Director, HR Business Partner

2U Alumni; Arlington (TX); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in digital education seeks a Director of HR to manage and mentor HR Business Partners. The role involves developing HR strategies, overseeing employee relations, and enhancing performance management initiatives. Ideal candidates will have strong leadership skills and a passion for transforming higher education.

Qualifications

• 7-10 years of relevant experience.
• At least 5 years conducting formal investigations and handling complex ER issues.

Responsibilities

• Develop strategies for HR initiatives in a fast-paced organization.
• Lead and engage in developing HR Business Partners.
• Advise on employee relations matters.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Problem Solving

Education

Bachelor's degree

Degree in HR, Business, or Communications

Tools

HRIS systems

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

At 2U, we are all in on purpose. We are motivated by our mission to eliminate the back row in education and are connected by our shared passion to deliver world-class digital education at scale. As the parent company of edX, the world's leading online learning platform, 2U powers more than 4,000 online higher education offerings, from free courses to full degrees. Together with more than 230 colleges, universities, and corporate partners, we are helping to unlock human potential.

What We're Looking For:

We seek individuals passionate about transforming higher education and eager to join an innovative team dedicated to disrupting the existing education model. We don't have average HR Business Partners here, so we're looking for a more-than-average Director of HR to manage, mentor, and coach our HR Business Partners.

2U's incredible company culture is driven by leaders across our organization, starting with the HR team. We're looking for the atypical: a non-HR HR candidate who will oversee employee relations, performance management, and special projects as assigned.

Key Roles and Responsibilities:

1. Develop strategies to meet the demands of a fast-paced, growing organization by developing expertise within client groups, identifying business needs, and aligning HR initiatives accordingly.
2. Lead and actively engage in developing a growing team of HR Business Partners.
3. Advise and support managers on employee relations matters.
4. Recommend and deliver disciplinary actions in conjunction with managers when applicable.
5. Guide managers through performance improvement processes and coaching opportunities.
6. Provide ongoing coaching to employees on documented performance concerns.
7. Conduct formal investigations and personally handle or guide resolution on complex ER issues.
8. Enhance existing performance improvement initiatives across the organization.
9. Implement a performance management system to align company goals from departments to individual levels.
10. Advocate for our company culture, ensuring it remains central in decision-making and HR advice, fostering a culture of accountability and trust.
11. Implement policies and procedures to ensure best practices and compliance with company and partner university operations.

Education and Experience:

1. Bachelor's degree required; degree in HR, Business, or Communications preferred.
2. 7-10 years of relevant experience.
3. At least 5 years conducting formal investigations and handling complex ER issues.
4. Proven ability to work in a fast-paced environment managing multiple tasks.
5. Familiarity with HRIS systems or reporting tools.
6. Excellent computer skills (Microsoft Office Suite).
7. Enthusiasm and ability to thrive amid constant change.
8. Strong leadership and communication skills.
9. Ability to approach scenarios from multiple perspectives.
10. Focused on results, exceeding goals and objectives.
11. Ability to develop potential in others.
12. Experience working with diverse teams in dynamic environments.
13. Proven ability to challenge and motivate management to foster innovation and mutual respect.
14. Ability to align human and non-human resources effectively with HR processes.
15. Highly creative and influential.
16. Experience in developing organizational leaders.

While this position is open to remote candidates across the U.S., we prioritize those living in the Washington-Baltimore metropolitan area who can come into our Arlington, VA headquarters two days a week.