Director, Global Talent and Culture at Freedom House

About Freedom House:

Freedom House is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that works to create a world where all are free. We inform the world about threats to freedom, mobilize global action, and support democracy’s defenders, especially those working in closed authoritarian societies. We are founded on the core conviction that freedom flourishes in democratic nations where governments are accountable to their people; the rule of law prevails; and freedoms are guaranteed. Established 80 years ago to respond to the threats posed by fascism, we know there is no more powerful force for the development of human society than democracy. As the world experiences the 15th year of consecutive democratic decline, our work—and our partners carrying it out around the world—have never mattered more.

Freedom House is in a period of growth, which includes a strong commitment to securing new external funds and diversifying our private fundraising. This position presents an opportunity to be a part of a growing human resources team and make a huge different with the enthusiastic support of the organization’s senior leadership.

Position Summary:

The Director, Global Talent and Culture implements and assists in the development of Freedom House’s talent and culture strategy, including improving our ability to support international offices and staff. In this role, we are seeking a high-functioning HR professional to serve as trusted partner to staff at every level throughout the organization. This role will be defined by high performing operational HR execution demonstrated by a keen ability to think strategically and creatively, implement effectively and efficiently, and deliver in a timely manner on human resources-related objectives. This role requires innovation in approach to talent and culture strategy and implementation, as well as the ability to build collaborative relationships with individuals in every organizational position. This role will implement, monitor, and continuously refine policies, structures, and operations that contribute to Freedom House’s organizational culture, enhance the employment experience, facilitate connection to Freedom House’s mission and purpose, and ultimately provide alignment with Freedom House’s business priorities and values.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Partner with VP, Global Talent, and Culture for the development, roll-out and management of updated HR policies, procedures, services, and systems, including compensation and benefits, employee relations, staff engagement, new hire onboarding and orientation, performance management, talent acquisition, and staff development. Work with VP, Global Talent and Culture on complex HR global initiatives, projects, and process improvements, promoting consistency in application across business units and geographic locations (domestic or international).
• Serve has HR Business Partner to FH leaders on employee relations and performance management, with an emphasis on early identification and resolution. Facilitate solutions to staff/management challenges. Manage and resolve issues including but not limited to disciplinary actions, performance, and investigations. Conduct and document effective, thorough, and objective investigations.
• Monitor and ensure organizational compliance with federal, state, and international employment laws and regulations, and recommended best practices. Review and modify policies and practices to maintain compliance.
• Ensure diversity, equity and inclusion are considered and applied in all phases of the employee experience.
• Maintain knowledge of trends, best practices, regulatory changes, and new technologies in human resources, talent management, and employment law. Apply this knowledge to recommend changes in policy, practice, and resources to VP, Talent and Culture.
• Oversee complex leave administration including FMLA, STD, LTD, and other Leave of Absence programs.
• Collaborate closely with and support all HR team members to facilitate core HR business functions such as payroll and benefits administration, as needed.
• Encourage and advance an HR culture of collaboration and problem-solving to support FH staff worldwide. Interface directly with employees on areas of expertise. Escalates issues to VP, Talent and Culture as needed.
• Perform other duties and projects as assigned.
• Occasional travel to DC Office, if remote, and Freedom House Offices outside of the US, as needed.

Required Skills and Abilities:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resources, related field, or business administration, and a minimum of 10 years of related work experience in Global Human Resources or a minimum of 14 years of related work experience which includes Global Human Resources.
• A minimum of 5 years as a Senior HR Business Partner, preferably in an international non-profit organization.
• PHR/SPHR/GPHR strongly preferred.
• International HR experience required, as well as broad-based core HR functional management and leadership experience required, preferably in countries in which FH works.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with proven ability to provide clear, concise, and sound guidance and support to both HR colleagues and as a business partner to FH leadership.
• Ability to develop collaborative relationships at all levels within the organization, across program departments, with partners, vendors, and other stakeholders.
• Ability to quickly gain trust and respect from a highly intellectual organization.
• Current knowledge of issues human resources management with ability to educate the FH on new trends, best practices, laws, and policies affecting HR policies and procedures.

Additional Information

• Diversity makes our work stronger. We actively seek a diverse applicant pool and encourage candidates of all backgrounds—particularly Black, Indigenous, and people of color, individuals from the LGBTI+ community, and people living with disabilities—to apply.
• Candidates must possess authorization to work in the United States.
• Freedom House provides a competitive benefits package, including a 403(b)-retirement account with generous matching, commuter benefits, flexible hours, floating holidays, high employer contributions to medical, dental, and vision programs, basic and voluntary life and AD&D insurance, short- and long-term disability, flexible spending account, and more.
• Salaries are commensurate with experience and based on pay grades that prioritize equity across the organization. We offer a competitive salary range depending on experience.

Freedom House is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate in its selection and employment practices. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, disability, or protected veteran status, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, or other non-merit factors, In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation to apply for a position with Freedom House, please call 202-227-4308 or email hr@freedomhouse.org.

Applicants are required to complete our online application form and to submit a resume and a cover letter that outlines interests and qualifications for this position.

Physical Requirements: Sedentary, regularly required to sit for extended periods of time. Constantly talk, hear, and understand speech at normal levels using a telephone. Occasionally required to stand, walk, and bend over; reach overhead; use hands, wrists, and fingers to grasp, push, pull, move, handle, feel, and type. Constantly required to use close vision and distance vision for regular computer work. Occasionally required to lift and/or move up to 25 lbs. to waist height.

General Working Conditions: General working office environment. Some long hours, including evenings and/or weekends as reasonable, to complete essential tasks or attend important events and to be responsive in a timely manner to emergency assistance requests. Travel to event and meeting sites. Exposed to outside weather conditions when required to attend event venues or travel.

Freedom House is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate in its selection and employment practices. Read more about the application process and search for answers to common questions here. Freedom House offers competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package including health and wellness benefits, retirement, and professional development.

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