Chief Human Resources Officer (Hybrid)

  • Full-time

Company Description

Education Development Center (EDC) is one of the world’s leading nonprofit research and development firms; they design, implement, and evaluate programs to improve education, health, and economic opportunity worldwide. Collaborating with both public and private partners, EDC strives for a world where all people are empowered to live healthy, productive lives.

EDC is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace; women, minorities, people with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply. Their approach to equity, diversity, and inclusion is grounded in their commitment to respect the dignity of each individual. EDC has a commitment to promoting equity and access to high-quality education and health services that contribute to thriving communities where people from diverse backgrounds learn, live, and work together. They express their commitment to increasing equity through their strategies, services and products, which contribute to building capacity and transforming lives.

EDC has a worldwide staff of more than 1300 committed professionals, with 600 team members based in the U.S. and 700 in international, project-based offices. The organization has been growing steadily; the staff is highly committed to EDC’s mission and engaged and invested in the work. HR initiatives have expanded along with the overall organization and have been well received by all. EDC is seeking an enthusiastic and collaborative Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) to drive their people strategy. This is a big-impact opportunity for an experienced professional to lead Human Resources at EDC.

EDC employs a flexible, hybrid model with staff working from home part-time and in the office part-time. Ideally, the CHRO will work in the Waltham, MA office at least two days per week. Alternatively, the CHRO could work part-time in the Washington, DC, New York, NY, or Chicago, IL office and travel to Waltham regularly.

Job Description

Reporting directly to the President and CEO, the CHRO will provide leadership, strategic direction, and oversight for Human Resources at EDC. The CHRO, as a member of EDC’s Leadership Team, will be a valuable contributor to the success of the organization by understanding the culture, strategic and operational goals, and nature of the staff’s work, and by being a trusted advisor and partner at all levels.

The CHRO will bring a sense of urgency and a “can do” mentality to the HR team. The successful candidate will be a hands-on leader and a skilled, mission-driven problem solver who is comfortable developing strategies and “rolling up their sleeves” to implement them. The CHRO will champion a culture of equity, diversity, and inclusion at EDC. This role will oversee the planning of HR initiatives and programs, working closely with the HR team, the Chief Operating Officer, and key division leaders on the development, implementation, adoption, and adaptation of HR goals. The CHRO will hold direct responsibility for compliance, employment practices and policies, compensation and rewards, leadership development, and employee engagement.

Core Responsibilities

Leveraging a team of high-performing direct reports, the CHRO will oversee all aspects of the HR function, including benefits, talent acquisition, HR systems, employee relations, performance management, recognition, and professional development. This includes support to all EDC staff, including U.S.-based staff and international staff based in more than 20 countries.

Human Resources Leadership  

  • Enhance an open, approachable, and visible HR presence that demonstrates clear communication, evidence-based practices, and a commitment to ongoing process improvement. Establish credibility throughout the organization as an effective listener and problem solver.
  • Continually assess and improve the global competitiveness of all HR programs and practices compared to relevant organizations, industries, and markets, and stay current with emerging markets important to EDC.
  • Help guide EDC’s professional development programs to meet the needs of a rapidly-evolving workforce and workplace.
  • Develop appropriate policies and programs for effective management of EDC staff, including programs for talent acquisition, employee relations, sexual harassment, employee complaints and resolution, external education, and career development.
  • Ensure that all HR policies and programs are compliant with government rules and regulations. In the U.S., this includes (but is not limited to) ERISA, FLSA, FMLA, ADA, COBRA, OSHA, Worker’s Compensation, EEO/AA, and all other compliance and reporting requirements.
  • Set and direct compensation and total rewards policies and practices.  
  • Lead Human Resources Information Systems (HRIS) worldwide and ensure the integrity of all systems.
  • Lead HR compliance and serve as the Affirmative Action Officer and Retirement Plan Fiduciary. Human Resources Team Management
  • Cultivate a high-performing HR department focused on EDC’s evolving needs, and create a clear vision for the team marked by collaboration and transparency.
  • Lead and collaborate with the HR Director and Sr. HR Manager to translate the strategic and tactical business priorities into global HR strategic and operational plans.
  • Mentor HR staff, assessing and providing development opportunities for each member.
  • Maintain knowledge of HR policies, programs, laws, and issues. Understand the differences of domestic and international policies and programs, and coordinate the integration of all such programs.

Qualifications

Ideal Candidate

Competencies and attributes for the CHRO role include consultative; curious about/interested in EDC’s work; a thoughtful decision maker; analytical and attentive to detail; strong business acumen; powerful communicator; confident and resilient; active and empathetic listener; emotionally intelligent; ethical; strong global and cultural awareness; inspiring leader and colleague; committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion; motivator, mentor, and coach; collaborative team player; effective and results driven. Additional requirements, competencies, and attributes for the CHRO role include:

  •  A minimum of 15 years of HR experience with broad knowledge across multiple HR disciplines and at least 5 years of experience at executive levels. Expertise in global HR operations, leadership development, and compensation/total rewards preferred. Not-for-profit experience strongly preferred.
  • Demonstrated ability to collaborate with other members of a senior leadership team to develop overall business strategies and build agreement on HR strategy and tactics.
  • Substantial and successful record of developing and implementing professional development programs, working through a matrix organization to achieve goals in a highly-decentralized environment.
  • Success with continuous improvement initiatives, resulting in improved operational performance  
  • Comprehensive working knowledge of all federal, state, and local regulations and laws as applicable to HR.
  • Demonstrated understanding of/competence working with culturally-diverse populations
  • Excellent verbal, written, and presentation skills with the ability to relate well to all levels of an organization.
  • Ability to build appropriate rapport using tact, diplomacy, and discretion.
  • Proven comfort with diffusing high-tension situations.
  • Ability to manage competing priorities while remaining competent in strategic thinking and systematic planning.
  • Proven ability to resolve complex problems impacting people, processes, and programs.
  • High degree of creativity, patience, and energy with a sense of humor.
  • Bachelor’s degree in a related field required. Master’s degree or equivalent preferred.
  • Fluency in at least one language beyond English strongly preferred (French or Spanish ideal).
  • Familiarity with the constraints and opportunities in a soft-money environment (government grants and contracts, philanthropic partnerships, etc.) strongly preferred.

Additional Information

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

At EDC, we prioritize the health and wellbeing of our employees, families, and friends above all else. In response to the increased transmissibility with recent variants and in compliance with President Biden’s Executive Order for Federal Contractors, all US-based EDC employees must be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 and provide proof thereof, as a condition of employment. Accommodations due to medical or religious exemptions will be considered.