Sr Director, Global Employee Relations

International Rescue Committee; New York (NY); Remote; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

The International Rescue Committee is seeking a Senior Director, Global Employee Relations to enhance employee relations globally. This role involves overseeing policies, managing complex investigations, and ensuring alignment with humanitarian values. The ideal candidate will have extensive HR experience, strong leadership skills, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Qualifications

• Minimum 15 years of HR or related experience, with at least 5 in Employee Relations.
• Knowledge of US and international employment laws.
• Strong commitment to humanitarian values; sector experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Oversee global Employee Relations policies and practices.
• Manage employment policies to align with US standards and local laws.
• Advise leaders on disciplinary actions and policy compliance.

Skills

Change management

Conflict resolution

Risk management

Effective communication

Diversity and inclusion

Education

JD or master's in HR, law, or related fields

Job description

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world's worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC is one of the world's largest international humanitarian non-governmental organizations (INGO), operating in more than 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities, assisting people to survive, reclaim control of their future, and strengthen their communities. IRC employees deliver lasting impact by restoring safety, dignity, and hope to millions. If you're a solutions-driven, passionate change-maker, join us in positively impacting lives worldwide for a better future.

Note: This role can be fully remote but must be in the East Coast Time-zone

ROLE OVERVIEW

The Senior Director, Global Employee Relations will contribute to creating a positive vision of Employee Relations at the IRC. They will oversee all related global Employee Relations policies, practices, processes, caseloads, workplace case reviews, safeguarding investigations, and provide consultation across people-related matters, ensuring alignment with our standards of Duty of Care, Safeguarding, and Inclusion.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

Employee Relations Leadership

• Ensure policies reflect best practices, grounded in an inclusive, people-centered approach.
• Lead on Respect at Work, Harassment, Anti-Retaliation, and safeguarding policies.
• Oversee Workplace Safeguarding strategies, case reviews, and trend analysis.
• Coordinate with management on case reporting and analysis.
• Maintain the US Employee Handbook and ensure country-specific handbooks are current and compliant.
• Manage employment policies to align with US standards and local laws.
• Participate in the P&C Leadership Team to shape organizational direction.

Employee and Labor Relations Management

• Assess organizational needs and recommend interventions.
• Partner with the Ethics and Compliance Unit on Employee Relations matters.
• Review and resolve breaches of policies and handle complex investigations.
• Advise leaders on disciplinary actions, labor laws, and policy compliance.
• Collaborate with legal and compliance units on union and labor issues.

Employee Relations Communications, Training & Education

• Build capacity for case management through training.
• Interpret and communicate policies to HR and management.
• Develop multilingual communication strategies.
• Contribute to onboarding and management development curricula.
• Ensure intranet content is accurate and up-to-date.

Key Working Relationships

• Reports to: Vice President, People & Culture
• Direct Reports: 6-8 Employee and Labor Relations specialists
• Internal: Global and regional P&C partners, program leadership, safeguarding, ethics, legal, security
• External: Counsel, NGOs, regulatory agencies

Job Requirements

• Minimum 15 years of HR or related experience, with at least 5 in Employee Relations
• Knowledge of US and international employment laws
• Strong commitment to humanitarian values; sector experience preferred
• Ability to build cross-cultural relationships and incorporate diverse perspectives
• Educational background in HR, law, or related fields; JD or master's preferred
• Experience in change management, conflict resolution, risk management, policy development, and effective communication
• Focus on diversity, inclusion, and gender equality
• Resilience and ability to multitask in high-pressure environments
• Willingness to travel (~25%) and be available outside traditional hours
• Proficiency in English; French, Arabic, or Spanish a plus

Compensation details, equal opportunity statement, benefits, and standards of conduct are included in the full description.