Senior Manager, People and Culture

Remote – US-based, location-specific (NY-metro area)

Overview of AJWS

American Jewish World Service (AJWS) is the leading Jewish organization working to fight poverty and pursue justice in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean. By supporting hundreds of social change organizations in 17 countries, we respond to the most pressing issues of our time—from disasters, genocide and hunger, to the persecution of women and minorities worldwide. With Jewish values and a global reach, AJWS is making a difference in millions of lives and bringing a more just and equitable world closer for all.

Position Summary

Reporting to the Vice President of People and Culture, the Senior Manager of People and Culture (the “Sr. Manager”), is a key stakeholder and serves as a member of the division’s leadership team. In partnership with the Vice President of People and Culture and the Associate Director of People and Culture, the Sr. Manager will foster and steward a people-focused progressive human resources approach that nurtures a positive, productive values-aligned organizational culture for all staff. The Sr. Manager is responsible for managing a variety of key Human Resources functions and initiatives and will play a critical role in the strategic development and execution of AJWS’s organizational development and talent management strategies, while simultaneously ensuring organizational wide compliance with all workplace policies and procedures.

The Sr. Manager must be skilled at addressing issues in a confident and equitable manner with a strong ability to develop and implement solutions designed to strengthen employment relationships, support organizational goals, and meet regulatory requirements. The ideal candidate is someone who can serve as a thought partner to the Vice President of People and Culture, has a servant leadership mindset and is passionate about diversity, equity and inclusion. The ideal candidate will have the ability to provide high-level support with budget management, performance management, staffing at all levels, is people focused, centered and driven, has excellent verbal and written communication skills, a strong ability to lead others through change, and superb time management skills.

Under the direction of the Vice President of People and Culture, the responsibilities the senior manager of People and Culture will include, but are not limited to:

  • Serve as a member of the People and Culture leadership team and provide management level business partner supports to the Vice President of People and Culture in their day-to-day functions. 
  • Partner with the Vice President of People and the Associate Director of People and Culture to understand, develop and implement the organization’s human resources and talent strategy in order to meet current and future talent needs through recruiting, retention and succession planning utilizing HR metrics and data. 
  • Function as the Business Partner to various divisions within the organization to include the management of all human resources related functions, up to and including recruitment and staffing, contract renewals, and leaves administration. (This list is not exhaustive.) 
  • Responsible for managing labor and employee relations matters for assigned divisions, including investigations and disciplinary action and supporting the Vice President of People and Culture as needed with the administration of collective bargaining agreements. 
  • Lead and contribute to conversations around vision and strategies, specifically focused on initiatives that will shape People and Culture and offer strategic input to facilitate positive organizational change.  
  • Serve as backup to the Vice President of People and Culture in the absence of the Associate Director of People and Culture, including attending and leading meetings and providing leadership support to all members of the People and Culture team. 
  • Partner with the Sr. Payroll and Benefits Specialist and serve as backup and support on payroll matters, including the final review of AJWS’s semi-monthly payroll, as needed.   
  • Provides support to AJWS employees from on-boarding, through the employee lifecycle, including promotions, job expansions, reclassifications, change management, and separations (voluntary and involuntary).  
  • Demonstrate inclusive leadership practices in hiring, leading, training, coaching and evaluation of diverse staff in alignment with AJWS’s values.  
  • In partnership with the People and Culture Operations Lead, manage human resources processes such as personnel record management to ensure compliance with all federal, state and local labor laws, organizational policies, standards and procedures.  
  • In partnership with the People and Culture Operations Lead, maintain oversight of AJWS’s employee handbook and ensure continuous compliance with updated policies therein.  
  • Responsible for oversight, guidance and management of all temporary staff members within People and Culture. 
  • Works closely with management and team members to ensure a continuum of improved work relationships, build morale, and increase productivity and retention across the organization. 
  • Supports the Vice President of People and Culture with ensuring continued partnership development with DEI and, in partnership with the Operations Lead, serves as the point person and liaison for the DEI division and working groups. 
  • Other duties as assigned by the Vice President of People and Culture.

Required Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Human Resources Management, Human Resources and Employment/Labor Relations, Global Human Resources with a minimum of 4-6 years of progressive experience in the Human Resources arena managing and/or providing high-level oversight and/or direct support in areas, such as talent acquisition and retention, payroll, compensation and benefits, leave management and administration, labor and employee relations; or  
  • Bachelor’s degree in a similar field with 6 years of progressive experience in the Human Resources arena managing and/or providing high-level oversight and/or direct support in areas, such as talent acquisition and retention, payroll, compensation and benefits, leave management and administration, labor and employee relations.  
  • Commitment to AJWS’s mission and core values. 
  • Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. 
  • Senior level project management skills and the ability to take a project from conception to completion. 
  • Ability to communicate with individuals at all levels in the organization and with external business contacts in an articulate, professional manner. 
  • Ability to work independently, meet deadlines, and multi-task while maintaining quality standards; 
  • Ability to create people-centered initiatives that inspire a collaborative remote work environment. 
  • Expertise and knowledge of human resources compliance protocols, as well as local, state and federal labor and employment laws. 
  • Minimum of 3 years of experience working in the Non-profit sector. 
  • Prior experience working in a unionized environment.  
  • Superior interpersonal, negotiation and conflict resolution skills.  
  • Expert level experience with Microsoft Office 365.  
  • Expert level experience with HRIS systems. 

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Master’s degree in Human Resources, Human Resources Management, Global Human Resources, Organizational Change Management, Employment/Labor Relations, or Business Administration.  
  • Human Resources Certification (e.g. PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP) 
  • International/Global Human Resources experience (*highly preferred) 
  • Experience working for a National Human Rights/Global Humanitarian Non-Profit Organization of 100+ employees (*highly preferred) 

Additional Information:

  • Salary: $77,000-$100,250
  • Location: Remote – US-based, location-specific (New York metro area)
    *This role is flexible in nature, having some responsibilities that can be performed virtually from a home office and some responsibilities that must be performed in person at AJWS Global Headquarters.
  • This role is full time (40 HRS), Exempt

Compensation and Benefits Information

  • AJWS is committed to a salary framework that aligns with our culture and values. The compensation range reflected is in alignment with our framework and individual pay decisions will vary based on skills and experience while still allowing for growth.
  • Paid Time Off: 15-22 Federal and religious holidays off each year in addition to generous vacation and sick days;
  • Full health benefits coverage with minimal contribution by employees;
  • 403(b): 4.25% company match (safe harbor);
  • Flexible Spending Account and Commuter Benefits;
  • Workplace flexibility and generous leave policy.

Additional Considerations

Black, Indigenous and People of Color; Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Intersex, Trans and Gender non-conforming people; women; and differently abled people are encouraged to apply. We also encourage applications from people of diverse religious, spiritual and cultural backgrounds.

As an organization committed to promoting social justice around the world, it is essential that we incorporate a diverse, equitable and inclusive lens into all aspects of our work at AJWS. We encourage applicants with a global perspective and a commitment to values around diversity, equity, and inclusion to apply.

Authorization to work in the US is required.

How to Apply

For immediate consideration, apply below. Applications submitted without a resume and personalized cover letter will not be considered. We thank you for your interest in career opportunities with AJWS. Due to high volume, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

We thank you for your interest in career opportunities with AJWS. Due to high volume, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. No phone calls please.