Director of Human Resources in Casinos
Casinos and casino hotels employ large numbers of people. The department that handles employment is called the human resources department. In some facilities it may also be referred to as the personnel or employment department. The person in charge of overseeing the department is called the Director of Human Resources. This is a very important position. At one time or another, everyone who is hired must go through the human resources department. The person directs the operation of the department. The Director is responsible for planning, organizing, and controlling everything that happens within the human resources department.
The Director of Human Resources develops, writes, and administers policies. These policies have a direct impact on the employees who are hired and the manner in which they are expected to work. They also have a great impact on the atmosphere and the way the casino or casino hotel functions. The Director of Human Resources oversees several departments headed by other managers. Each of these departments specializes in a personnel activity. These may include employment, compensation, benefits, training and development, employee relations, and employee licensing.
The Director is in charge of strategic planning as it relates to human resources. The person may develop programs designed to enhance training, provide internship opportunities, and create career development within the property. Other duties of the casino or casino hotel Director of Human Resources may include:
- Overseeing special projects and promotional events such as job fairs to stimulate recruitment of potential employees
- Building employee relations programs
- Developing and coordinating personnel programs
Salaries for Director of Human Resources
The Director of Human Resources in casino and casino hotels earns between USD 35,000 and USD 125,000 or more annually. Factors affecting earnings include the geographic location, size, and prestige of the specific casino or casino hotel, as well as the education, experience, and responsibilities of the individual. Generally, those with the most education and experience working in larger facilities in the gambling capitals earn the highest salaries.
Director of Human Resources Employment Prospects
While employment opportunities are not plentiful, they are available for qualified individuals. Those seeking jobs in this area may have to relocate. As gaming moves into additional areas, there will be even more opportunities.
Las Vegas, Reno, Laughlin, Lake Tahoe, Atlantic City, Biloxi, Baton Rouge, New Orleans, and Detroit offer the greatest number of opportunities. Other regions hosting Indian gaming and land-based or riverboat gaming facilities offer additional opportunities.
Director of Human Resources Advancement Prospects
The Director of Human Resources may climb the career ladder in a number of ways. The person may locate a similar position in a larger or more prestigious facility, resulting in increased responsibilities and earnings. He or she might also be promoted to a position such as vice president of human resources.
Director of Human Resources Education and Training
Generally, most casinos and casino hotels prefer that their Directors of Human Resources hold a minimum of a bachelor’s degree. The best major is one earned in human resources. However, majors in other areas are often acceptable with work experience. Additional courses, workshops, and seminars in human resources, labor relations, personnel, compensation, employee relations, gaming, and the hospitality industry are very helpful.
Director of Human Resources Experience, Skills, and Personality Traits
Five to 10 years’ experience working in human resources and related areas is usually necessary for this position. Individuals often have worked in the human resources department in various jobs. Many have been personnel directors or the Director of Human Resources in areas other than gaming. Experience working in human resources in the hospitality industry, hotels, or casinos is preferred in most instances. Human Resources Directors should have supervisory and administrative skills. Writing and communication skills are also necessary. Individuals must have total knowledge of all federal and state employment laws.
Unions and Associations
Those interested in learning more about careers in this field should contact the Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM).
Tips for Director of Human Resources
1. Get your foot in the door of a casino hotel. Most promote from within. If you have experience in human resources, see what jobs are open and then move up the career ladder.
2. Jobs may be advertised in the classified sections of newspapers in areas hosting gaming. Look under classifications such as “Casino/Hotel Director of Human Resources,” “Casino Human Resources Director,” “Human Resources,” or “Casino/Hotel Opportunities.”
3. Openings are often advertised on the Internet. They may be located via the home pages of casino hotels. They may also be found doing a search of “Casino” or “Casino Hotel Job Opportunities.”
4. Contact executive recruiters specializing in the gaming or hospitality industries.