Director of Human Resources

Fund for Science and Technology • Seattle, WA

6d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Fund for Science and Technology is a new private foundation that is part of the Paul G. Allen philanthropic ecosystem.

Founded in 2022 and launched in 2025, we enable accelerated discovery and catalyze progress for people and the planet through transformational science and technology. The foundation works to advance bioscience, accelerate solutions for the environment, and leverage the power of AI for the benefit of Earth and humanity, supporting work in the lab and across the ecosystem of scientific research, collaboration, and innovation.
Together, we strive to advance the frontiers of science and maximize the benefits it offers the world.

POSITION SUMMARY
FFST seeks a strategic, hands-on Director of Human Resources with a strong foundation in recruiting, HR systems, performance management, employee relations, employee development, compliance, and organizational partnerships.

The Director of HR takes a proactive approach to resolving complex challenges, delivers exceptional support to internal stakeholders and is a collaborative and empathetic HR leader with a focus on helping people and building programs that make a tangible impact.

The Director of Human Resources is pivotal in designing and executing innovative HR strategies and programs that drive the organization's success. The Director will own all critical HR areas, including talent management/recruitment, compensation, benefits, performance management, development, compliance, organizational development, culture, and employee relations.

Requirements

• Demonstrated strategic HR excellence, including leading/participating in change initiatives, and in-depth knowledge of employment laws and applicable regulations.
• Proven experience designing and administering compensation plans and conducting market analysis.
• Strong knowledge of HRIS systems and reporting tools.
• Familiarity with U.S. immigration processes and working with immigration counsel or in-house legal teams.
• Solid understanding of employment law and compliance requirements across multiple jurisdictions.
• Experience overseeing benefits administration and managing vendor relationships.
• Demonstrated skills in providing creative leadership; analytical and conceptual skills/abilities to identify, analyze, and resolve problems creatively and strategically.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, presentation, and meeting facilitation skills.
• Effective persuasion and influencing skills and the ability to negotiate and diffuse conflict.
• Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to interpret and act on data.
• Strong interpersonal skills and proven leadership experience with a solid track record of collaborating with senior management.
• A proactive leader in change management, demonstrated personal credibility and trustworthiness, and a strong aptitude to proactively identify problems and propose effective solutions.
• Talented professional and self-starter, with high self-confidence and strong leadership skills.
• Ability to work independently, prioritize effectively, and maintain confidentiality.
• MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook)
• Must be familiar with ATS and HRIS systems
• Bachelor’s degree (B.A. or B.S.) from an accredited institution and 12 plus years broad HR experience with 3 years at a Director level in a dynamic, innovative, demanding environment, OR, equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Limited travel expected
• Ability to travel and work outside of typical work hours (i.e., early mornings and/or late evenings) when required to accommodate various time zones.

Nice To Haves

• SPHR certification preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic HR guidance to ensure programs align with organizational goals and employee needs.
• Serve as HR Business Partner, advising leadership on people strategy, organizational effectiveness, and adoption of HR initiatives.
• Lead change management efforts that enhance engagement, productivity, and overall organizational performance.
• Develop, implement, maintain, and report on HR strategies, policies, and programs across the organization.
• Provide input and guidance on configuration, optimization, and maintenance requirements of the HRIS platform.
• Lead initiatives related to system automation, data accuracy, reporting, and enhancements.
• Serve as the subject-matter expert for HR reporting and analytics.
• Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local employment laws (FLSA, FMLA, ADA, EEOC, etc.).
• Monitor regulatory changes, recommend policy updates, and oversee HR audits and reporting (AAP, EEO-1).
• Maintain accurate documentation and records to support compliance requirements.
• Lead the design and execution of the performance management framework, promoting accountability and professional growth.
• Manage the annual review cycle, including goal‑setting, mid‑year reviews, evaluations, and calibrations.
• Coach leaders on effective feedback, performance improvement, and talent development.
• Use data to identify trends, skill gaps, and organizational development needs.
• Lead employee engagement strategy focused on culture, inclusion, and organizational connection.
• Oversee surveys, interpret results, identify themes, and drive action plans.
• Advise leaders on improving team communication, motivation, and employee experience.
• Use qualitative and quantitative insights to measure and improve engagement.
• Lead executive search strategies and partner with leadership and search firms to recruit top-tier talent.
• Provide oversight and strategic direction for the talent acquisition function and workforce planning.
• Will oversee employee relocation program in partnership with an external vendor.
• Apply a change‑management mindset when organizational shifts occur, identifying key stakeholders, impacts, and communications.
• Partner with leaders to create clear, simple plans and communications strategies that anticipate employee questions and support smooth transitions.
• Gather feedback and adjust plans to ensure changes are understood and adopted.
• Oversee HR team operations, including hiring, training, coaching, workforce planning, and performance management.
• Manage HR department budgeting and financial planning.
• Provide leadership to ensure high-quality service delivery across all HR functions.
• Develop and implement a learning strategy that supports capability building and career progression.
• Assess organizational training needs and design targeted learning solutions and leadership development programs.
• Manage onboarding, external learning partnerships, and continuous improvement of training programs.
• Promote a culture of learning through ongoing development initiatives.

Benefits

• Foundation-sponsored medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance plans for the employee and their eligible dependents.
• Retirement savings plan, which includes a generous 15% employer contribution each year, up to IRS limits, and is subject to a vesting schedule.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director