Director of Human Resources

Location: Headquarters, Washington, DC
Department: Human Resources
Supervisor: Chief Financial Officer

BASIC SUMMARY:

The Director of Human Resources is responsible for developing and managing Defenders of Wildlife’s Human Resources (HR) programs.  This includes the development of short- and long-term HR strategic goals and implementation plans, benefits administration, employee relations, compensation, performance management, discipline/termination processes, HR legal compliance, and oversight of all other HR areas.  S/he also supervises the HR Associate, vendors, and interns, as appropriate. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Benefits Administration

• Develop and update as necessary Defenders benefits policies and procedures

• Administer benefits including providing information to staff, responding to inquiries, and serving as a liaison with Defenders’ external benefits broker

• Oversee the annual benefits open enrollment process including working with Defenders’  external broker to analyze existing benefits and identifying any recommended benefits changes

• Manage external vendors including ensuring high level of service and reconciliation of submitted invoices and other data

• Administer Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) and Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) programs.

Employee Relations

• Develop and manage staff retention initiatives including staff events, lunchtime learning programs, training classes and workshops

• Provide employee relations counseling, mediation, and conflict resolution

• Oversee the staff disciplinary process

• Design and conduct periodic staff climate surveys.  Use results to develop appropriate staff-focused recommendations to senior management.

Compensation

• Manage all compensation-related processes including salary increases, new hire salaries, and salary budgets

• Review salary information for staff hires, promotions, terminations, and any salary adjustments to ensure they are equitable and in compliance with organizational policy

• Perform periodic compensation analyses to include review of staff positions descriptions and salaries against external benchmarking data.

Performance Evaluations

• Manage the employee performance appraisal program.

• Manage the 360-degree feedback process

• Recommend changes to senior management as necessary.

HR Management

• Prepare and monitor the annual HR budget

• Manage HR staff to include coaching, identification of training needs, and performance evaluations

• Manage external vendors.

Other HR Responsibilities

• Oversee the on-boarding of new hires

• Oversee staff terminations and departures

• Prepare and maintain all other HR policies and procedures including the Employee Handbook

• Prepare and distribute the internal HR newsletter

• Ensure HR regulatory compliance including the preparation of external filings and reporting requests

• Maintain all HR data and systems

• Prepare and distribute internal and external HR reports

• Keep up-to-date on all HR-related benefits and regulatory changes

• Perform other ad hoc analyses and duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree (B.A./B.S.) or equivalent in Human Resources or related discipline

• Experience: 7+ years of progressively responsible HR experience, including 4+ years management/supervisory experience

• Certification/Licensure: PHR/SPHR preferred

• Other:  

• Working knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel, HR systems including HRIS and online payroll and timesheets systems; familiarity with Publisher

• Strong written and verbal communications and customer service/ interpersonal skills

• Thorough knowledge of Federal and State Labor law, Employment Law, OSHA, EEO/AAP, ERISA, COBRA, FMLA etc.

• Demonstrated leadership qualities and ability to effectively and equitably interface with all levels of employees

• Dependable, detail-oriented, organized, and able to work in a fast-paced environment with minimal supervision

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use a computer and communicate with others while doing so.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• General office working conditions, the noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.

HOW TO APPLY:

Interested applicants should submit via email a cover letter with salary history and resume to:  HR@defenders.org .  “Director of Human Resources’ should be referenced in the subject line.  (Principals only, please.)

Defenders of Wildlife provides equal employment opportunities to all qualified individuals without regard to their race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law..

COMMENTS:

All employees are required to satisfactorily perform the essential duties and responsibilities of their positions. The essential duties and responsibilities listed above are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.