2024-174 Director, People and Culture - Ocean Conservancy

POSITION TITLE: Director, People and Culture

DEPARTMENT/PROGRAM: People and Culture

REPORTS TO: Chief of People and Culture

STATUS: Full-Time, Exempt

LOCATION: Washington, DC (hybrid)

ABOUT OCEAN CONSERVANCY

Ocean Conservancy works to protect the ocean from today’s greatest global challenges. Together with our partners, we create evidence-based solutions for a healthy ocean and the wildlife and communities that depend on it.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Director, People and Culture, leads both strategic and tactical activities associated with several key People and Culture/HR functions including talent acquisition strategy; performance management strategy; learning and development; diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI); culture/employee engagement; employee relations; benefits; compensation; and the development and implementation of HR policies and procedures. The position supports a population of executives, exempt employees and non-exempt employees located in multiple states and includes supervisory responsibility for three People and Culture staff positions.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• In concert with the Chief People and Culture Officer, develops, implements and manages HR-related programs to effectively support Ocean Conservancy’s People and Culture operations and align with institutional priorities. This includes designing effective strategies for talent acquisition, employee engagement, performance management, learning and development, total rewards and DEI to name a few. These programs will fuel and facilitate the hiring and retention of highly productive, effective and engaged staff at all levels.
• Designs an equitable talent acquisition strategy to effectively source and orient top talent.
• Defines Ocean Conservancy’s total rewards strategy; oversees the benefits programs, including vendor and broker relationships, renewals and analysis.
• Collaborates with the Benefits Specialist to ensure equitable and compliant leaves of absence and reporting.
• Manages Ocean Conservancy’s compensation policies and practices, ensuring equity across the institution for current and incoming staff.
• Creates comprehensive learning and development programs for all staff, supervisors and executives with a focus on leadership skills building, team skills, DEI and compliance.
• Leads the annual performance management and promotions processes; provides ongoing training and counseling to staff regarding performance management.
• Champions a positive culture rooted in appreciation and Ocean Conservancy’s Social Norms by implementing recognition programs and staff connection opportunities.
• Partners with leaders across the institution to develop Ocean Conservancy’s strategic DEI direction and ensures alignment in all areas of people-focused programs.
• Instrumental in the work of our justice, equity, diversity and inclusion (J.E.D.I.) task force to develop and achieve clear, actionable and sustainable goals.
• Serves as Ocean Conservancy’s liaison for key external partnerships, including the Roger Arliner Young Fellowship program, Non-Profit Executive Forum, Think Tank Consortium – DC and Diversity Leaders Forum.
• Oversees the success of all internship partnerships and engagements.
• Develops and implements policies and practices that support a healthy culture; directs the implementation, interpretation and application of policies and practices to ensure equity and consistency.
• Stays abreast of relevant developments and changes in employment law to ensure that Ocean Conservancy policies and practices are up to date and effective for all states in which Ocean Conservancy employs staff.
• Resolves sensitive employee relations issues with the goal of promoting a positive and inclusive work environment.
• Participates in the development of institutional communications that support overall People and Culture programs and their success with members of the People and Culture team and the Internal Communications Director.
• Directs the daily workflow of the People and Culture team.
• Other duties as assigned by the Chief People and Culture Officer.

REQUIRED SKILLS/QUALIFICATIONS/EXPERIENCE

• 8-10 years demonstrated success in senior level, hands-on HR roles.
• Strong experience in talent acquisition, establishing training and development programs, culture building and retention.
• Strong understanding of employment laws; ability to research and stay up to date on HR and compliance changes for multiple states.
• Ability to review benefits, policies and practices and identify gaps and recommend solutions to support relevance, equity and efficiencies.
• An effective project leader who is attentive to details and adheres strictly to deadlines and deliverables.
• High ethical standards and ability to maintain absolute confidentiality in all employee situations.
• Expertise in diversity, equity and inclusion best practices.
• A respected people leader with experience coaching and leading individuals and teams to success; ability to foster trust and inspire confidence in leaders and individuals.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills; capable of reaching across institutional hierarchies and structures.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
• Ability to develop and administer realistic budgets and a solid understanding of the financial impact of HR programs and services.
• Proficient HR software acumen and mature computer skills including Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, applicant tracking, project and performance management and training.
• Experience with ADP software or similar HR information system.
• Non-profit experience in a similar organizational structure is a plus.

EDUCATION/TRAINING

• Bachelor’s degree in human resources, business, or relevant work experience. HR Certification Institute or Society for Human Resource Management certifications are a plus.

COMPENSATION

Ocean Conservancy is committed to equity in its pay practices and posts expected salary ranges for each of its positions. Compensation will be commensurate with the candidate’s specialty skills, years of experience, location, and unique background. The expected salary range is $119,033 to $148,844. We would welcome the opportunity to connect with potential candidates whose salary requirements may be outside of the expected range.

HYBRID WORK ENVIRONMENT

Ocean Conservancy embraces a hybrid work environment, which allows our staff the flexibility to work virtually and in-person while building strong connections across the institution.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Ocean Conservancy provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

We encourage applicants who have a diverse level and range of relevant skills and experiences to apply. A 100% match is not required. We want to support employees’ career growth and in return, our employees help Ocean Conservancy grow into a stronger, more inclusive institution.