Lisa Dowd Email and Phone Number

As the inaugural Director of Human Resources at this 120 year old organization, I am creating structure and best practices. Accomplishments include:• providing advice and counsel to senior leadership on a wide range of employee relations issues. • writing regular all staff communications to keep staff informed about policies, procedures and current legislation. Updated the employee handbook.• interpreting the Museum’s union contract and working with union delegates to resolve issues. Prepare responses to grievances and arbitration hearings. conduct workplace investigations and make recommendations.• designing and launching the first performance review program for staff.• creating an onboarding process for new staff, interns and fellows including a first day orientation.

At the Whitney Museum, I promoted the Museum’s mission and strategic priorities and built strong relationships with all levels of staff (300+) to foster an equitable and inclusive environment. As an HR leader, I provided timely, accurate and informed guidance on a broad range of policies and procedures. I was a trusted advisor who coached managers on headcount planning, employee and labor relations issues including Performance Improvement Plans (PIP) for union and non-union staff. Additionally, I oversaw the day-to-day operations of the HR Department and supervised administrative staff.I directed Talent Acquisition and the life cycle of employees from recruitment, onboarding, professional development to exit interview. In order to keep a pulse on the culture, employees engaged, managers involved, I created a 90-day and a 9-month check-in questionnaire. Additionally, I analyzed metrics in order to develop best practices which supported museum initiatives. I created the first day orientation for new employees, led information sessions for hiring managers, workshops around performance management and the unionization effort. Regularly, I wrote all staff communications about policy updates, COVID guidelines, return-to-work as well as employee milestones, upcoming holidays, curator-led tours, staff artists and the staff art show.I developed the museum’s nationally recognized paid academic year (800+ applications) and summer internship programs, (1200+ applications) with the goal of identifying and training the next generation of museum staff. Also, I designed and moderated the speaker series to introduce 35 interns to the Whitney, its mission, history and programs. The internship has become a significant source of talent with approximately 10% of Whitney staff being former interns.