Executive Director, Human Resources

Politico•Arlington, VA

5d•$190,000 - $215,000

About The Position

POLITICO is seeking a strategic, consultative, and data-driven Executive Director of Human Resources to lead HR across North America. Reporting to the COO, this leader will advise executive leadership and connect talent strategy to business priorities through insights, recommendations, and counsel. The role combines strategic advisory leadership with hands-on execution, and includes developing the HR team and fostering a high-performing, accountable, and engaged workforce. The Executive Director will lead workforce analysis and reporting, including attrition, retention, turnover drivers, engagement, headcount, and talent movement. They will translate data and organizational challenges into actionable recommendations, develop targeted retention strategies, and assess the impact of interventions. The role also oversees performance and talent management, succession planning, leadership and workforce development, organizational effectiveness, change management, employee relations, and compliance. This leader will coach executives and managers, lead and develop the North American HRBP team, and collaborate with global HR colleagues and partners in talent acquisition, total rewards, HRIS, legal, and finance. The position requires strong business acumen, judgment, communication, analytical skills, and the ability to balance employee needs with business priorities in a fast-paced, evolving environment. The stated annual base salary range is $190,000–$215,000; the final offer depends on relevant experience, skills, and qualifications.

Requirements

Significant progressive HR leadership experience, including senior-level HR business partnership and broad HR functional responsibility.
Demonstrated experience advising C-suite executives and influencing business decisions through sound judgment, consultation, and evidence-based recommendations.
Strong analytical skills and the ability to interpret workforce data, identify trends and root causes, and translate findings into practical strategies.
Experience producing and presenting HR reporting, particularly attrition, retention, and workforce insights, to inform decisions and measure interventions.
Expertise in organizational effectiveness, workforce planning, talent management, performance management, leadership development, and employee relations.
Ability to coach and influence senior leaders, navigate challenging conversations, and provide candid, balanced advice on complex people matters.
Experience leading organizational change, managing employee relations issues and investigations, and advising on risk and compliance.
Ability to lead, mentor, and develop HR professionals and build a high-performing, consultative team.
Knowledge of U.S. employment laws and multi-state HR practices.
Experience with compensation, HR systems, workforce planning, and people analytics.
Excellent communication, presentation, relationship-building, and influencing skills, including communicating complex data and recommendations clearly to executive audiences.
Ability to balance strategic advisory responsibilities with hands-on execution in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
Bachelor’s degree in human resources, business, or a related field, or equivalent relevant experience.

Nice To Haves

Canadian HR experience.

Responsibilities

Advise the COO and senior leaders on organizational strategy, workforce planning, organizational design, leadership effectiveness, and talent priorities.
Analyze and report workforce trends, including attrition, retention, turnover drivers, engagement, headcount, and talent movement, and present actionable insights to leaders.
Produce regular attrition reporting, identify trends and potential root causes, and partner with leaders on targeted retention strategies and outcome monitoring.
Coach executives and managers on leadership effectiveness, team dynamics, performance, accountability, employee development, and complex people decisions.
Lead performance management, talent reviews, succession planning, talent mapping, career development, and internal mobility initiatives.
Consult with leaders on organizational structure, workforce capabilities, resource allocation, and change management.
Identify capability gaps and establish development strategies, training programs, and learning opportunities.
Guide complex employee relations matters, investigations, performance concerns, and sensitive leadership decisions; promote trust, inclusion, accountability, and respect.
Lead, mentor, and develop the North American HRBP team, setting priorities and strengthening its advisory and analytical capabilities.
Collaborate with international HR colleagues to align global people strategies with North American business needs and employment requirements.
Help ensure HR practices are effective, consistent, and compliant.
Collaborate with colleagues in talent acquisition, total rewards, HRIS, legal, and finance to support business stakeholders.