Vice President, People & Culture

Meridian International Center • Washington, DC

19h • $180,000 - $190,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

Meridian International Center is seeking a future-focused Vice President, People & Culture to lead a transformational people strategy during a period of growth, modernization, and strategic reinvention. Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, this executive will develop and execute modern HR strategy, champion AI-enabled processes and digital transformation, and strengthen how Meridian recruits, develops, and supports employees. The role will influence organizational direction, leadership capability, and the development of an agile, data-driven workforce.

The position is based in Washington, DC, and requires four days in the office per week, with partial remote work permitted. Employees must reside in DC, Maryland, or Virginia. The VP leads and develops a three-person HR team and oversees payroll and benefits administration.

Requirements

• At least 12 years of progressive HR leadership experience, including executive-level responsibility.
• Demonstrated success leading organizational transformation, digital modernization, or large-scale operational redesign.
• Expertise in HR analytics, reporting, and data-driven decision-making.
• Proven ability to partner directly with CEOs, boards, and senior executives.
• Strong command of organizational design, change leadership, and organization-wide strategy.
• In-depth knowledge of employment law, HR best practices, and HR technology and systems.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, influence, and executive presence.
• Must reside in DC, Maryland, or Virginia.
• Submit both a resume and a cover letter; applications missing either document will not be considered.

Nice To Haves

• Advanced degree preferred.
• Relevant certifications are a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead organization-wide transformation initiatives to modernize operations, strengthen leadership, and build resilience.
• Serve as the CEO’s primary strategic advisor on workforce priorities, using data analytics.
• Provide reporting, insights, and recommendations to inform executive decisions and board-level strategy.
• Develop a talent strategy that grows future leaders, supports high-potential employees, and helps the organization adapt to changing needs.
• Advise the CEO and executive team on succession planning and leadership development.
• Lead compensation philosophy, salary administration, job architecture, benefits, and total rewards, using market benchmarking and external advice as needed, including for executive compensation and benefits.
• Oversee performance management and align compensation with employee performance.
• Establish professional development approaches that build skills, support employee growth, and improve retention.
• Partner with the CEO and executive team to build trust and a culture of accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Lead a data-driven recruitment strategy using automation, AI-enabled sourcing, and predictive analytics.
• Improve hiring quality, speed, and candidate experience through recruitment processes, and partner with leaders to forecast staffing needs, identify critical roles, and attract talent.
• Design and implement AI-enabled workflows, automation strategies, and intelligent HR systems to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and scalability.
• Introduce tools for talent analytics, performance prediction, workforce planning, and real-time operational dashboards.
• Embed emerging technologies into recruitment, onboarding, learning, engagement, and performance management.
• Modernize HR policies, processes, and infrastructure to improve employee experience and support organizational growth.
• Optimize systems for onboarding, compensation, and performance management.
• Ensure HR policies and practices comply with employment laws and reflect HR best practices.
• Oversee HR information systems, data governance, and reporting, and establish consistent, transparent operating standards across HR functions.
• Lead and develop a three-person HR team and oversee payroll and benefits administration.
• Lead employee relations with fairness, transparency, and proactive conflict resolution.
• Use AI-supported case management and trend analysis to identify recurring issues and reduce employment-related risks.
• Provide executive guidance on complex investigations, organizational changes, and sensitive employee matters.
• Build trusted relationships across the executive team to align priorities, strengthen collaboration, and advance organizational goals.
• Navigate complex and sensitive organizational issues with sound judgment, emotional intelligence, and clear communication.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package that may include medical, dental, retirement, life and disability insurance, voluntary benefits, paid leave, and paid holidays; eligibility and coverage are subject to plan documents and Meridian policies.

What This Job Offers

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