Senior Director, Human Resources

New York, New York

Established in 1915 with Helen Keller as a founding trustee, Helen Keller International (HKI) works to save the sight and lives of the most vulnerable and disadvantaged. Headquartered in New York City, HKI currently conducts programs in 21 countries in Africa and Asia as well as in the United States. HKI is known for sustainability, reliability, efficiency and the highest level of technical expertise in fighting and treating blindness and malnutrition. To accomplish its work, HKI builds the capacity of local governmental, civil society and private sector systems and infrastructure, and promotes the development of sustained, large-scale programs that deliver effective preventative and curative eye health and nutrition services. The hallmark of HKI’s work is its proven effectiveness in developing, testing and scaling-up health interventions, and integrating them within government and community structures. HKI works with partners around the world to help meet key provisions of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), selected by all 191 United Nations member states, as well as VISION2020, The Right to Sight. With nearly 700 staff and an annual cash operating budget of over $45 million, HKI is seeking a Senior Director, Human Resources.

Scope of the Position:
Working closely with the Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, the Senior Director, Human Resources directs the day-to-day delivery of Human Resources programs and services in alignment with HKI’s strategic plan and operational goals. Such programs and services include employment programs (recruitment, on-boarding, performance management, HRMS, employee relations, etc.), training, compensation, and benefits. Working closely with the Senior Management Team, and regional and country level staff, the Senior Director oversees the direction of Human Resources for domestic and international staff and offices and provides leadership in the deployment of global Human Resources initiatives. Additionally, she/he develops and implements global human resource policies, practices and programs consistent with, and in support of the Agency’s objectives, vision and mission.

The ideal candidate will have held senior leadership human resource roles at a non-governmental organization or other not for profit organization and be a collegial leader who can work in a complex and matrixed organization based in the United States, and with regional and country offices in the Africa and Asia Pacific regions. Primary to successful performance is the ability to work collaboratively with regional office staff to train and build capacity of local national staff.

Major Duties and Responsibilities:
Employment:

• In collaboration with the SVP/COO, direct a process of organizational planning that evaluates structure, job design, and staffing forecasting throughout the agency. Based on this workforce planning collaborate with Senior Management Team to develop annual hiring plan.
• Establish standard recruiting and placement practices and procedures. Oversee recruitment process, including development of position descriptions and job postings in collaboration with hiring manager(s). Interview candidates for management and Country Director positions.
• In conjunction with regional office staff, develop, implement and oversee relocation, immigration, and repatriation processes for all employees.
• Develop and track employment contracts for international hires (expatriate, third country national, and host country national staff), including recommendations for allowances, etc. Oversee other expatriate management processes and programs.
• Develop and implement on-boarding and orientation processes for headquarters staff, regional and country director hires.
• Serve as a resource and internal consultant on employment law and regulations for domestic and global staff.
• Provide guidance to Country Directors to ensure that each field office has Human Resources practices and policies that are aligned with HKI’s culture, strategy, objectives and standards.
• Manage all aspects of performance management program; ensure completion of probation appraisal forms; administer annual employee evaluation process and merit review. Provide supervisory and employee counseling focused on timely issue resolution.
• Develop and oversee management training programs to enhance the effectiveness of supervisory staff.
• Oversee the HKI HRMS system and ensure collection and entry of timely and accurate data for employee records. Train supervisory staff in the use of the system.
• Protect interests of employees and the Agency in accordance with HKI Human Resources policies and governmental laws and regulations. In collaboration with the SVP/COO, address employee relations issues as they arise; provide recommendations for terminations, and review employee appeals through established grievance procedure.
• Conduct exit interviews for departing domestic and international staff.
• Determine and recommend employee relations practices necessary to establish a positive employer-employee relationship and promote a high level of employee morale.
• In conjunction with the Senior Management Team and HKI program staff, oversee the development, implementation and evaluation of an intern and volunteer program.

Training:

• Assess the Human Resources developmental training needs for the Agency, including domestic, expatriate, third country national and local national staff.
• Identify and/or develop internal Human Resources training initiatives, and facilitate delivery to both domestic and international staff.
• Research external training alternatives and provide cost analysis to senior managers.

Compensation:

• Partner with Senior Management Team to develop an annual compensation strategy.
• Manage the compensation planning and administration process.
• Participate in applicable salary surveys to identify issues where HKI salaries may not be competitive with the local marketplace.
• Recommend changes to salary ranges and guidelines when warranted by market data.

Benefits:

• Manage the negotiation, implementation and administration of benefit programs and various agency insurance policies.
• Collaborate with Regional and Country Directors to ensure that local staff benefits follow best practices and are compliant with local requirements.
• Coordinate the review and revision of ancillary benefits as appropriate.
• Develop communication strategy when changes are made to benefit plans.

Administration:

• Formulate, recommend and communicate Human Resources policies and procedures for the agency, both domestic and international.
• Identify legal requirements and government reporting regulations affecting Human Resources function. Monitor exposure of the Agency. Direct the preparation of information requested or required for compliance. Act as a secondary contact with labor counsel and outside government agencies.
• Stay current on all Human Resources employment policies, practices and trends, and keep senior management informed of new developments. Make recommendations to ensure HKI remains compliant and continues to be an employer of choice.
• Support Human Resources related InterAction initiatives, surveys and meetings, such as gender and diversity initiatives.

Board:

• Assist the SVP/COO in supporting the Board of Trustees Human Resources and Compensation Committee, preparing analyses and reports as requested.

Supervisory Responsibilities:
Directly supervise two Human Resources Department employees in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws, including interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; and addressing complaints and resolving problems.

Requirements/Qualifications:

• Masters Degree with 8-10 years of broad generalist experience in a multi-location environment.
• International Human Resources experience in a non-governmental organization (NGO) required; experience with USAID and other government funder regulations a plus.
• Exceptional managerial skills and ability to lead by example.
• Demonstrated ability to think strategically, tactically and creatively.
• Ability to distill ideas, clarify issues and have the know-how to facilitate dialogue/foster open communication among colleagues, peers and a variety of constituencies.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to build collaborative relationships with Human Resources staff and employees from diverse backgrounds.
• Demonstrated high level of personal and professional integrity and quality standards.
• Strong operational and analytical skills, with a strong attention to detail.
• Strong computing skills with an emphasis on the Microsoft Office suite of products; experience with HRMS systems required. Experience with UltiPro is highly desired.
• PHR, SPHR or GPHR certification is a strong plus, but is not required.
• Periodic travel to domestic and international locations may be required.

To Apply:
Interested applicants must submit: (1) cover letter, (2) current resume, and (3) short writing samples (2-3 pages), to Ms. Lori S. Tiller, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, at hkihr@hki.org. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.