Associate Director, Employee Recognition Programs

Fitch Group • New York, NY

89d • $125,000 - $145,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

Fitch Group is seeking an Associate Director, Employee Recognition Programs to lead the design, strategy, and governance of company-wide employee recognition initiatives. This high-impact role will advance a culture of appreciation by developing innovative, scalable programs aligned with Fitch’s values and strategic goals. Working closely with senior leadership and cross-functional teams, you will leverage expertise in employee experience, change management, and organizational psychology to deliver both enterprise and grassroots recognition initiatives. You will drive stakeholder engagement, program development, and continuous improvement through data-driven evaluation and strategic communications, embedding appreciation into the employee experience at every level and inspiring outstanding contributions across Fitch Group. The position is part of the Employee Communications team. The team’s mission is to build identity, belief, and loyalty across multiple Fitch brands while fostering a cohesive Fitch Group mindset. In partnership with the business, the team elevates key information, drives behaviors to achieve business goals, and creates pride and belonging. Employee Recognition will be a new capability that helps amplify strengths, support business outcomes, and create shared experiences that build community and loyalty, directly supporting the team's mission to motivate and engage employees in their roles.

Requirements

• Proven experience in consulting, employee experience, change management, organizational psychology, or strategy, preferably within a global organization.
• 5-7 years of related experience in program management, strategy, or organizational development.
• Undergraduate degree required; advanced degree in organizational psychology, business, or related field preferred.
• Strong project management skills with experience leading organization-wide change or transformation initiatives. Ability to work self-reliantly and effectively plan, organize, and execute multiple initiatives simultaneously, often while operating in ambiguity.
• Excellent communication, influencing, and stakeholder management skills, with demonstrated ability to drive strategic outcomes and engage employees at all levels.
• Data-driven mindset with experience in employee experience analytics and measurement of cultural programs. Ability to analyze program metrics and derive actionable insights.
• Design thinker with a consulting toolkit—comfortable with ambiguity, able to synthesize complex information and develop actionable recommendations to engage and motivate employees.
• Experience with digital engagement platforms, recognition technologies, change management tools, and governance frameworks for program sustainability and scalability across global teams.
• Ability to develop and implement governance frameworks for program sustainability and scalability across global teams.

Nice To Haves

• Change management certification (e.g., Prosci, ACMP), strategy development for HR or employee experience programs, and familiarity with organizational development and culture transformation methodologies are a plus.

Responsibilities

• Strategy & Program Development: Leverage expertise in organizational psychology, employee experience, and change management to develop a strategy to advance a culture of appreciation, then design and execute innovative employee recognition programs that drive strategic cultural transformation. Conduct research on global best practices and develop program guidelines, rewards criteria, and milestones aligned with Fitch Group’s values and business objectives.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Apply consulting and advisory skills to build strong relationships and collaborate with senior leadership, HR, and department heads. Facilitate workshops and meetings to gather insights and tailor recognition programs that address diverse employee needs across functions and regions, ensuring stakeholder buy-in and integration with organizational goals.
• Implementation & Management: Utilize advanced program management methodologies to develop detailed project plans for recognition initiatives and events. Coordinate logistics, resources, and timelines, and establish a sustainable model for adaptation and scalability across departments and regions, maintaining consistency while accommodating local nuances.
• Evaluation & Reporting: Use quantitative and qualitative research methods to create a framework for measuring program effectiveness. Set KPIs, utilize data analytics tools to track participation rates, employee satisfaction, and impact on retention. Compile reports with insights and actionable recommendations for program enhancements, and present findings to senior management.
• Program Communications: Develop change management communications and lead the execution of comprehensive communication plans to raise awareness and boost participation in recognition programs. Utilize various channels including internal newsletters, intranet, social media, and employee meetings to disseminate information, craft compelling messages, and foster a culture of appreciation.
• Budget Management: Develop and oversee budgets for employee recognition initiatives, ensuring strategic resource allocation and cost-effectiveness without compromising quality. Monitor expenditures, identify cost-saving opportunities, and provide regular budget reports and forecasts.

Benefits

• Hybrid Work Environment: 3 days a week in office required based on your line of business and location
• A Culture of Learning & Mobility: Dedicated trainings, leadership development and mentorship programs designed to ensure that your time at Fitch will be a continuous learning opportunity
• Investing in Your Future: Retirement planning and tuition reimbursement programs that empower you to achieve your short and long-term goals
• Promoting Health & Wellbeing: Comprehensive healthcare offerings that enable physical, mental, financial, social, and occupational wellbeing
• Supportive Parenting Policies: Family-friendly policies, including a generous global parental leave plan, designed to help you balance career and family life effectively
• Inclusive Work Environment: A collaborative workplace where all voices are valued, with Employee Resource Groups that unite and empower our colleagues around the globe
• Dedication to Giving Back: Paid volunteer days, matched funding for donations and ample opportunities to volunteer in your community

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees