VP, People Operations & Culture

Friends of the Israel Defense Forces (FIDF); New York (NY); On-site; USD 190,000 - 270,000; Full time

Job summary

Friends of the Israel Defense Forces (FIDF) is seeking a highly motivated Vice President, People & Culture, to lead all aspects of human resources for our 185-person organization across the US and Israel. Reporting to the EVP, this C-suite role will design and execute a strategic HR program aligned with FIDF’s mission and One FIDF culture.

You will drive talent strategy, workforce planning, compensation, benefits, learning, and HR operations, partnering with the CEO and senior leaders to ensure

Qualifications

Responsibilities

• Lead HR strategy, org design, and workforce planning across US and Israel.
• Oversee recruitment, onboarding, and performance management for all staff.
• Develop compensation, benefits, learning, and total rewards programs.
• Ensure HR compliance across federal, state, and international laws.

Job description

Friends of the Israel Defense Forces (FIDF) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to transforming the lives of the brave men and women of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). Through the generous support of donors across the United States, FIDF provides educational, cultural, recreational, and social programs and facilities for Israel’s soldiers, veterans, and families. At FIDF, we are mission-driven, collaborative, innovative, and results-oriented. We seek talented professionals who are passionate about making a meaningful impact, committed to excellence, and inspired to support those who serve and protect the State of Israel.

Position Summary

FIDF is seeking a highly motivated and dedicated Vice President (VP), People & Culture, to join our team. Reporting to the Executive Vice President (EVP). The Vice President (VP), People & Culture, is a strategic C-suite executive responsible for leading all aspects of human resources and people operations across FIDF’s 185-person organization, spanning the US and Israel. Reporting directly to the EVP, the VP works in close partnership with the CEO, EVP, and other VPs to develop and execute a comprehensive, strategic HR program across FIDF’s national headquarters, international office, and regional chapter offices. The VP serves as a key architect of organizational culture, talent strategy, and workforce planning. Central to this role is advancing the One FIDF vision - unifying all offices under a shared culture, consistent people practices, and standardized employee experience that reflects FIDF’s mission at every level.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Org Design

• Work with the EVP and VPs to develop and implement a strategic HR program across national, international, and regional chapter offices.
• Translate organizational goals into actionable human capital strategies in alignment with executive leadership priorities.
• Lead org design and structural planning initiatives to ensure FIDF is optimally structured to deliver on its mission.
• Drive workforce planning, succession planning, and long‑term talent strategy across U.S. and Israel offices.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to senior leadership on all people‑related matters.
• Drive data‑informed decision‑making through HR analytics and workforce metrics.

Culture & Values

• Serve as a visible steward and role model of FIDF’s core values‑Integrity, Trust & Transparency, One FIDF, Respect & Dignity, and Accountability‑in all interactions and decisions.
• Design and lead initiatives that strengthen employee engagement, belonging, and organizational pride.
• Prioritize organizational health and psychological safety across all teams and geographies.

Recruitment, Hiring & Onboarding

• Oversee the organization’s full recruitment and hiring process to attract mission‑aligned talent across all levels and locations.
• Design and continuously improve onboarding programs that set new employees up for success and reflect FIDF’s culture from day one.
• Ensure consistent hiring practices and standards across U.S. regional offices and the Israel office.
• Build talent pipelines and sourcing strategies to support organizational growth and succession needs.

Employee Relations, Performance Management & Compensation

• Lead employee relations efforts, including conflict resolution, investigations, and disciplinary processes.
• Oversee performance management frameworks and ensure consistent implementation across the organization.
• Manage job classification structures (exempt vs. non‑exempt) and ensure role clarity across all levels.
• Guide total rewards strategy, including pay band development, salary review processes, and bonus structures.
• Ensure compensation is equitable, competitive, and aligned with FIDF’s financial position and mission.
• Oversee benefits evaluation, enrollment, and administration to ensure competitive and cost‑effective offerings.
• Conduct periodic reviews of benefits offerings and make recommendations aligned with employee needs and organizational budget, ensuring benefits programs are appropriately structured for both U.S. and Israel‑based employees.
• Build and oversee robust learning and development programs that support employee growth and organizational capability.
• Develop and implement career progression tracks that provide clear pathways for advancement across roles and levels.
• Partner with leadership to identify skill gaps and design targeted development initiatives.
• Foster a culture of continuous learning aligned with FIDF’s mission and One FIDF values.

HR Operations, Systems & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations across U.S. and international offices.
• Lead and develop a high‑performing HR team, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and service excellence.
• Manage and evolve the HR management system (HRIS) to improve data integrity, reporting, and operational efficiency.
• Oversee administrative HR support functions, ensuring responsive and consistent service across all staff.