Vice President of Human Resources and Administration

Foundation for Defense of Democracies•Washington, DC

2d•$210,000 - $260,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD) is seeking a Vice President of Human Resources and Administration to lead all people and operational functions. This executive will be responsible for designing, implementing, and managing the HR infrastructure and administrative engine of a growing 120-person institute. This is a builder and working-manager role, requiring the VP to execute core HR transactions while developing systems and potentially a team to support these functions. The ideal candidate is an experienced HR and operations leader who has professionalized lean, mission-driven organizations, is comfortable acting as a strategic advisor and a hands-on executor, and possesses sound legal judgment, operational discipline, and enthusiasm for FDD's mission. The role is based in Washington, DC, is full-time, exempt, and reports to the COO. The salary range is $210,000–$260,000 annually, commensurate with experience, and the position is eligible for employer-sponsored medical, dental, and vision coverage.

Requirements

10+ years of progressive experience spanning HR and operations, with at least 3 years in a senior or leadership role owning multiple HR functions end-to-end.
Experience supporting an organization of 50–200 people, including through a period of meaningful growth or organizational change.
Demonstrated experience building or substantially improving HR and operations systems in a lean, mission-driven environment.
Working knowledge of U.S. employment law, including multi-state compliance, FLSA classification, leave laws, EEO requirements, and pay transparency obligations.
Hands-on experience with payroll, benefits, and an HRIS/ATS (e.g., Paylocity, Gusto, Rippling, BambooHR, Greenhouse, Lever).
Practical experience managing office vendors, leases or landlord relationships, and physical workspace logistics.
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the judgment to navigate sensitive conversations across all levels of an organization.
High ethical standards, discretion, and genuine comfort with confidential information.
Demonstrated experience conducting or overseeing workplace investigations and advising on sensitive employee relations matters.
A candidate based in the Washington, DC area is required; must be available to work on-site at FDD's headquarters with up to two remote days per week.

Nice To Haves

Nonprofit, think tank, research institute, or policy-adjacent organization experience strongly preferred.
Working knowledge of District of Columbia employment law, including DC FMLA, DC Paid Family Leave, the DC Wage Transparency Act, and the DC Human Rights Act, is a plus.
SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, or SPHR certification is a plus.

Responsibilities

Partner with hiring managers to scope roles, write job descriptions, and build structured interview processes.
Manage end-to-end recruiting, including sourcing, screening, scheduling, reference checks, and offers.
Lead a substantive onboarding experience that integrates new hires into the organization's mission, culture, and operations - including IT setup, workspace assignment, and a first-week schedule.
Select, implement, and own an ATS, recruiting pipeline reporting, and employer-brand presence on relevant platforms.
Manage independent contractor and fellow engagements, including classification review and lifecycle tracking.
Coordinate work authorization and immigration support in partnership with outside counsel.
Own offboarding, including exit interviews, COBRA notices, unemployment claims, and systems deprovisioning.
Serve as the senior point of contact for staff questions, concerns, and conflicts; handle sensitive matters with confidentiality and sound judgment.
Conduct or oversee workplace investigations into complaints of harassment, discrimination, retaliation, and misconduct.
Coach managers on feedback, performance concerns, difficult conversations, and accommodations.
Champion and embed FDD's guiding principles as the lived culture of the organization.
Design and administer engagement or pulse surveys and translate results into action plans with senior leadership.
Ensure accurate and timely bi-weekly payroll processing.
Own benefits administration - medical, dental, vision, 403(b), FSA/HSA, life, disability, parental leave, commuter, and wellness programs.
Maintain and apply the organization's compensation philosophy and salary band structure; lead annual market benchmarking and merit adjustment cycles.
Manage leave administration (federal FMLA, DC FMLA, DC Paid Family Leave, and applicable laws in other states of employment).
Ensure full compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws across all jurisdictions in which staff work.
Maintain personnel files, I-9s, EEO reporting, OSHA logs, and all required recordkeeping.
Maintain and regularly update the employee handbook, HR policies, and standard operating procedures.
Partner with Finance to optimize the existing HRIS (Paylocity) and to select and implement an ATS and performance management tools.
Deliver required compliance training, including anti-harassment, non-discrimination, and workplace safety.
Build and run a meaningful performance management process, including goal setting, check-ins, annual reviews, and career development.
Identify professional development needs and curate learning opportunities across the organization.
Partner with the Executive Leadership Team on workforce planning, organizational design, and succession planning.
Oversee day-to-day operation of headquarters office, ensuring it functions well for staff, fellows, board members, and visitors.
Supervise the Office Operations staff and any future operations support staff.
Own the office lease relationship and serve as the on-site point of contact for the landlord and property manager.
Lead space planning as headcount grows, including seating, conference rooms, and any build-outs or renovations.
Manage facilities vendors and develop emergency preparedness and business continuity plans.
Serve as a trusted adviser to the COO, CFO, and senior leadership on organizational design, headcount planning, real estate strategy, and workforce matters.
Prepare People & Operations materials for the Board of Directors and relevant committees.
Contribute to grant budgets and proposals with accurate personnel and operational cost projections in partnership with Finance and Development.