About Us

The National Democratic Institute is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization working to support and strengthen democratic institutions worldwide through citizen participation, openness, and accountability in government. Help support democracy worldwide by joining our team!

About the Role

The Director, Human Resources, US, will oversee a team of HR professionals based in NDI’s headquarters. Reporting to the CHRO, this position partners with management and employees to provide outstanding human resources support to a diverse employee population.

The Director will be a critical partner to NDI’s unionized workforce and management team. The person in this role will develop, implement, and continuously monitor HR systems, policies, projects, and procedures, including advising on the collective bargaining agreement, training and advising staff on labor relations, and supporting positive relations between union and non-union staff. Bringing deep knowledge of all aspects of human resources, with a particular emphasis on employee and labor relations, the Director, Human Resources will supervise US HR staff.

Your Purpose and Impact:

• Provide Human Resources leadership, acting as a leader, advisor, and consultant for HR staff and NDI management and staff, providing guidance and oversight to ensure that appropriate actions are taken to address and achieve solutions for issues and needs related to performance, discipline, work relationships, or other workplace issues that impact the work environment/culture, the achievement of organizational objectives, and/or compliance with organizational policies/procedures and/or relevant U.S. and/or international employment laws/regulations.
• Recommend and implement new policies or practices to address changing organizational or compliance needs and improve the HR function's efficiency and quality.
• Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of NDI policies, related procedures, and relevant federal and local employment laws, educating and providing guidance to management and staff to ensure accurate interpretation and application and required compliance. Ensure knowledge, understanding, and application of the collective bargaining agreement (CBA) provisions.
• Serve as the primary HR representative to the union, including sitting on the labor-management committee, participating in collective bargaining negotiations, and serving as the point of contact for grievances and labor-management concerns as they arise.
• Build trust-based, collaborative, and respectful relationships with management and staff, partnering with others across the organization and within Human Resources to create a positive work environment/culture through effective communications, policies, and practices. Leads and/or participates in meetings within Human Resources, with teams and others across the organization, as well as with external vendors and stakeholders as required.
• Proactively identify programs and practices to build positive union and non-union staff relationships.
• Supervise headquarters-based HR staff.
• Coaches HR staff and leadership on employee and labor relations issues in compliance with the CBA, applicable law, and best practices. Develops tools, templates, and processes to manage employee relations. Handles employee and labor relations concerns from their designated portfolio and complicated ER and labor issues or investigations.
• Create, lead, and partner with HR staff and NDI’s Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Council on initiatives and programs to strengthen diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in HR, education, or a related field.
• A minimum of 10 years of Human Resources leadership experience, preferably a global nonprofit, with a breadth and depth of generalist experience across Human Resources functions/areas, including compliance; talent management/strategy; organizational development, including training design/delivery; performance management; diversity, equity, and inclusion with an emphasis on employee relations.
• Experience in a union environment is required, including knowledge of the National Labor Relations Act, the National Labor Relations Board, and federal court precedent and familiarity with applying this knowledge to manage risk and ensure compliance.
• In-depth knowledge of DEI principles, policies, and best practices, focusing on an organization's unique challenges and opportunities.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated analytical and writing skills with an ability to communicate processes and policy and contribute to strategic initiatives.
• Strong project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and a proven track record of designing and implementing successful HR programs.
• Have a proven track record influencing stakeholders across distinct functions, including C-suite leaders.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships across all levels of the organization.
• Strong project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Ability to work independently and lead in a hybrid work environment.
• Staff management experience is highly desired.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated analytical and writing skills with an ability to communicate processes and policy as well as contribute to strategic initiatives.
• SHRMP or HRCI certification preferred.
• Outstanding cross-cultural skills; experience with a diverse, global workforce preferred.

What We Offer:

We offer an environment committed to promoting diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging as a core part of our culture. We strive to foster empowerment and belonging as these values are central to our mission and to our impact. We believe that diversity in thought helps us solve the complex problems we face around the globe.

We offer a comprehensive benefits package which includes health, dental, vision, a generous PTO policy, flexible schedules, and a 10% employer contribution to the retirement pension.

This position offers an anticipated salary range of approximately $119,200 - $155,000.

Additional Information:

While there may be flexibility for remote/hybrid work environment and to comply with tax and legal obligations, successful candidates must be residents of MD, DC, or VA, or relocate prior to the start of employment at NDI.

Candidates must be legally eligible to work in the U.S. NDI does not provide sponsorship.

NDI is an equal opportunity employer (EEO). As such, NDI makes employment decisions and provides equal employment opportunity without regard to an applicant’s or employee’s race, religion, color, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal, state and local laws. As an equal opportunity employer, NDI encourages individuals with disabilities, including disabled veterans or veterans with service-connected disabilities, to apply.

If you need reasonable accommodation in the application or hiring process, please notify NDI’s Human Resources department at Human_Resources_team@ndi.org. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)