People Operations Director

Air; Arlington (VA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Air seeks an energetic HR professional to lead people-centric initiatives and support the executive team in Arlington, VA. You will ensure employees are supported and energized, drive culture, and manage projects with data-informed decisions.

You will collaborate with Talent Acquisition, manage payroll and benefits, and help shape Air’s workplace experience. This role requires strong organizational skills, strategic thinking, and ability to travel monthly.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field is required.
• 5+ years of progressive HR experience as a strategic partner to executives.
• Experience in a software, SaaS, or high-growth tech environment.
• Strong understanding of employment laws and regulations.
• Ability to travel monthly to Pittsburgh for three days.

Responsibilities

• Provide HR generalist services across the business (OD, ER, performance, succession, development).
• Support executives in driving organizational effectiveness and team development.
• Oversee compensation, payroll, and benefits administration in collaboration with Finance.

Skills

HR business partner

Data-driven

Detail oriented

Communication skills

Software SaaS experience

Employment law knowledge

Education

Bachelor’s degree

MS/MA in HR

Tools

BambooHR

Greenhouse

Employee Navigator

Job description

Air is the leader in Enterprise Readiness. Our mission is to establish readiness as a real-time condition that is continuously achieved. Today, a dangerous Readiness Gap exists between what the front line needs and what is delivered. Our AI-native platform, Air Enterprise Readiness, aligns development, production, delivery, and sustainment into one coordinated execution system for government agencies and industrial suppliers. By revealing true capacity, exposing real constraints, coordinating resources, and executing at the speed of operational demands, the front line gets what it needs to succeed.

Job Description

We are seeking an energetic, committed, and experienced HR professional who will be responsible for everything People-centric at Air. This role is integral to the growth of Air’s teams and maintaining our exceptional culture. You will report to the Chief Operating Officer and work closely with executive team members and leaders across the organization to ensure all Air Employees are supported, energized, and poised for success.

In order to do this job well, you flourish in a team environment, possess a high level of emotional intelligence, and are known for your excellent organizational skills and attention to detail. Your impressive track record of project management is marked by the presence of data to help inform decisions. You are a strategic thinker who understands the significance of corporate culture, cares deeply about people, and has a can-do attitude regardless of the challenge that is thrown your way.

This role is a full-time position located out of our office in Arlington, VA

This role may require up to 10% travel

Scope of Responsibilities

• Provide human resources support and expertise to all facets of the business; provide concrete, timely, and valuable generalist services to include organizational development, employee relations, performance management, succession, and development planning
• Support executive staff and company leadership in driving organizational effectiveness and developing teams in order to advance the business
• In collaboration with Finance, manage and analyze the administration of Air's compensation and incentive programs, including semi-monthly payroll, and benefits administration
• Manage all employment-related federal and state filings and registrations. Monitor the administration of established standards and procedures while identifying opportunities for improvement and resolving discrepancies
• Maintain and update the employee handbook; recommend enhancement opportunities and inclusion of HR best practices
• Drive and maximize business effectiveness through optimum resource alignment (people, process, structure) and analysis of business/HR programs
• Curate opportunities to promote and advance Air as a top workplace
• Design and execute employee engagement opportunities that provide useful and actionable information to address operational needs and assess employee satisfaction, including our quarterly surveys
• Identify key talent and create development plans to further grow that talent
• Collaborate with Talent Acquisition to identify organizational needs and support strategic hiring practices to further business objectives; coordinate orientation
• Possess excellent management practices, anticipate internal organization issues, propose smart solutions, and represent the employee perspective

Qualifications & Skills

• U.S. Citizenship is required
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution

Required Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Organizational Development, Business or other related discipline
• 5+ years of progressive experience in Human Resources as a strategic business partner and trusted advisor to senior executives and staff
• Entrepreneurial, positive spirit with exceptional organizational and communication skills (verbal and written)
• Data-driven and extremely detail-oriented (absolutely critical)
• Mastery of identifying and analyzing key people-related issues for a fast-growing business
• Initiative and demonstrated track record of success with high degrees of autonomy
• Experience in a software, SaaS, or high-growth technology environment
• Thorough knowledge of employment-related laws and regulations
• A positive attitude, a sense of humor, and a belief in our mission to support national security
• Monthly travel for three days in the Pittsburgh office

Desired Skills

• Current possession of a U.S. security clearance, or the ability to obtain one with our sponsorship
• Experience in or exposure to the nuances of a startup or other entrepreneurial environment
• MS/MA in a related field or well-recognized HR Management Certification
• Prior BambooHR, Greenhouse, and Employee Navigator experience
• Not afraid of learning a new system
• Experience with the nuances of a startup environment

We firmly believe that past performance is the best indicator of future performance. If you thrive while building solutions to complex problems, are a self-starter, and are passionate about making an impact in global security, we’re eager to hear from you.

Air is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability and protected veterans status or any other characteristic protected by law.