People & Culture Specialist I

Ruffwear

Full-time

On-site

Bend Oregon United States

$60,000 - $75,000 USD yearly

People & Culture Specialist

Job Type: Full-Time, Exempt
Job Level: Mid-Level

Location: Remote Eligible (Bend, OR preferred)

Compensation: $60,000 - $75,000 annually

About Ruffwear:

At Ruffwear, we believe success goes beyond making great gear. Started as a one-person endeavor in 1994, Ruffwear has gained the support of dogs and humans around the world and is one of Outside Magazine's 100 Best Places to Work.

Known for innovative products that help people and dogs of all abilities enjoy outdoor spaces together, our “pack” values diverse thinking and voices from different backgrounds. We appreciate a willingness to take intentional risks that promote creativity, strengthen customer relationships, and reduce our impact on the planet.

Our privately held company reinvests profits back into our business to keep it sustainable and nimble, and we partner with organizations like The Conservation Alliance to help protect the lands and waterways where canines and humans connect and thrive.

Based in Bend, Oregon, we test our products and explore with our own dogs among our nearby forests, rivers, and mountains. Our headquarters recently underwent an innovative renovation to provide a workspace that enhances the wellbeing and creativity of our pack.

Our warm and collaborative atmosphere fosters the sharing of ideas through respectful and stimulating dialogue and helps us implement new initiatives with gusto.

Job Overview (What You’ll Do):

Ruffwear is looking for a skilled professional to join our People & Culture Team! The People & Culture (P&C) Specialist supports the management and evolution of Ruffwear’s talent programs, including recruitment, onboarding, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), and training/development.

This role balances efficient and detailed coordination with delivery of programs that impact all levels of the organization. This individual is a passionate learner driven to develop others' professional growth through engaging, values-driven initiatives for a hybrid, globally distributed workforce.

Job Responsibilities (How You’ll Do It):

Partner with P&C team members to design and implement in-house talent development programs, including diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), early career (internship), and emerging/ongoing leadership development.
Administer and coordinate our Talent Acquisition and Onboarding programs from start to finish in partnership with hiring managers, with strong attention to detail and acting as a representative of Ruffwear’s employer brand.
Facilitate and support delivery of virtual and in-person training for both small and large groups.
Maintains and audits our Rhythm of Business calendar for business visibility into key recurring employee experience initiatives.
Perform operational tasks to administer ongoing P&C programs and processes, including record management, benefits, recognition, engagement, health and wellness, and training and development.
Accountable for organization and maintenance of People & Culture resources, data, and documentation.
Serve as a member of Ruffwear’s engagement committee to plan and execute annual/recurring events and engagement activities, representing the People & Culture team, for at least one year.
Support creation and adoption of ongoing and ad-hoc people programs, processes, events, and projects.
Maintain knowledge of trends, best practices, regulatory changes, and new technologies in human resources, talent management, and employment law.

Reasonable accommodations can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

Travel

Occasional domestic travel may be required to attend company-sponsored events.

Job Requirements (What You Need to Succeed):

Required Education and Experience

3+ years of experience in talent acquisition, talent development, human resources, or similar program management roles.
Understanding of Recruitment, Onboarding, DEI and Employee Engagement best practices.
Approachable while displaying exceptional professionalism, discretion, and confidentiality; ensures strict adherence to compliance standards.
Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
Confidence in taking initiative, asking for help, and offering help to others.
High degree of curiosity, flexibility, and problem-solving skills.
Passion for dogs and first-hand understanding of the interactive bond between canines and humans.

Preferred Education and Experience

Associate’s or Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Human Resources, or related field (a combination of education and work experience may be taken into consideration).
Familiarity with HRIS software and Applicant Tracking Systems (BambooHR and LinkedIn Recruiter).
Proficiency in Google Workspace (Gmail, Docs, Sheets, Drive, Google Meet) and Project Management Software (Asana).
Exposure to the outdoor and/or pet industry.

The Perks (Job Benefits):

We believe that our employees and their achievements drive our success and that rewards must be mutual. We always keep employee experience in mind as we work to create a quality work-life balance for everyone in the Pack.

Base Salary: $60,000-$75,000 annually

This range represents the low and high end of the anticipated base salary range for this position. The actual base salary will depend on several factors such as experience, knowledge, and skills. Our base salary is just one component of our competitive total rewards strategy which includes numerous benefits and perks, as well as specific health and welfare benefits.

Here is a snapshot of the benefits we provide:

Medical, dental and vision coverage for employees and their dependents.
Company-paid employee assistance plan, life insurance, AD&D, and long-term disability.
4 weeks of PTO to start – 5 weeks after 5 years, and 6 weeks after 10 years.
12 weeks of paid parental, family and medical leave.
SIMPLE IRA retirement plan with 3% employer match.
50% off Ruffwear products and additional outdoor gear discounts.
$500 annual wellness reimbursement.
Company performance bonus eligibility each quarter.
16 hours of paid Volunteer Time each year.
Month of Unleashed Discovery (sabbatical leave) every 5 years.
2 Field Days per year to test product samples with dogs in action.
Annual company-wide outings and regular virtual/in-person events.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

As a mission-driven brand, Ruffwear is deeply committed to putting people first and creating a space where we can be our authentic self. We welcome, embrace, and celebrate all people regardless of gender, age, race, disability, nationality, ethnicity, faith, or sexual orientation.

We encourage you to apply regardless of your experience within the outdoor industry. At Ruffwear we believe that experience comes from a variety of places. We look for individuals who are curious, collaborative, and treat others with respect and gratitude.

Show us how your experiences have shaped you and how you can contribute to Ruffwear in our mission to foster canine and human connections outdoors. We can’t wait for you to share with us your personal story!

This job is closed.