Deputy Chief Human Resources Officer (Job ID: 2025-3658)

The Brookings Institution; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading think tank in Washington, DC is seeking a Deputy Chief Human Resources Officer to oversee HR strategy and operations. This role involves advising senior leadership, managing HR teams, and fostering an inclusive workplace culture. The position is hybrid, combining in-office and remote work. The ideal candidate will have extensive HR experience and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Qualifications

• Experience in HR strategy and operations.
• Ability to lead and coach HR teams.

Responsibilities

• Serve as trusted advisor to senior leadership.
• Oversee daily HR operations and ensure compliance.
• Lead initiatives promoting an inclusive workplace culture.

Skills

Talent Management

Employee Relations

Change Management

HR Strategy

Compliance

Job description

Deputy Chief Human Resources Officer (Job ID: 2025-3658)

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Overview
Join one of the most influential, most quoted, and most trusted think tanks!

The Brookings Institution is a nonprofit public policy organization based in Washington, DC. Our mission is to conduct in-depth research that leads to new ideas for solving societal problems at local, national, and global levels.

We bring together leading experts from government and academia worldwide, rooted in open-minded inquiry and diverse perspectives, providing high-quality research, policy recommendations, and analysis. Our research covers economic policy, foreign policy, development, governance, and metropolitan issues.

We foster an inclusive and collaborative workplace that values diversity, transparency, and professional growth, ensuring all contributors feel valued and engaged.

Brookings HR actively develops and implements best practices aligned with organizational goals, delivering high-quality services in recruitment, development, recognition, and retention of a diverse, high-performing workforce.

Position Location: Hybrid (combining in-office presence in Washington, DC, with two remote days per week).

Responsibilities

Ready to contribute to Brookings' success? The Deputy Chief Human Resources Officer (DCHRO) plays a key strategic and operational role, serving as a trusted advisor to senior leadership and leading efforts across all major HR domains, including talent management, employee relations, compensation, benefits, systems, organizational development, and compliance. The DCHRO promotes a strong, inclusive workplace culture and ensures HR policies and services support the institution's evolving needs. The role also involves supervising key HR staff to ensure operational excellence and continuous improvement.

Strategic HR Leadership (35%)

• Serve as deputy and trusted advisor to the VP and CHRO, shaping and advancing HR strategy aligned with institutional priorities.
• Represent HR in cross-institutional initiatives, serving as delegate when needed.
• Anticipate workforce implications of institutional decisions, providing strategic input on talent risks and opportunities.
• Design and implement major HR initiatives, ensuring coordination, communication, and alignment with organizational goals.
• Advise on change management, planning, execution, and communication of HR initiatives.
• Track and analyze HR metrics to support decision-making and evaluate initiatives.
• Monitor employment legislation in partnership with legal counsel to ensure compliance and risk mitigation.
• Stay current on HR best practices and industry trends, recommending innovations to enhance employee experience and resilience.
• Build strong relationships with senior leaders, offering trusted counsel.
• Support organizational design and workforce planning efforts.

HR Operations and Service Delivery (35%)

• Oversee daily HR operations, ensuring timely, high-quality services in recruitment, onboarding, benefits, compensation, employee relations, and systems.
• Collaborate with HR directors to align operations with strategic priorities, troubleshoot issues, and improve workflows.
• Promote effective use of systems, data, and technology for operational efficiency.
• Lead development, review, and communication of HR policies in collaboration with legal and senior stakeholders.
• Provide leadership on labor relations and union engagement, where applicable.
• Manage HR department budget, assessing resource needs and aligning funding.
• Implement mechanisms for auditing HR practices, systems, and data to ensure compliance and continuous improvement.
• Manage relationships with external vendors and consultants supporting HR functions.

Team Leadership and Culture Building (30%)

• Lead, coach, and support HR teams, fostering a high-performing, collaborative environment.
• Cultivate a culture rooted in accountability, professional development, and shared learning.
• Promote cross-functional communication and coordination among HR teams.
• Ensure equitable implementation of HR policies that reflect staff diversity.
• Lead initiatives to promote an inclusive, respectful workplace culture.
• Champion employee engagement, inclusion, and belonging efforts.
• Contribute to internal communications and culture-building initiatives that reinforce institutional values.

Additional Details

• Seniority level: Director
• Employment type: Full-time
• Job function: Human Resources
• Industries: Think Tanks