Director, People & Culture – DP&C - 25069

Overview

World Wildlife Fund (WWF), one of the world’s leading conservation organizations, seeks a Director, People and Culture.

Major Function

The Director, People and Culture (DP&C) leads and manages the People and Culture Business Partners (PCBP) team. This role is responsible for the strategic direction, integration, collaboration, and operational efficiency of the PCBP team, as well as for fostering team engagement. The Director plays a key role in promoting collaboration between the PCBP team, the People and Culture department and stakeholders across WWF. Additionally, the Director serves as the PCBP for designated high-profile internal clients and groups. Working closely with the Senior Director, People and Culture (SDP&C), the Director helps advance key strategic initiatives, goals, and priorities within the People and Culture function.

Location: Hybrid, Washington, DC.

Reporting Structure: This position reports to the Senior Director, People & Culture and manages the PCBP team and the People & Culture Coordinator.

Position Type:   Regular, Full-time

FLSA Status:  Exempt

Salary Range: The expected compensation range for this position is $124,200  - $178,600

Please note: Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. This position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship.  In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.  

Responsibilities

PCBP Team Leadership

• Develops, monitors, and implements a strategic plan for the People and Culture Business Partner (PCBP) function.
• Collaborates with each department’s SVP to monitor PCBP performance, gather feedback, and drive continuous improvement.
• Oversees integration, communication, and workflow efficiency between the PCBP team, other People and Culture teams, and external WWF stakeholders.
• Manages the PCBP team and the People and Culture Coordinator, fostering motivation, engagement, effective communication, and a culture of learning. Promotes a growth mindset and openness to feedback.
• Ensures strong organization, time management, and operational efficiency within the PCBP team. Maintains a centralized, accessible, and intuitive repository of Standard Operating Proceduress, policies, and forms.

Employee Relations

• Develops and implements a strategic plan for the Employee Relations (ER) function.
• Provides training, guidance, and feedback to the PCBP team to ensure effective and timely management of ER cases.
• Trains WWF managers on best practices for handling ER matters.
• Manage sensitive and high-stakes employee relations cases as needed.
• Coordinates integration, communication, and workflow efficiency between the ER function, Integrity and Risk, and Legal Counsel.

Other Responsibilities

• Serves as the PCBP for high-profile internal clients and groups, as assigned by the manager.
• Works on projects related to team integration, metrics and policy.
• Performs additional duties as assigned by the manager.

Qualifications

Key Competencies

• Strategic ThinkingApplies a rational and intentional approach to analyzing factors that impact the long-term success of WWF, the People and Culture (P&C) team, and the PCBP team.
• Emotional IntelligenceRecognizes and manages one’s own emotions and those of others. Effectively integrates this awareness to enhance interpersonal relationships and workplace effectiveness.
• Growth MindsetEmbraces challenges as opportunities for learning and development. Welcomes feedback, seeks continuous improvement, and demonstrates a commitment to personal and professional growth.
• Influencing Key StakeholdersBuilds credibility, trust, and rapport with stakeholders to foster collaboration and achieve shared goals.
• People Leadership and ManagementInspires engagement and enthusiasm toward the PCBP team’s strategic objectives. Oversees talent acquisition, onboarding, coordination, coaching, feedback, motivation, and retention with diligence and care.
• Diplomatic CommunicationCommunicates clearly, respectfully, and effectively with individuals at all levels of the organization. Navigates difficult conversations with tact and supports others in doing the same.

Required Skills and Experience

• 10+ years of experience in People & Culture/Human Resources, including supporting a large and diverse client portfolio.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in a Business Partner role with direct responsibility for managing Employee Relations cases.
• Proven ability to build strong relationships with senior management and key stakeholders, gaining support for organizational initiatives and policies.
• Demonstrated success in managing teams and leading People & Culture functions.
• Experience in medium-to-large organizations (250+ employees) is highly preferred.
• Strong people management skills, including talent acquisition, onboarding, coordination, feedback, coaching, motivation, and retention of high-performing teams.
• Excellent project management skills, with the ability to prioritize effectively and deliver high-quality work under time constraints and limited resources.
• Proven ability to work independently and collaboratively in a matrixed team environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and familiarity with HRIS and other P&C/ER-related software; openness to learning new tools.
• Knowledge of Workday is a plus, though not required.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including public speaking and the ability to convey complex information clearly and effectively.
• Demonstrated success and willingness to facilitate training sessions.
• Committed to building and strengthening a culture of inclusion within and across teams.
• Identifies and aligns with WWF’s core values: Courage, Integrity, Respect, and Collaboration:

• • Demonstrates courage by speaking up even when it is difficult, or unpopular.
  • Build trust with colleagues by acting with integrity, owning mistakes, and holding oneself accountable.
  • Welcomes other points of view and ideas, recognizing and embracing different and contrary perspectives with kindness, curiosity, and encouragement.
  • Makes conscious efforts to promote cooperative practices, behaviors, and ways of working across many groups and individuals.

To Apply: 

• Submit cover letter and resume through our Careers Page, Requisition #25069

• Due to the high volume of applications, we are not able to respond to inquiries via phone 

World Wildlife Fund (WWF) promotes equal employment opportunities for all qualified individuals regardless of age, race, color, sex, religion, national origin, disability, or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law.