Director of People

ABOUT FIDDLER’S CREEK Fiddler’s Creek, a private ownership, master-planned, mandatory membership, and gated community, is seeking an accomplished and approachable Director of People & Culture (DPC) to lead the people operation at this luxury club and community. This role will set and execute the Club’s human resources strategy including talent acquisition, succession planning, organizational development, employee relations, compensation, benefits, learning, and employee engagement. Working under a strategic and driven General Manager who is looking to further elevate the overall member and staff experience at Fiddler’s Creek, the Director of People & Culture will be a senior executive and key business partner, charged with creating, enhancing, and executing all talent programs, and will be an integral part of this collaborative, high-performing team. This is an excellent opportunity for a seasoned HR professional who has the proven ability to think strategically but also loves the day-to-day HR responsibilities and personal employee interactions. This key role goes beyond the traditional HR role of simply administering to the operation; we are looking for a business-savvy, relationship-builder who is a driven, innovative, hospitality-infused leader. FIDDLER’S CREEK BY THE NUMBERS There are approximately 1500+/- single family homes and 1400+/- condominiums at present, with an approved eventual build-out of 5,000 homes. Approximately 30% of the residents live in the community on a year-round basis. There are approximately 60 miles of roadways within the community, all individual neighborhoods are maintained by individual neighborhood associations. Overall operating budget of approximately $13+/-M. Club and Spa is a mandatory membership. Golf and Tarpon Club memberships are additional. F & B revenues are approximately $5M from all sources with approximately 70% of that derived from ala carte dining and 30% from galas and fine dining. Total employees in-season: +/- 320 (including 120 H2B employees). Total employees off-season: +/- 200. Total employees in HR: 3 (including the DPC). HR/Payroll System: ADP Workforce Now. Collective Bargaining Agreements: None. FIDDLER’S CREEK WEBSITE: INITIAL PRIORITIES OF THE NEW DIRECTOR OF PEOPLE & CULTURE CONNECT – Build relationships, listen, observe, meet, and learn about the various departments, staff, and culture. Get to know what makes Fiddler’s Creek special. HR COMPLIANCE – Assume responsibility for the HR basics, ensuring compliance and the essentials are completed. ASSESS & EXECUTE – Evaluate current human resources processes and create a strategy and action plan for enhanced people operations moving forward. RECRUITMENT & RETENTION – Work with the leadership team to continue to source top talent, both seasonal and year-round, specifically focusing on H2B and J-1 recruitment and retention. COMPENSATION – Conduct analysis of current compensation and benefits programs, creating a strategy to enhance current offerings to ensure the recruitment and retention of the best and brightest. CULTURE – Work with leaders to reinforce desired cultural behaviors associated with the established culture and critical outcomes in all aspects of the operation. DEVELOPMENT – Create a management training and development strategy to attract top leadership talent and develop future leadership through succession planning. Any other Club strategic initiatives as determined by the GM. The Director of People & Culture oversees all aspects of HR including: Human resources strategy, administration, and compliance. Employee recruitment, selection, onboarding, and succession planning. Engagement, training, and performance management. Employee benefits and compensation. CANDIDATE QUALIFICATIONS Exceptional understanding of all functions of Human Resources and a robust knowledge of applicable federal/local/state laws and HR best practices. Strong experience with H2B, J-1, and seasonal staffing immigration requirements. A history of progressive Human Resources management experience within a hospitality industry required, preferably within hotels, clubs, or restaurants industries. Proven experience with at least five years in a senior HR leadership role. Ability to translate strategic business objectives into HR initiatives and actions. Ability to work with a high level of confidentiality and professionalism, demonstrating sound judgment. Exceptional communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills. EDUCATIONAL AND CERTIFICATION QUALIFICATIONS Bachelor’s degree in human resources, Business Administration, or a hospitality-related field. SHRM-SCP, SPHR, or other relevant HR certifications preferred. EMPLOYMENT ELIGIBILITY VERIFICATION In compliance with federal law, all hired employees must verify their identity and eligibility to work in the United States and complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. SALARY AND BENEFITS Salary is open and commensurate with qualifications and experience. The community offers an excellent bonus and benefit package including SHRM membership and continuing education. INSTRUCTIONS ON HOW TO APPLY Please upload your resume and cover letter in the order listed using the link below. When prompted for them during the online application process, you should have your documents fully prepared to attach. Please be sure your image is not on your resume or cover letter; it should be used on your LinkedIn Profile. Prepare a thoughtful cover letter addressed to Mr. Jeffrey De Franco, General Manager. Clearly articulate your alignment with this role, why you want to be considered for this position at this stage of your career, and why Fiddler’s Creek and Southwest Florida will benefit you, your family, your career, and the Club if selected. You must apply for this role as soon as possible, but no later than Monday, February 16, 2026. Candidate selections will occur in late February, with the first Interviews expected in early March 2026 and the second interviews a short time later. The successful candidate should assume their role by April 6, 2026. IMPORTANT: Save your resume and letter in the following manner “Last Name, First Name - Resume” & “Last Name, First Name - Cover Letter – Fiddler’s Creek” (These documents should be in Word or PDF format). Note: Once you complete the application process for this search, you are not able to go back in and add additional documents. Click here to upload your resume and cover letter. If you have any questions, please email Alice Stevens: Lead Search Executive: Jodie J. Cunningham SPHR, SHRM-SCP. Search & Consulting Executive. O: (833) KKW-HIRE, ext. 707. M: . #J-18808-Ljbffr