Senior Vice President (SVP), People & Culture

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Position Title: Senior Vice President (SVP), People & Culture
Location: New York City
Country: United States
Deadline Date:

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) was founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein and has grown to become one of the world's largest international humanitarian non-governmental organizations (INGO). The IRC operates in more than 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities, focusing on restoring health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to people affected by conflict and disaster. The organization is dedicated to delivering lasting impact and helping individuals reclaim control of their futures while strengthening their communities. With a mission to respond to the world's worst humanitarian crises, the IRC employs a diverse workforce committed to making a positive difference in the lives of millions globally.

Job Overview:
The Senior Vice President (SVP), People & Culture is a pivotal role within the IRC, responsible for developing and executing the strategic plan for the People & Culture unit. This position aims to align the unit with IRC's vision, mission, and goals, while also enhancing the wellbeing and productivity of the global workforce. The SVP will act as a business partner to the CEO, senior leadership team, and Board of Directors, providing strategic and operational solutions. The ideal candidate will possess a high level of empathy, emotional intelligence, and expertise in building people systems that influence cultural progress. The role emphasizes the importance of leadership development, inclusion, workforce planning, and workplace safeguarding, with a focus on creating a high-performance culture that meets strategic objectives.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The SVP, People & Culture will be responsible for several key accountabilities, including: serving as a strategic partner and advisor to the CEO and Leadership Board; establishing priorities and plans for a multi-year global People strategy; advocating for IRC’s Strategy100 People Goal; building cohesive business cases for change; leading the People and Culture function to deliver business support outcomes; developing the capability of the People and Culture team; and role modeling good leadership practices. Additionally, the SVP will support HR aligned teams, drive innovation in service delivery, manage workforce plans, support succession planning, and champion IRC’s guiding principles of gender equality, diversity, and inclusion. The role also involves being a strategic leader in workplace wellbeing and safeguarding, ensuring that health and safety are integrated into all business areas.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must have senior leadership experience as a trusted advisor to the CEO and C-Suite leaders, with a proven track record of leading complex organization-wide transformations. They should possess extensive experience in Human Capital/People Management, ensuring alignment with business strategies and high returns on People & Culture investments. The ideal candidate will have an international background, capable of relating to multi-cultural teams, and will demonstrate excellent interpersonal skills. A proactive, self-starter attitude is essential, along with a hands-on approach to balancing strategic and operational needs. Experience in driving transformative change and project management expertise is also key.

Educational Background:
While specific educational requirements are not detailed, candidates are typically expected to have advanced degrees in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related fields that provide a strong foundation for strategic leadership roles in People & Culture.

Experience:
Candidates should have significant experience in senior leadership roles, particularly in advising and partnering with executive leadership. They must have a history of successfully leading people agendas and complex change efforts, demonstrating a deep understanding of organizational dynamics and the ability to drive cultural and business transformation.

Languages:
While specific language requirements are not mentioned, proficiency in English is mandatory given the global nature of the organization and its diverse workforce. Additional language skills may be advantageous in enhancing communication with multi-cultural teams.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in New York City, with occasional opportunities for remote work. The compensation package includes a competitive salary based on various factors such as labor market conditions and individual candidate experience. Benefits for U.S.-based candidates include sick days, paid time off, medical and dental insurance, a retirement savings plan, and an Employee Assistance Program. The IRC is committed to maintaining a professional standard of conduct and fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment, prohibiting discrimination and harassment in any form.