, and professional development opportunities.
• Champion diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, promoting a welcoming and supportive environment for all employees.
• Manage HR operations, including employee relations, dispute resolution, and policy development, to maintain a fair and consistent work environment.
• Leverage HR technology and systems to streamline processes and enhance efficiency, ensuring the organization operates effectively within its budget.
• Support on-site HR needs during nationwide events, including race staffing, and visit regional offices to ensure alignment with HR initiatives.

QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration or related field; Master’s degree preferred. Certification such as SPHR (Senior Professional in Human Resources) or SHRM-SCP (Senior Certified Professional) is desirable. Minimum of 10+ years of progressive hands-on HR experience with 5 years in a senior or leadership role. Experience in sports and entertainment is a plus. Prior supervisory experience managing an HR team. In-depth knowledge of HR best practices, employment laws, and regulations including experience working with in-house legal counsel to resolve employee matters and anticipate potential legal minefields relating to the HR area. Experience in a dynamic fast-paced organization to be able to participate in an “all hands-on deck” office to maximize resources and work effectively across departments with strong project and time management skills. Strong communication, collaboration and consultation skills to effectively work with all levels of management to build relationships across the organization. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to analyze complex HR issues and develop creative solutions. High level of integrity and confidentiality, with a commitment to ethical behavior in all aspects of HR management. Values and considers the perspectives and backgrounds of all parties and can help supervisors to understand and promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in the organization. Ability to flex and adjust priorities constantly, be comfortable with change, and able to work within lean budgetary constraints. High personal ethical standards, and energy, and demonstrated capability to be hands on and make difficult, but timely, decisions. Ability to work well individually and on a team. Strong analytical skills and expertise in modeling, forecasting and analysis.

COMPENSATION RANGE

The anticipated base salary range for this position is $125,000–$150,000. Compensation will be determined based on a variety of factors, including experience, qualifications, and the unique expertise a candidate brings to the role. The organization is committed to offering a competitive compensation package that reflects the caliber of talent and value an individual brings to the team.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Founded in 2007, Prodigy Search, located in the New York City suburb of Freehold, NJ, boasts over 80 years of experience in the sports and entertainment business. As a renowned nationwide leader in senior-level executive search, Prodigy Search has honed its business principles and expertise, establishing itself as the largest boutique recruiting agency in North America. We recruit with integrity, purpose, and passion.