Director, HR Information Systems (Workday) (Job ID: 2025-3752)
The Brookings Institution, Washington, District of Columbia, us, 20022
Equal-Opportunity Employer:
The Brookings policy provides equal employment opportunity for all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, disability, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, marital status, personal appearance, citizenship status, family responsibilities, gender identity or expression, genetic information, matrilination, political affiliation, veteran status, or any other prohibited basis of discrimination as required by law.
Director, HR Information Systems (Workday)
(Job ID: 2025-3752). Type: Regular, Full-Time. Category: Human Resources. # of Openings: 1. Location: Washington, DC (Hybrid).
Overview Join one of the most influential, most quoted and most trusted think tanks! The Brookings Institution is a nonprofit public policy organization based in Washington, DC. Our mission is to conduct in-depth research that leads to new ideas for solving problems facing society at the local, national and global level. We bring together leading experts in government and academia from all over the world, rooted in open-minded inquiry and representing diverse points of view, who provide the highest quality research, policy recommendations, and analysis. Research topics cover a full range of public policy issues in economics, foreign policy, development, governance and metropolitan policy. With fair and transparent business practices, clear communication, mutual respect, and a collaborative atmosphere that offers both professional and personal development opportunities, Brookings offers an inclusive and welcoming workplace that values the efforts of all contributors. Brookings' Human Resources (HR) department actively develops and implements HR best practices aligned with organizational priorities. The HR team delivers high quality HR services and ensures the recruitment, development, recognition, and retention of a diverse, high performing and engaged workforce, and smooth and efficient operations. We are a collaborative HR team of 17, including Employment, Benefits, Compensation & HR Systems, and Learning & Development, working to provide a supportive and well managed workplace where all employees have a sense of belonging and can contribute in an impactful and meaningful way.
Responsibilities HR Systems Oversight, Administration, and Analytics (40%)
Lead the administration and governance of HR systems – including Workday (Core HR, Benefits, Absence, and Learning Management), ICIMS (Recruiting), and SharePoint (Workflows) and provide cross-functional support for related systems – including Workday (Payroll and Time tracking) and third party integrations – to ensure reliable performance, data integrity, and alignment with institutional needs. Oversee system operations such as configuration, troubleshooting, incident, request and change management, release planning, and vendor coordination.
Serve as a subject matter expert and partner to internal stakeholders to maintain and optimize HR systems and integrations.
Champion user adoption by developing and promoting effective training, documentation, and system communications.
Lead the development of HR analytics capabilities by delivering consistent, accurate, and actionable reports, dashboards, and executive summaries that inform decision-making.
Ensure compliance with relevant HR laws and data governance protocols through appropriate system design and reporting practices.
Systems Strategy, Improvement, and Project Leadership (40%)
Define and lead the HR systems and data strategy in alignment with institutional goals and evolving needs.
Guide full project lifecycles for new system initiatives – including scoping, requirements gathering, vendor selection, testing, and change management.
Manage the HR systems project pipeline and participate in cross-functional governance efforts to align priorities across HR, Finance, and Technology.
Propose, evaluate and redesign core HR processes to improve efficiency, user experience, and strategic alignment.
Stay abreast of emerging HR technologies and trends to ensure Brookings remains responsive and forward‑looking.
Ensure a smooth transition of implemented solutions to operational support.
Team Leadership and Cross-Functional Collaboration (20%)
Supervise and support HR Systems staff, including performance management, coaching, and workload oversight.
Foster a collaborative, high-performing team culture grounded in continuous improvement and accountability.
Establish long-term priorities and annual goals for the HR systems function in partnership with the DCHRO and HR Management Team.
Build strong relationships across HR, Finance, Technology, and program areas to support system effectiveness and strategic alignment.
Contribute to broader HR planning efforts and support cross-functional projects as needed.
Qualifications Ready to make an impact? In this role, you will support Brookings values of collegiality, respect, inclusion, diversity and community, and bring the following qualifications:
Education/Experience Requirements
Bachelor's degree with a minimum of ten years progressing responsible experience in HCM system (Workday, Oracle, PeopleSoft) administration and data management.
Minimum five years of management/supervisory experience.
Minimum three years of Workday experience required.
Strong preference for candidates with previous large enterprise Workday implementation or administration experience; Workday, CCP, CEBS, or other relevant certifications preferred.
Must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S.
Knowledge/Skill Requirements
Ability to lead efforts to ensure optimization of HR technology platforms.
Expert proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
Excellent project management skills and ability to meet deadlines.
Must be able to thrive in a demanding, change-oriented, fast‑paced environment.
Ability to think strategically about problems and possess tactical execution skills.
Demonstrated ability to audit data and identify, analyze, and develop solutions.
High degree of executive presence and professionalism with the ability to engage with all levels of an organization and maintain confidentiality.
Well organized and confident, team player and team leader with excellent communication and presentation skills.
Working knowledge of regulatory and governing standards for compensation, payroll, health and welfare benefits, retirement plans, FMLA, workers’ compensation and disability.
Additional Information Brookings provides a generous benefit package that is comprehensive and includes both traditional benefits and unique offerings. Our comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, and vision benefits, generous time off, and workplace flexibility. For more information, please visit Brookings Benefits.
Brookings requires that all applicants submit a cover letter and resume. Please attach your cover letter and resume as one document when you apply. If you have applied to more than one Brookings job opening you should add a position-specific cover letter as a separate attachment.
Successful completion of a background investigation is required for employment at Brookings.
Brookings welcomes and celebrates diversity in all its forms, including diversity of experience, thought, and personal background. We welcome applications that reflect a variety of backgrounds based on ideology, race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, veteran status, first generation college goers, and other factors protected by law. Brookings is proud to be an equal‑opportunity employer that is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive workplace. All selection decisions are based upon merit, skills, abilities and experience.
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The Brookings policy provides equal employment opportunity for all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, disability, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, marital status, personal appearance, citizenship status, family responsibilities, gender identity or expression, genetic information, matrilination, political affiliation, veteran status, or any other prohibited basis of discrimination as required by law.
Director, HR Information Systems (Workday)
(Job ID: 2025-3752). Type: Regular, Full-Time. Category: Human Resources. # of Openings: 1. Location: Washington, DC (Hybrid).
Overview Join one of the most influential, most quoted and most trusted think tanks! The Brookings Institution is a nonprofit public policy organization based in Washington, DC. Our mission is to conduct in-depth research that leads to new ideas for solving problems facing society at the local, national and global level. We bring together leading experts in government and academia from all over the world, rooted in open-minded inquiry and representing diverse points of view, who provide the highest quality research, policy recommendations, and analysis. Research topics cover a full range of public policy issues in economics, foreign policy, development, governance and metropolitan policy. With fair and transparent business practices, clear communication, mutual respect, and a collaborative atmosphere that offers both professional and personal development opportunities, Brookings offers an inclusive and welcoming workplace that values the efforts of all contributors. Brookings' Human Resources (HR) department actively develops and implements HR best practices aligned with organizational priorities. The HR team delivers high quality HR services and ensures the recruitment, development, recognition, and retention of a diverse, high performing and engaged workforce, and smooth and efficient operations. We are a collaborative HR team of 17, including Employment, Benefits, Compensation & HR Systems, and Learning & Development, working to provide a supportive and well managed workplace where all employees have a sense of belonging and can contribute in an impactful and meaningful way.
Responsibilities HR Systems Oversight, Administration, and Analytics (40%)
Lead the administration and governance of HR systems – including Workday (Core HR, Benefits, Absence, and Learning Management), ICIMS (Recruiting), and SharePoint (Workflows) and provide cross-functional support for related systems – including Workday (Payroll and Time tracking) and third party integrations – to ensure reliable performance, data integrity, and alignment with institutional needs. Oversee system operations such as configuration, troubleshooting, incident, request and change management, release planning, and vendor coordination.
Serve as a subject matter expert and partner to internal stakeholders to maintain and optimize HR systems and integrations.
Champion user adoption by developing and promoting effective training, documentation, and system communications.
Lead the development of HR analytics capabilities by delivering consistent, accurate, and actionable reports, dashboards, and executive summaries that inform decision-making.
Ensure compliance with relevant HR laws and data governance protocols through appropriate system design and reporting practices.
Systems Strategy, Improvement, and Project Leadership (40%)
Define and lead the HR systems and data strategy in alignment with institutional goals and evolving needs.
Guide full project lifecycles for new system initiatives – including scoping, requirements gathering, vendor selection, testing, and change management.
Manage the HR systems project pipeline and participate in cross-functional governance efforts to align priorities across HR, Finance, and Technology.
Propose, evaluate and redesign core HR processes to improve efficiency, user experience, and strategic alignment.
Stay abreast of emerging HR technologies and trends to ensure Brookings remains responsive and forward‑looking.
Ensure a smooth transition of implemented solutions to operational support.
Team Leadership and Cross-Functional Collaboration (20%)
Supervise and support HR Systems staff, including performance management, coaching, and workload oversight.
Foster a collaborative, high-performing team culture grounded in continuous improvement and accountability.
Establish long-term priorities and annual goals for the HR systems function in partnership with the DCHRO and HR Management Team.
Build strong relationships across HR, Finance, Technology, and program areas to support system effectiveness and strategic alignment.
Contribute to broader HR planning efforts and support cross-functional projects as needed.
Qualifications Ready to make an impact? In this role, you will support Brookings values of collegiality, respect, inclusion, diversity and community, and bring the following qualifications:
Education/Experience Requirements
Bachelor's degree with a minimum of ten years progressing responsible experience in HCM system (Workday, Oracle, PeopleSoft) administration and data management.
Minimum five years of management/supervisory experience.
Minimum three years of Workday experience required.
Strong preference for candidates with previous large enterprise Workday implementation or administration experience; Workday, CCP, CEBS, or other relevant certifications preferred.
Must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S.
Knowledge/Skill Requirements
Ability to lead efforts to ensure optimization of HR technology platforms.
Expert proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
Excellent project management skills and ability to meet deadlines.
Must be able to thrive in a demanding, change-oriented, fast‑paced environment.
Ability to think strategically about problems and possess tactical execution skills.
Demonstrated ability to audit data and identify, analyze, and develop solutions.
High degree of executive presence and professionalism with the ability to engage with all levels of an organization and maintain confidentiality.
Well organized and confident, team player and team leader with excellent communication and presentation skills.
Working knowledge of regulatory and governing standards for compensation, payroll, health and welfare benefits, retirement plans, FMLA, workers’ compensation and disability.
Additional Information Brookings provides a generous benefit package that is comprehensive and includes both traditional benefits and unique offerings. Our comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, and vision benefits, generous time off, and workplace flexibility. For more information, please visit Brookings Benefits.
Brookings requires that all applicants submit a cover letter and resume. Please attach your cover letter and resume as one document when you apply. If you have applied to more than one Brookings job opening you should add a position-specific cover letter as a separate attachment.
Successful completion of a background investigation is required for employment at Brookings.
Brookings welcomes and celebrates diversity in all its forms, including diversity of experience, thought, and personal background. We welcome applications that reflect a variety of backgrounds based on ideology, race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, veteran status, first generation college goers, and other factors protected by law. Brookings is proud to be an equal‑opportunity employer that is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive workplace. All selection decisions are based upon merit, skills, abilities and experience.
#J-18808-Ljbffr