DIRECTOR OF PEOPLE & CULTURE
Location: Bismarck, ND
Reports to: Chief Operating Officer – Funatix Entertainment
About Funatix Entertainment
Funatix Entertainment is a North Dakota–based sports and entertainment company that owns and operates community-driven teams and events across the state - the Bismarck Larks, Minot Hot Tots, Minot Honeybees, and Grand Forks Spitfires (launching summer 2026).
Our mission is to create EPIC experiences that bring people together, strengthen community pride, and make North Dakota a more vibrant place to live, work, and play.
The Position
The Director of People & Culture is responsible for designing and leading the systems that attract, develop, and retain top talent across all Funatix organizations.
This role sits at the intersection of strategy and people - creating the frameworks, training programs, and culture initiatives that make Funatix a great place to work and grow. While based in Bismarck, this role supports all company locations and serves as the primary architect for HR processes, leadership development, and employee engagement.
This position partners closely with Presidents and General Managers, providing them with the tools and systems to consistently build great teams and deliver a thriving workplace culture.
The Director of People & Culture plays a key leadership role in shaping the foundation for what will become a future Chief People Officer function within the organization.
Roles and Responsibilities
HR Leadership & People Systems
- Design and implement company-wide systems for recruiting, hiring, onboarding, and performance management across all Funatix companies.
- Lead and manage employee relations, benefits, compensation structures, and HR compliance.
- Maintain and update employee, intern, and player handbooks.
- Track and analyze HR metrics (turnover, retention, satisfaction) and present insights to leadership.
- Ensure compliance with federal and state employment laws and internal policies.
Training & Leadership Development
- Build and oversee structured, tiered training programs for all roles - from interns and gameday staff to full-time employees and managers.
- Develop and facilitate ongoing leadership development initiatives that prepare employees for growth and internal promotion.
- Create onboarding and orientation experiences that consistently reflect Funatix’s EPIC values and brand standards.
- Partner with company leadership to identify and coach high-potential employees, creating a strong “bench” of future leaders.
Culture & Engagement
- Lead company-wide initiatives that strengthen communication, trust, and morale.
- Coordinate employee recognition, milestone celebrations, and team-building events.
- Conduct regular employee and intern engagement surveys; analyze results and drive action plans.
- Serve as a culture architect - designing the systems and programs that help Presidents and GMs live and lead culture daily.
- Ensure Funatix’s core values - Experience Obsessed, Positive Energy, Innovating Constantly, Community Minded - are embedded into every part of the employee experience.
Cross-Company Collaboration
- Work closely with Presidents and GMs in Bismarck, Minot, and Grand Forks to ensure consistent hiring, training, and communication practices.
- Provide coaching and HR guidance to team leaders as needed.
- Serve as a resource and connector between departments and markets to promote knowledge sharing and alignment.
Bismarck Presence
- Maintain a visible presence with the Bismarck staff, interns, and players to stay connected to the day-to-day realities of team life.
- Lead onboarding and seasonal training for the Larks’ interns and gameday staff.
- Participate in select home games and community events to support culture initiatives and staff engagement.
Expectations & Schedule
- Office Hours: Regular business hours (8 AM–5 PM, Monday–Friday).
- Event Attendance: Expected available for most Bismarck Larks home games and key Funatix events.
- Travel: Occasional travel to Minot, Grand Forks, or other markets for training and staff support.
Experience, Education, and Licensure
- Bachelor’s degree required (Human Resources, Organizational Leadership, or related field preferred).
- 5+ years of HR, people operations, or organizational leadership experience (sports, events, or hospitality preferred).
- Proven success designing or implementing training and people systems.
- SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, or equivalent certification preferred.
Skills & Traits
- Deep understanding of HR fundamentals and employment law.
- Strategic thinker with the ability to build practical, scalable systems.
- Excellent communicator and collaborator across all levels of the organization.
- Passion for developing people and strengthening culture.
- Organized, proactive, and able to manage multiple projects.
- Energized by the mission of bringing people together through experiences.
Benefits & Compensation
- Competitive annual salary
- Health benefits
- Matching 401(k) program
- Team gym membership
- Unlimited PTO requests (with advance notice and in-season restrictions)
Equal Opportunity Statement
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, gender identity, marital or veteran status, or any other protected class.
