The Opportunity Network Director of People and Culture

Positively Partners

7d • Remote

About The Position

The Opportunity Network (OppNet) is seeking a Director of People and Culture to lead its people function during a significant organizational transition, including the expected arrival of a new CEO in early 2027. This role is crucial for shaping the organization's future, guiding staff through change, and building a strong people foundation. OppNet emphasizes an asset-based approach to people leadership, focusing on employee strengths and individual needs. The Director will serve as the senior HR practitioner, managing daily operations, guiding staff and managers, upholding culture and values, and supporting the incoming CEO's integration. The role involves supervising the Senior Coordinator of People and Culture.

Requirements

• Eight or more years of progressive experience in HR, people operations, or organizational development, including at least three years leading an HR function managing people or comparable scope and ownership, even without the formal title.
• A track record of guiding organizations through change, such as leadership transitions or fluctuations in resources, ideally in a mission-driven or nonprofit setting.
• Broad HR generalist expertise and an enthusiasm for hands-on work across all areas of the function, including benefits administration, payroll, employee relations, and compliance.
• Strong knowledge of employment law and HR compliance, including New York State and City requirements.
• Previous experience managing workforces across multiple states of residence.
• Exceptional interpersonal, facilitation, and conflict-resolution skills, with a demonstrated ability to build trust and influence across all levels of an organization.
• Experience building effective talent systems, including recruitment, onboarding, professional development, and performance management.
• A strength for developing HR processes and tools that improve efficiency, transparency, and accountability.
• An asset-based, employee-centered approach to people leadership.
• Experience fostering connection and belonging within a remote or distributed workforce.
• Sound judgment, discretion, and integrity in handling sensitive and confidential information.
• Experience with an HRIS (ADP Workforce Now preferred).

Nice To Haves

• Genuinely motivated by OppNet's mission and sees people operations as a powerful way to advance social impact.

Responsibilities

• Partner with the Senior Director of Strategic Initiatives & Impact and the leadership team to plan and implement the people-related aspects of organizational change, including the onboarding and integration of the incoming CEO.
• Develop and carry out change management plans, supporting clear, timely, and transparent communication with staff about organizational shifts.
• Serve as a trusted resource for staff during transition, surfacing concerns, monitoring morale and engagement, and recommending responses to leadership.
• Equip managers with the tools and coaching needed to lead their teams through change.
• Adapt people policies, practices, and structures as organizational priorities evolve, with attention to sustainability and available resources.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations.
• Oversee benefits administration and leave management, and help staff understand and make full use of OppNet's benefits.
• Partner with Finance on payroll and manage the People and Culture budget, including cost tracking, forecasting, and annual budgeting.
• Maintain and update the employee handbook and people policies.
• Manage and strengthen OppNet's people systems, including the HRIS (ADP Workforce Now) and applicant tracking system.
• In partnership with the Senior Director of Strategic Initiatives & Impact, maintain OppNet's compensation approach and recommend adjustments to ensure pay is competitive, fair, and equitable.
• Manage the full employee lifecycle, including recruitment, onboarding, performance management, retention, and offboarding.
• Lead structured, equitable hiring processes in partnership with hiring managers, aligned with the core competencies for each role.
• Design orientation and onboarding experiences that work well for a remote and hybrid workforce.
• Support managers in using performance management systems to create strong individual development plans, and identify professional development opportunities responsive to individual and organizational needs.
• In time, and in partnership with leadership, spearhead the creation and implementation of a learning and development program to support professional development across the organization.
• Conduct exit interviews and use retention and exit data to inform improvements.
• Design and administer staff engagement and culture surveys, analyze results, and create opportunities for staff and teams to process findings and set priorities.
• Manage employee relations, ensuring staff concerns are addressed promptly, fairly, and confidentially.
• Coach and advise managers and leaders on HR best practices and effective management.
• Facilitate learning and dialogue around inclusion, psychological safety, and leadership accountability.
• Supervise, coach, and develop the Senior Coordinator of People and Culture.
• Participate in organization-wide learning sessions, working groups, and optional affinity groups.
• Shape and attend All-Hands meetings (~monthly) and State of OppNet meetings (~quarterly), and shape and attend weekly team meetings, periodic team retreats, and annual institution-wide retreats.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance, supplemented by an HRA Flexible Spending Account
• Paid family leave (up to 100% coverage for twelve weeks)
• Life insurance
• 403(b) retirement plan for full-time employees
• Generous paid time off, including four weeks of vacation, winter break, wellness time, and holidays

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: No Education Listed