Director, Human Resources
PEN America, New York, NY, United States
PEN America, a nonprofit organization working at the intersection of literature and human rights, seeks a director of Human Resources to lead and strengthen all aspects of the organization’s people operations and strategy. This senior position will support executive leadership in recruiting, retaining, and developing a diverse and mission-driven workforce equipped to advance PEN America’s work defending and celebrating free expression. This is a full-time position based in PEN America’s New York City headquarters and reports to the Chief Operating Officer.
The director of human resources will work closely with the Co-CEOs and senior leadership team to develop and implement human resources strategies aligned with organizational goals. The director will oversee talent acquisition, performance management, employee relations, compliance, labor relations, and organizational development, while ensuring that policies, practices, and systems support consistency and organizational growth.
The ideal candidate is a highly motivated and experienced HR professional with strong judgment, exceptional interpersonal skills, and the ability to balance strategic leadership with hands‑on execution.
This position is subject to a six-month probationary period and assessment. In alignment with PEN America’s current policy, all applicants should be available to report to the office at least three days per week. This policy is subject to change.
Responsibilities
Lead PEN America’s human resources strategy in partnership with executive leadership, including oversight of organizational staffing structure, workforce planning support, and overall talent development
Lead negotiations and manage collective bargaining agreements to ensure compliance and effective labor relations
Supervise HR team in all facets of the HR function, including labor relations and organizational and office operations
Lead and refine the organization’s performance management systems for union and non-union staff, including goal‑setting, evaluations, promotions, and feedback
Support managers on effective staff supervision, performance documentation, and employee development
Ensure compliance with applicable labor and employment laws and regulations, including oversight of policies, procedures, and collective bargaining agreements
Serve as a senior internal resource on employee relations matters, including grievances, investigations, and disciplinary processes, in coordination with outside counsel as appropriate
Develop, refine, and ensure adherence to employee handbooks, policies, salary bands, and remote work practices
Oversee HR operations, including benefits administration, payroll, PEO partnership, and HR systems and processes
Support staff training, professional development, and wellness initiatives
Promote a work environment grounded in belonging and respect, and support leadership in addressing opportunities to enhance employee engagement and retention
Other duties as assigned
All PEN America staff are considered to be stakeholders in the development of our shared organization. As such, staff play a role in varied activities within the workplace as part of their job responsibilities. These may include committees or task forces to work on office issues, diversity and inclusion, strategy projects, training or other initiatives.
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The director of human resources will work closely with the Co-CEOs and senior leadership team to develop and implement human resources strategies aligned with organizational goals. The director will oversee talent acquisition, performance management, employee relations, compliance, labor relations, and organizational development, while ensuring that policies, practices, and systems support consistency and organizational growth.
The ideal candidate is a highly motivated and experienced HR professional with strong judgment, exceptional interpersonal skills, and the ability to balance strategic leadership with hands‑on execution.
This position is subject to a six-month probationary period and assessment. In alignment with PEN America’s current policy, all applicants should be available to report to the office at least three days per week. This policy is subject to change.
Responsibilities
Lead PEN America’s human resources strategy in partnership with executive leadership, including oversight of organizational staffing structure, workforce planning support, and overall talent development
Lead negotiations and manage collective bargaining agreements to ensure compliance and effective labor relations
Supervise HR team in all facets of the HR function, including labor relations and organizational and office operations
Lead and refine the organization’s performance management systems for union and non-union staff, including goal‑setting, evaluations, promotions, and feedback
Support managers on effective staff supervision, performance documentation, and employee development
Ensure compliance with applicable labor and employment laws and regulations, including oversight of policies, procedures, and collective bargaining agreements
Serve as a senior internal resource on employee relations matters, including grievances, investigations, and disciplinary processes, in coordination with outside counsel as appropriate
Develop, refine, and ensure adherence to employee handbooks, policies, salary bands, and remote work practices
Oversee HR operations, including benefits administration, payroll, PEO partnership, and HR systems and processes
Support staff training, professional development, and wellness initiatives
Promote a work environment grounded in belonging and respect, and support leadership in addressing opportunities to enhance employee engagement and retention
Other duties as assigned
All PEN America staff are considered to be stakeholders in the development of our shared organization. As such, staff play a role in varied activities within the workplace as part of their job responsibilities. These may include committees or task forces to work on office issues, diversity and inclusion, strategy projects, training or other initiatives.
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