Sr. Director

Job Description

CoLab is looking for an HR leader and Business Partner with broad generalist experience to serve as a strategic partner and tactical leader for a variety of HR programs, activities, and initiatives.

Reporting to the EVP of Human Resources, you will be responsible for designing, implementing, leading, guiding, and participating in a broad range of human resources functions including managing employee relations, individual and manager coaching, performance management preparation and execution, organizational development, change management, diversity & inclusion, employee experience- and culture-focused programs, and the like.

PLEASE NOTE: This is a hybrid position requiring onsite collaboration an average of 3 days/week. The role will be based out of either our New York City office located at 375 Hudson Street or our Philadelphia office located at 111 S. Independence Mall E. All candidates must be local to either the NYC or Philly metro area and willing to commute into one of those offices on a regular basis.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Serve as either an escalation point for people managers with questions or employee challenges, providing counseling for numerous facets of employment management, including employee relations issues, performance management process, policy interpretation and compliance.
• Lead efforts related to talent management initiatives including annual and mid-year review processes, performance coaching for employees and people managers, bi-annual Talent Planning sessions, and complex accommodation requests requiring review by employment counsel.
• Provide counseling and coaching to all employees on interpersonal relations, advising and recommending resolutions to issues, and promoting collaborative relations between all employees
• Oversee all employee relations matters and investigations to support  resolution and minimize organizational risk.
• Partner with legal counsel to mitigate risk and ensure that policies, practices and employment decisions comply with federal and state employment laws.
• Partner with HR leaders to deliver strategic consulting to internal clients with a focus on staff planning.
• Provide counseling and support on corporate policies and benefit programs.
• Conduct exit interview meetings, tracking/summarizing meeting information, identifying trends and escalating concerning patterns to the SVP as needed.
• Lead the development, implementation, and execution of programs designed to improve and support employee engagement/retention, employee development/recognition, the overall employee experience, and the agency’s commitment to a diverse, inclusive environment.
• Help deliver important talent programs, such as corporate social responsibility reporting, leadership development programs, performance management, and mentorship.
• Work with the Talent, Engagement, and Inclusion team (TEI) to manage goals that promote and engage employees in core TEI programming and programs that foster a diverse and inclusive work environment.
• Collaborate with the Talent team, leadership and client teams to implement and support the people and culture strategies and projects that support the mission, vision, values, and corporate goals of the agency.
• Collaboratively develop and implement action plans derived from employee engagement survey results.
• Proactively identify areas for process improvement.
• Lead, manage, and mentor more junior members of the team the ensure clear goals and focus areas are communicated, feedback is shared, and opportunities to develop are provided.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of progressively responsible human resources generalist experience within in a fast-paced, highly matrixed corporation, consultancy, or advertising agency environment.
• Ability to interpret, explain, and apply human resource law and agency policies.
• Prior experience managing and mentoring others.
• Process-driven and analytical with an ability to review reports, interpret data, and quickly and efficiently resolve complex issues.
• Passion for developing unique programs designed to enhance the employee experience.
• Tactful conversationalist with a high degree of emotional intelligence.
• Ability to be nimble and thrive in a flexible, dynamic work environment.
• Strong knowledge of sound techniques in all aspects of human resources management.
• Strong knowledge of relevant state and federal regulations as well as legal process, procedures, and compliance requirements related to HR, personnel, and labor matters.
• Understanding of corporate payroll and promotion cycles.
• Significant experience proactively and reactively responding to, addressing, mediating, and resolving employee relations issues.
• Experience with employee onboarding, offboarding, PIP development, termination, promotion, career pathing, and other performance evaluation issues.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with all levels of company personnel.
• Solid negotiation skills and demonstrated ability to facilitate discussion and mediate conflict.
• Strong ability to juggle multiple tasks while maintaining extraordinary attention to detail.
• Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills including strong active listening skills.
• Confident communicator, both one-on-one with the employee population and in group presentation settings with agency leadership.
• Experience with relevant tools and systems including Excel, PowerPoint, ATS, and HRIS.
• A service-driven approach to leadership and a commitment to the practical application of empathy.