Human Resources Director, US

The Business

The Guardian is a global news organization that delivers fearless, independent journalism. From breaking news and award-winning investigations, to in-depth coverage of technology, sports, film, culture and lifestyle, the Guardian offers a global view that deepens our audiences' understanding of America and the world.

Headquartered in New York City, Guardian US is an entirely digital operation that seeks to engage US readers by combining the Guardian's international coverage with US voices and expertise. Core coverage areas include the climate emergency, economic and racial inequality, digital privacy and much more. Guardian US launched in 2011 and today has bureaus in New York, Washington DC, New Orleans and Los Angeles. The Guardian is an independently owned, mission-driven organization, funded by readers around the globe.

It's the talent, energy and commitment our people bring to The Guardian that make us who we are. Across our business we have some of the most creative thinkers in media and beyond: award-winning journalists, cutting-edge commercial teams, digital talent and more.

The Role

The Guardian US is seeking an experienced, dynamic HR leader to become a key member of the leadership team, dedicated to the people needs of the business, comprised of commercial, editorial, philanthropy, and support functions. Responsible for management and development of a small team, and for providing a blend of strategic and tactical human resources services to serve key organizational objectives.

These include: talent management, organizational effectiveness, change management, employee/industrial relations, learning and development, compensation, recruitment, employee engagement, benefits, diversity & inclusion, payroll, compliance, HRIS, and mobility.

The ideal candidate will be a seasoned and strategic HR leader and hands-on generalist, capable of providing core structure, process and operational support, as well as cultivating an inclusive workplace of the future. This person will also be a builder who is entrepreneurial and experienced in building HR organizations and processes.

Lead

  • Organization Partnership - trusted partner with leadership to help set the agenda and functional priorities of the organization. Advise, coach, and challenge leaders on organizational, strategic, developmental, and legislative issues. Ensure the delivery of excellent strategic and operational HR support to the organization.
  • Diversity, Equity & Inclusion - Partner with leadership and our global HQ team in London to manage diversity and inclusion initiatives, building on the progress we've made over the past several years and introducing important new programs.
  • Talent Acquisition - Oversee the recruiting process to ensure that the best possible talent is sourced, hired, and on-boarded in a timely, cost-efficient manner.
  • Union Relations - In collaboration with the Managing Editor and General Counsel, and with the assistance of the HR Manager, manage the company's relationship with the union, including collective bargaining, grievances, arbitration, and contract interpretation issues.
  • Collaborate and serve as primary liaison with The Guardian global HQ in London.
  • Budgets - In collaboration with finance, manage the HR budget for the US.
  • Compensation - In collaboration with finance, manage all compensation processes, including annual comp planning, and bonus and commission plans.
  • Mobility - Facilitate movement of talent between US, UK, and other locations, including administration of visas/immigration, secondment benefits, and relocation packages.
  • Change Management - Support the planning and execution of organizational change initiatives and workforce planning.
  • Internal Communications - Collaborate with Communications leads to draft and release various internal communications.
  • Policy & Process Management - Develop, interpret, update, and enforce policies and practices in line with business needs, HR best practice, and applicable labor laws.
  • Engagement - Champion the annual employee engagement survey process, translating learnings and insights into action.
  • Learning & Development - Allocate appropriate training, coaching, or development resources based on identified business needs.
  • Mentor, coach and develop the US HR team

Manage and support team of 3 responsible for:

  • Employee relations
  • Payroll and benefits
  • Compliance
  • People reporting and analytics
  • Vendor management
  • Performance management

Reports to: Managing Director, US & Editor, US

Location: New York, NY (Hybrid)

Requirements

  • Minimum of 10 years of progressive HR experience with 5+ years in a leadership position.
  • Minimum of 5 years of experience working in the news, publishing, or media industries.
  • Demonstrated ability and willingness to quickly pivot between strategic HR leadership and hands-on operational issues.
  • Broad understanding of HR best practices and industry trends with business and financial acumen, as well as the ability to conceptualize and recommend pragmatic new strategies and programs.
  • Ability to build and sustain effective working relationships with management, vendors, employees, union, and candidates, with the ability to adapt working style accordingly.
  • Strong influencing and persuading skills with the confidence to constructively challenge management thinking when necessary.
  • Strong command of HR regulations, laws, and requirements with demonstrated ability to professionally and pragmatically handle policy and people related escalations and employee relations scenarios.
  • Track record of successful execution, planning, and project management with strong attention to detail.
  • Ability to effectively manage and prioritize operational and strategic goals.
  • Advanced proficiency with business and HR systems and applications and demonstrated ability to leverage them to drive efficiencies.
  • Labor relations or union experience preferred.
  • Experience with managing the employee visa process preferred.
  • Experience working in a global organization with matrix structures is a plus.

Education

  • Undergraduate degree or equivalent required.
  • PHR/SPHR accreditation or equivalent certification desirable.

Compensation & Benefits

  • Salary range: $200,000 - $220,000 annually
  • 20 days of vacation leave in addition to 11 company holidays and 2 personal days
  • Unlimited sick time
  • 401(k) Match
  • Subsidized healthcare coverage including medical, vision, and dental
  • Medical and Dependent Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Generous maternal and parental leave with 100% pay
  • Long Term and Short Term Disability insurance
  • Life insurance
  • Commuter benefits
  • Work/Life balance: Flexible hybrid schedule

Culture & Wellbeing

We want everyone to feel like they belong at the Guardian and we champion diversity of thought. You will also have the opportunity to hear unique insight from our journalists in our morning conference, a live discussion on the news story of the day.

We offer great tools to help you prioritize your wellbeing including a free Headspace subscription and access to Employee Assistance Programs.

Learning & Development

We encourage personal and professional growth. Employees have access to a broad range of tools and solutions, and we are happy to support the pursuit of professional qualifications through vocational courses and apprenticeships.

Sustainability

Our goal is to become an environmentally regenerative company and we have signed up to a sustainability vision and strategy to reach it. Find more information about sustainability at GNM here.

The Guardian News & Media is an equal employment opportunity employer, and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, age, disability, national origin or citizenship.

We value and respect all differences (seen and unseen) in all people at the Guardian. We aspire to have inclusive working experiences and an environment that reflects the audience we serve, where our people have equal access to career development opportunities, their voices are heard and can contribute to our future.