Assistant Director of People & Culture (Austin)

Situated in Downtown's Second Street District, Austin Proper Hotel and Residences is an iconic luxury destination just steps from Lady Bird Lake, ACL Live, and the city's best shopping. With expressive interiors by Kelly Wearstler and culinary concepts by McGuire Moorman Lambert Hospitality, the hotel offers 238 design-forward rooms and suites, a rooftop pool, immersive wellness experiences, and menus built around local farms, vibrant produce, and nutrient-rich ingredients. Wellness, design, and culture, seamlessly woven into every stay.About This RoleAt Proper, we believe hospitality is more than a profession — it's an opportunity to make lives better. The Assistant Director of People & Culture is a key steward of that belief, partnering closely with the Director of People & Culture to build and sustain a workplace where every colleague feels seen, supported, and inspired to do their best work.This role leads day-to-day People & Culture operations across HR, employee engagement, talent acquisition, learning and development, and employee relations. The right candidate brings a genuine love for people, a commitment to excellence, and the resourcefulness to craft thoughtful solutions in a fast-moving, design-forward hospitality environment. Guided by the Pillars of Proper — Care Proper, Achieve Proper, Imagine Proper, and Present Proper — you will help shape a culture that inspires and transports not just our guests, but our team.Essential Duties & ResponsibilitiesHR Operations & ComplianceOversee day-to-day HR operations including employee relations, payroll coordination, benefits administration, and HRIS managementEnsure consistent compliance with local, state, and federal employment laws, company policies, and industry best practicesMaintain accurate, confidential employee records in adherence to all applicable data privacy regulationsImplement HR programs and policies that improve operational efficiency and uphold Proper's standards of excellenceEmployee Engagement & CulturePartner with the Director of People & Culture to design and deliver engagement initiatives that reinforce the Pillars of Proper and foster genuine belongingManage employee listening programs — surveys, feedback loops, and recognition initiatives — and translate insights into meaningful actionChampion a workplace culture where colleagues feel cared for, heard, and motivated to growAddress employee concerns with sensitivity, fairness, and a sense of urgency, escalating issues when appropriateTalent Acquisition & OnboardingLead recruitment and onboarding processes that reflect the Proper experience from first contact, ensuring new colleagues feel welcomed from day oneCollaborate with department leaders to identify talent needs, close gaps, and build proactive sourcing strategiesManage the full candidate pipeline: screen, interview, and extend offers to top-tier hospitality professionalsDevelop onboarding experiences that connect new hires to the Proper mission, culture, and teamPerformance Management & DevelopmentSupport the performance management cycle, including goal setting, coaching conversations, and development planningIdentify high-potential colleagues and contribute to succession planning and leadership pipeline programsAdvise managers and supervisors on performance issues and the development of improvement plansPromote a culture of continuous learning by developing and delivering training programs across the organizationEmployee Relations & Conflict ResolutionServe as a trusted, objective resource for employee relations matters including conflict resolution, disciplinary processes, and workplace investigationsNavigate sensitive situations with emotional intelligence, fairness, and clear alignment to Proper's values and policiesFoster open communication between colleagues and leadership, helping to resolve concerns before they escalateCompensation & BenefitsSupport the administration of competitive, equitable compensation and benefits programs across health, retirement, and wellnessMonitor market trends to ensure Proper remains a compelling destination for top hospitality talentAssist with benefits enrollment, plan communications, and colleague inquiriesHR Reporting & AnalyticsCollect and analyze key HR metrics — including turnover, engagement scores, and time-to-fill — to surface trends and opportunitiesDeliver clear, actionable reports to the Director of People & Culture and senior leadershipUse data to make evidence-based recommendations that strengthen HR practices and organizational outcomesLeadership & Organizational DevelopmentPartner with the Director of People & Culture to equip leaders with the tools, frameworks, and coaching to manage their teams effectivelySupport organizational change initiatives by communicating clearly, building alignment, and modeling Proper's values throughout transitionsServe as a visible, approachable presence for colleagues at all levels — someone the team trusts and turns toEducation & ExperienceBachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Organizational Development, or a related field strongly preferred5+ years of progressive HR experience, including HR operations, employee relations, talent acquisition, and talent managementPrior experience in a hospitality environment — preferably luxury or lifestyle — strongly preferredPrevious leadership or managerial HR role preferredSolid knowledge of labor laws, HR best practices, and performance management frameworksSHRM-CP, PHR, or equivalent HR certification preferredSkills & CompetenciesA natural host and people champion — someone who genuinely cares about the colleague experience and shows it every dayStrong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build trust and influence across all levels of the organizationStrategic thinker who can align HR initiatives to business goals without losing sight of the human elementHigh emotional intelligence and the ability to navigate complex, sensitive situations with grace and clarityResourceful problem-solver who brings creativity and an entrepreneurial mindset to every challengeAble to manage competing priorities, meet deadlines, and maintain composure in a fast-paced environmentProficient in Microsoft Office Suite and HRIS platforms; experience with Workday a plusPhysical RequirementsAbility to work in an office and hotel environment, including extended periods at a deskAbility to lift up to 20 lbs for event-related or office tasksOccasional travel required for recruitment events, conferences, and multi-property needsWhy Join Proper HospitalityAt Proper, we build experiences that move people — and that begins with the team behind them. As a best-in-class employer, we're committed to creating one of the Best Places to Work in hospitality by nurturing a culture where creativity, excellence, and humanity thrive together.Everything we do is grounded in the belief that hospitality is more than a profession - it's an opportunity to care for others and make lives better. Guided by the Pillars of Proper, we show up with warmth and authenticity (Care Proper), strive for excellence in everything we do (Achieve Proper), think creatively and resourcefully (Imagine Proper), and take pride in the style and culture that make us who we are (Present Proper).We believe our people are our greatest strength, and we invest deeply in their wellbeing, growth, and sense of belonging. From comprehensive benefits to meaningful development programs, Proper is designed to help you build a career, and a life, that feels as inspiring as the experiences we create for our guests.Our Commitment: Building the Best Place to WorkOur Best Place to Work initiative is a living commitment — a continuous investment in our people, our culture, and our purpose. We listen, learn, and evolve together to create an environment where everyone feels empowered to imagine boldly, achieve confidently, care deeply, and present themselves authentically.At Proper, joining the team means more than finding a job — it means joining a community that believes in building beautiful experiences together, for our guests and for one another.Proper Hospitality is an equal-opportunity employer. We provide employment opportunities to all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, gender identity or expression, genetics, or any other federally or state-protected category. We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in accordance with local Fair Chance Hiring Ordinances.