Director of People and Culture
PEOPLE AND CULTURE DEPARTMENT:
Typically referred to as the Human Resources (HR) department, the People and Culture department is a strategic and operational department within our client's nonprofit organization. They play a critical role in shaping a workplace culture that embraces diversity, promotes equity, and fosters inclusion, resulting in an environment where all employees can thrive and contribute their unique perspectives and talents. Their primary objective is to create an environment where employees from all backgrounds, cultures, and identities feel valued, respected, like they belong, and they have equal opportunities for growth and success.
POSITION SUMMARY:
Our client is looking for a Director of People and Culture (DPC) who will be responsible for transforming their Human Resources department into the People and Culture department, to enhance employee engagement, promote inclusivity, and strengthen our organizational resilience.
The ideal candidate will have a strong background in developing progressive human resource strategies in fast-growing environments; and can combine strategic planning with strong interpersonal skills and a commitment to social justice.
In this key role, the DPC will work closely with the team to build a united and empowered workforce that aligns with their mission. They will ensure compliance with legal and ethical standards through effective HR policies. The DPC will oversee talent acquisition, employee development, conflict resolution, Racial Justice, Equity, and Inclusion (RJEI) initiatives, and cultural programs to support our staff.
Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer (COO), the DPC will support talent management, organizational development, and ensure that all efforts are aligned.
They will advise senior leadership on workforce planning strategies, performance management, and fostering a collaborative and innovative work environment, ensuring the well- being and growth of our organization.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES, COMPETENCIES, AND QUALIFICATIONS:
Strategic Vision and Leadership:
Direct all aspects of a typical human resources department with a focus on people.
Lead and monitor ongoing progress of Objective Key Results (OKRs), at all levels, aligning with organizational strategies.
Align people and culture strategies with organizational goals and anticipate future talent needs.
Manage organizational change and drive cultural transformation in alignment with strategic objectives.
Collaborate across teams, and with the leadership team to align people and cultural strategies with broader organizational goals and objectives.
Leverage data analytics to inform decision-making, measure the effectiveness of initiatives with the ability to provide insightful recommendations to the leadership team to support decision-making at the highest level.
Commitment to Racial Justice, Equity, and Inclusion
Commitment to Racial Justice, Equity, and Inclusion (RJEI): A deep commitment to advancing racial justice, equity, and inclusion in all facets of our work. Collaborating with our leadership team to ensure that our human resource practices and strategies align with our RJEI values. This includes advocating for equitable resource allocation, fostering a culture of belonging, mitigating bias, and implementing policies that promote fairness and transparency. The DPC’s dedication to advancing racial justice, equity, and inclusion will be integral.
Collaborate with leaders, RJEI team of staff, and the HR team to develop, align, and implement overall RJEI strategy.
Collaborate with leaders, RJEI team of staff, and the HR team to create and assess policies, practices, programs, and services that enhance RJEI.
Provide guidance and support to management and employees on matters related to RJEI.
Operational Management and Employee Development
Design and deliver training programs, orientations, and workshops to promote awareness, understanding, and competencies.
Develop and implement human resource policies and procedures tailored to the needs of the organization.
Manage employee benefits programs, negotiating and attracting high-quality and easily accessible benefits for all staff.
Develop strategies and provide guidance and support on employee relations issues, including conflict resolution and performance management.
Monitor and analyze metrics to measure effectiveness of different initiatives and identify areas for improvement.
Design and implement initiatives to enhance employee satisfaction, motivation, and retention.
Skilled in attracting, selecting, and onboarding top talent, as well as developing and retaining high-performing employees.
Design and implement performance evaluation systems, providing constructive feedback, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
Utilize extensive knowledge and expertise in employment laws, regulations, and best practices to ensure legal compliance and mitigate risks across multiple states and localities.
Manage sensitive employee and organizational matters with confidence and professionalism to maintain trust.
Agile communication and interpersonal skills - written and verbal, with the ability to effectively build relationships, resolve conflicts, and convey policies and initiatives to key stakeholders including but not limited to board members, partners, donors, and staff.
EDUCATION/CERTIFICATION/LICENSURE:
Bachelor’s degree, or equivalent of 10 years of progressive leadership within a nonprofit organization’s Human Resources department
Valid US driver’s license and reliable vehicle
KNOWLEDGE SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
Bilingual/trilingual preferred (English, Spanish, French)
Prior experience working in a nonprofit organization, particularly in a leadership role within human resources, is highly desirable.
Demonstrated leadership and practical understanding of racial justice, gender justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion principles.
Strong applied computer skills; expert knowledge with Microsoft and Google workspaces (Word, Excel, Google sheets, Doc’s, etc.).
Lead and mentor, fostering a collaborative, innovative, and results-driven environment. Provide clear direction and goals, inspire, and motivate, adaptable and flexible leadership style and approach based on team needs and situations, continuously seeking feedback and opportunities for improvement.
Commitment to upholding ethical standards and promoting a culture of integrity, fairness, and transparency within the organization.
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced and dynamic environment, demonstrating flexibility and creativity in addressing challenges and seizing opportunities for growth and innovation.
Strong work ethic and attention to detail.
Demonstrated passion for idealism, progressive values, and Black, Latino/a/e, Afro-descendent, Indigenous, and Immigrant communities.
Consistently exercises sound judgment.