Vice President, People and Culture

Sakhi for South Asian Survivors, Inc.•New York, NY

12d•Onsite

About The Position

Founded in 1989, Sakhi for South Asian Survivors (Sakhi) is a nonprofit that works to eradicate gender-based violence in the South Asian and Indo-Caribbean diaspora. Led by and centering survivors, we provide trauma-informed direct services, actively push for change, and stand as a go-to resource for allies and advocates. Sakhi is a trailblazer – agile, and inclusive of all South Asians and Indo-Caribbeans regardless of how they identify. With the collective strength of survivor voices united for justice, we are shaping a world where gender-based violence has no place. What distinguishes Sakhi is not only what we do, but how we do it. Cultural responsiveness and trauma-informed practice are not programmatic add-ons—they are embedded in everyday interactions, internal decision-making, language access, and community relationships. Sakhi recently underwent a values-informed rebrand, broadening our articulation of inclusion and reaffirming our commitment to all survivors of gender-based violence. Our work is relational, values-driven, and deeply trusted within community networks. Sakhi is now at an inflection point, having secured two significant gifts from Yield Giving and Action for Women’s Health. These investments create meaningful opportunities to deepen impact, expand services, and potentially extend reach beyond New York. Senior leadership is actively engaging in strategic conversations about growth—whether that means increasing staffing capacity, strengthening infrastructure, expanding programming nationally, or some combination of these paths. Sakhi stands at a rare and promising moment: well-resourced, well-regarded, and deeply rooted in community. The thoughtful prioritization of internal capacity - beginning with a Vice President of People and Culture - positions the organization to expand its reach while preserving the integrity that has defined its work for more than three decades. As Sakhi contemplates team expansion and broader service delivery, the organization must ensure that its internal systems evolve alongside its external ambitions. Scaling a trauma-informed, culturally grounded organization requires more than adding headcount. The Vice President of People and Culture will serve as a steward of Sakhi’s internal ecosystem, ensuring that expansion strengthens rather than strains the organization’s core values. This role will help translate Sakhi’s deeply relational culture into sustainable systems, supporting staff well-being, professional growth, and organizational resilience.

Requirements

Minimum of 7-10 years of experience developing and implementing HR strategies and initiatives, with at least 5 years in a leadership role that has included oversight of a division/department/unit and corresponding team
Experience and demonstrated expertise in the not-for-profit sector, ideally working with immigrant, South Asian and/or Indo-Caribbean populations, or trauma survivors
Track record of fostering collaborative, input-rich decision-making and building systems and infrastructure that promote clarity and cohesion
Experience working with immigrant, South Asian and/or Indo Caribbean populations, or trauma survivors
Dedication to equity and systems-level change
Self-awareness, humility and the ability to lead effectively in the fore - or background, as well as the inclination to share credit
An orientation to listen well, with empathy and curiosity that permits authentic, trusting relationship building
Practice of kindness and care-centered leadership
DEMONSTRATED EXPERTISE WITH CONFLICT RESOLUTION IN COMPLEX CONTEXTS AND ACROSS POSITIONAL POWER
Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field
HR certification (e.g., SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, SPHR)

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree preferred
Experience practicing trauma-informed care strongly preferred

Responsibilities

Serve as a member of the Steering Committee, participating in organizational strategy and decision making
Steward the culture of the organization through policies, communications, supportive leadership, and programs that enhance employee engagement, satisfaction, and well-being
Stay attuned to internal and external factors that impact the team
Facilitate managers’ meetings to strengthen relationships the Leadership Team (LT)
Lead and conduct bi-monthly manager trainings
Liaise with external consultants on bi-annual team day
Oversee the recruitment and selection process to attract, hire, and retain top talent including offer letters, background checks, fingerprinting, etc.
Manage employee onboarding, training, and development to enhance skills and career growth
Design, implement, and oversee performance management systems and process to drive employee accountability and productivity and foster goal setting and feedback
Provide coaching and support to managers and employees on performance-related matters
Develop and manage competitive compensation and benefits programs
Conduct exit interviews, and with support from the Operations team, manage the overall employee off boarding process
Conduct regular benchmarking to ensure the organization remains competitive in the job market
Lead equity, inclusion and dignity initiatives to create a welcoming workplace for all employees which fosters a positive, inclusive, and collaborative organizational culture
Build and maintain a trusted space for team members to engage in an open dialogue regarding their daily responsibilities, challenges, and reflections on organizational culture
Collaborate with the LT to develop programs that are responsive to trends in employee retention, satisfaction, and engagement
Establish best practices and procedures for addressing employee performance or behavioral challenges and counsel managers in order to resolve issues that may arise
Serve as an Ombudsman, trusted advisor, and internal mediator for resolving internal conflict and develop policies for managing disputes and investigations in a fair and timely manner
Ensure a safe and respectful workplace by addressing instances of harassment or discrimination
Keep a pulse on trends and shifts in workplace culture by conducting regular employee surveys and feedback sessions
Ensure that Sakhi complies with labor laws and relevant employment regulations, maintaining up-to-date HR policies and procedures captured and maintained in the Employee Handbook
Conduct annual training for all team members on Handbook policies
Communicate changes in policy, practices, and resources and endeavor to ensure that policies and practices are efficient, equitable, timely, auditable, and responsive
Perform annual assessment of employee benefit plans and incentives and coordinate the plan renewal process to ensure quality, cost-effective plans are secured
Support leave administration for team members
Oversee administration and employee data management with an eye towards data security and privacy