Director, Human Resources

Position Overview 

This is a key institutional position which oversees our key asset – our staff. In this role, you will support the organization in retaining and developing the best and brightest in our fields of work. 

If you are an experienced, self-driven HR professional with a “hands-on” understanding of human resources management within a fast-growing, fast-paced nonprofit organization, this may be your next step in your career.. Reporting to the Chief Human Resources Officer, with whom you will work closely, you will help design, develop, and implement effective people strategies and tactics to support the Institute’s strategic plan within a matrix organization. Your primary responsibility will be to manage the HR function in the US, designed to meet the needs of the staff and Institute. This includes, but is not limited to employee relations, compensation practices and benefits administration, talent management, performance management, staff learning and development, organizational effectiveness and HR metrics/scorecards reporting. You will be part of a Global HR Network comprised of international office HR leaders. 

This position is remote due to Covid-19, but you will be based at WRI’s office in Washington, DC once restrictions have lifted.

Responsibilities

The main areas of responsibility will include the following:

• Implement HR strategy, policies, and processes that align and support the Institute’s strategic objectives
• Partner with the CHRO in decision making, influencing, and driving desired change (cultural or other)
• Understand and keep a “pulse” on the overall engagement of talent
• Facilitate solutions to manage employee relations and proactively develop and coach leaders
• Manage and implement an effective talent management function to include talent onboarding, performance management, 360-degree review process, employee development, retention planning, compensation administration
• Engage actively in the Global HR Network agenda
• Implement HR administrative activities to drive initiatives and ensure regulatory compliance
• Evaluate and implement solutions to improve human resources data management to ensure staff engagement, organizational skill/capacity, etc.
• Develop, implement, and oversee Affirmative Action Plan
• Advise managers on employee relations and performance management issues, with an emphasis on early identification and resolution
• Support development and administration of US-based human resource policies, procedures, and practices (e.g., compensation philosophies, benefits. etc.)
• Support WRI’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiatives

Qualifications

Experience/Education:

• Minimum of 7 years of experience with at least minimum of 3 years in a supervisory role
• Master’s degree in related field (or a bachelor’s degree with 2 additional years of experience)
• PHR, SPHR, or SHRM – SCP certification is strongly preferred
• Effective leadership, management, and communications skills with proven ability to drive culture change, and provide guidance and support in a business partner role
• Experience managing an affirmative action plan
• Self-starting, proven team player, capable of prioritizing own work and team’s work
• Thorough knowledge of US labor laws

Skills/Abilities:

• Ability to develop strong relationships at all levels of the organization, across program departments, partners, vendors, and other stakeholders
• Ability to quickly gain trust and respect from a highly intellectual organization
• Desire to work in a culture that focuses attention on performance, metrics, accountability, speed, and agility
• Demonstrated ability to motivate and develop a high performing team
• Demonstrated leadership capabilities
• Excellent communication skills (written and verbal).
• Demonstrated customer-focused approach to HR service delivery
• Demonstrated project management experience (defining requirements, managing budgets, etc.)
• Ability to adapt to a constantly changing environment in a rapidly growing organization

Knowledge/Technical Skills:

• MS Office Programs: Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint
• HRIS system experience. ADP experience preferred
• Familiarity with performance and learning management systems

How to Apply 

Please submit a cover letter and resume. Applicants must apply through the WRI Careers portal to be considered. 

Potential Salary: $96,000 – $130,000. Salary is commensurate with experience and other compensable factors.

WRI Overview 

World Resources Institute (WRI) is an independent, nonprofit global research organization that turns big ideas into action at the nexus of environment, economic opportunity and human well-being. We are working to address seven critical challenges that the world must overcome this decade in order to secure a sustainable future for people and the planet: climate change, energy, food, forests, water, sustainable cities, and the ocean. 

We are passionate. We value our diversity of interests, skills and backgrounds. We have a flexible work environment. And we share a common goal to catalyze change that will improve the lives of people. Our shared ideals are at the core of our approach. They include: integrity, innovation, urgency, independence and respect. 

The foundation of our work is delivering high-quality research, data, maps and analysis to solve the world’s greatest environment and international development challenges, and improve people’s lives. We work with leaders in government, business and civil society to drive ambitious action and create change on the ground. Equally important, we bring together partners to develop breakthrough ideas and scale-up solutions for far-reaching, enduring impact.  

We have been growing rapidly: our staff has doubled in size over the past 5 years and our operating budget is now $150 million. Founded in 1982, WRI has a global staff of 1,000+ people with work spanning 60 countries. We have offices in Africa, Brazil, China, Europe, India, Indonesia, Mexico and the United States as well as a growing presence in other countries and regions.   

WRI is committed to advancing gender and social equity for human well-being in our mission and applies this principle to our organizational and programmatic practices.

The World Resources Institute (http://www.wri.org) is an environmental and development research and policy organization that creates solutions to protect the Earth and improve people’s lives. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, it is WRI’s policy to recruit, hire, and provide opportunities for advancement in all job classifications without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, citizenship, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, parental status, protected veteran status, or disability. WRI’s global agenda requires a staff that is diverse – with respect to race, gender, cultural, and international background. Diverse perspectives and experience enhance the way WRI selects and approaches issues, as well as the creativity and applicability of WRI’s policy research and analysis. WRI, therefore, encourages applications from U.S. minorities, persons from other countries (especially developing nations), and from women of all backgrounds.