Overview

Associate Director/People & Culture Partner focused on Employee Engagement & Relations. The role is for a strategic, emotionally intelligent leader with global experience to partner with divisions, drive inclusive culture change, and manage complex employee and labor issues across a global organization. The position reports to the Global Director of People & Culture and is based in any HRW office (Berlin, London, Chicago, Brussels, New York, or Washington, DC) with potential for remote work.

Location flexibility: Multiple Office Locations Considered. Application Deadline: 30 September, 2025.

Responsibilities

• People & Culture - Employee Engagement and Relations: Serve as liaison with global CBAs, European Works Councils, and union partners in coordination with the Global Director of People & Culture, General Counsel, and other senior leaders.
• Collaborate with Global Staff Council and staff bodies to improve staff-management relationships and communication, contributing to a multi-year global strategy.
• Act as a strategic People & Culture partner to designated teams, strengthening global connectedness among dispersed/remote staff and fostering an inclusive, effective leadership culture.
• Champion organizational values and culture through initiatives that improve morale, engagement, and cross-functional cohesion (e.g., stay interviews, recognition programs).
• Build and maintain relationships with union leaders to facilitate open communication and cooperation.
• Contribute to internal People & Culture transformation projects.

Global Employee & Labor Relations

• Serve as the primary point of contact for complex employee relations cases, including formal complaints, conflicts, grievances, and investigations, ensuring consistency, fairness, and psychological safety.
• Advise managers on policy application, interpersonal issues, and conflict resolution with empathy and clarity.
• Coach leaders on performance management, change leadership, and team dynamics toward higher productivity and trust.
• Support managers in navigating sensitive personnel issues, implementing equitable practices, and fostering team culture.
• Collaborate with legal counsel to mitigate legal risks, ensuring timely handling of ER cases and participating in legal proceedings when necessary.
• Log and track ER trends, surface systemic challenges, and partner with colleagues to develop proactive solutions and risk mitigation strategies.
• Create, implement, and update People & Culture policies and procedures to ensure legal compliance and best practices.
• Conduct exit interviews, track ER data trends, and deliver leadership insights on organizational health and risk mitigation.
• Perform other tasks as required.

Qualifications

Education: A bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience is required.

Experience: A minimum of seven years of People & Culture experience including employee relations, organizational culture, and People Partner responsibilities.

Related Skills and Knowledge

• Experience supporting labor relations/unions globally; knowledge of CBAs, labor law, and global ER practices; experience liaising with unions and works councils.
• Knowledge of applicable domestic US and international employment laws, regulations, and trends.
• Experience managing complex workplace issues, investigations, and conflict mediation with fairness and discretion.
• High emotional intelligence, integrity, and ability to handle sensitive topics with empathy and discretion.
• Ability to operate autonomously with judgement on when to escalate issues.
• Ability to develop cross-functional strategy and execute in a global, matrix environment.

Position Details

• Seniority level: Mid-Senior level
• Employment type: Full-time
• Job function: Human Resources
• Industries: Non-profit Organizations

Salary and Benefits

HRW offers comprehensive compensation and benefits, relocation assistance, and work authorization support if required. People of all nationalities are encouraged to apply. The salary range for this position (US-based) is USD 102,000 – 112,000.

How to Apply

Please apply by 30 September, 2025 by visiting our online job portal at careers.hrw.org and attaching a letter of interest and CV or resume. No calls or email inquiries, please. Only complete applications will be reviewed, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

If you are experiencing technical difficulties with your application submission, please email recruitment@hrw.org. Applications via email are not accepted.

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