Director, People Operations/Human Resources

About the Role The Geneva Foundation is seeking an innovative Director of People Operations & Human Resources to help shape how we attract, develop, engage, and retain the people who advance our mission. We are looking for a forward-looking People & Business Partner who understands that people strategy is business strategy. Working closely with the COO and Leadership Team, the Director will translate Geneva's strategic priorities into a scalable workforce strategy, modern people practices, and an employee experience that enables high performance. Geneva operates in the complex environment of federal government contracting, military medicine, research, and nonprofit mission delivery. Our workforce must be prepared to respond to changing customer requirements, program growth, new business opportunities, evolving technology, and a competitive talent market. The successful candidate will think strategically, operate pragmatically, use data to drive decisions, challenge conventional thinking, and get things done. This full-time hybrid position offers a flexible schedule of 2 in-office days and 3 remote workdays per week. Candidates must be based near one of our corporate offices in Bethesda, MD; Frederick, MD; Tacoma, WA; or Fayetteville, NC and be able to regularly work on site/in office as required. Preference is given to candidates residing in the DMV region. Background check will be administered. Salary Range $135,000 - $155,000. Salaries are determined based on several factors including external market data, internal equity, and the candidate’s related knowledge, skills, and abilities for the position. Required QualificationsBachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business, Organizational Development, or related field8+ years of progressive HR/People Operations experience, including leadership responsibilityDemonstrated experience serving as a strategic HR partner to senior leadershipStrong business acumen and the ability to connect workforce decisions to organizational performance, financial sustainability, and growthStrong knowledge of talent acquisition, employee relations, performance management, compensation, benefits, organizational development, and employment complianceExperience developing workforce strategies and leading organizational changeStrong analytical, communication, relationship-building, and problem-solving skillsAbility to manage sensitive information with discretion and exercise sound independent judgmentExperience overseeing employee benefits and total rewards programs, including vendor management, benefits strategy, cost analysis, compliance, and employee communicationsExperience with WorkdayExperience leveraging technology, automation, or AI to modernize HR processes Preferred QualificationsMaster's degree in HR, Business, Organizational Development, or related fieldSHRM-SCP, SPHR, PHR, or comparable certificationExperience in federal government contracting, defense, military medicine, healthcare, scientific research, or another highly regulated environment Key ResponsibilitiesServe as a trusted strategic advisor to the COO and Leadership Team on workforce, talent, and organizational mattersDevelop and execute a People strategy aligned with Geneva's strategic plan, growth objectives, financial priorities, and evolving workforce needsPartner with Program and Business Development leaders to anticipate workforce requirements associated with new business, contract growth, and organizational expansionLead talent acquisition, workforce planning, retention, succession planning, leadership development, and employee engagementBuild proactive talent pipelines and improve the speed, quality, and effectiveness of recruitingStrengthen the employee experience from recruitment through career development and retentionLead the strategy, administration, and continuous improvement of Geneva's employee benefits programs, including group health, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, retirement plans, wellness programs, and other employee benefitsEvaluate benefits offerings, costs, utilization, competitiveness, and employee needs; recommend changes that balance employee value, market competitiveness, and organizational affordabilityManage relationships with benefits brokers, carriers, consultants, and other third-party providers and ensure effective vendor performance and service deliveryOversee benefits enrollment, communications, compliance, and employee education to ensure employees understand and effectively utilize available programsLead the evolution of performance management, compensation, benefits, and recognition programsUse workforce data and analytics to identify trends, measure organizational health, and support better business decisions.Lead organizational effectiveness, change management, and culture initiativesModernize People Operations through technology, automation, and use of AIProvide guidance on employee relations, employment practices, policies, and compliance, partnering with legal counsel when appropriateEnsure People Operations practices comply with applicable federal, state, and local requirements and the unique needs of a federal government contractorLead, develop, and mentor the People Operations team while establishing clear service expectations and performance measures.Partner across Finance, Programs, IT, Business Development, Corporate Strategy, and other functions to ensure people strategies support enterprise priorities The Leader We're Looking ForStrategic but execution-oriented. Can translate strategy into action and measurable resultsA business partner. Understands the connection between people, performance, financial sustainability, and organizational growthForward-looking. Anticipates workforce challenges and opportunities before they become business issuesData-driven. Uses meaningful workforce data to inform decisions and measure impactA trusted advisor. Comfortable advising, influencing, and respectfully challenging senior leadersInnovative. Looks for smarter, simpler, and more effective ways to workPeople-centered. Builds trust, accountability, engagement, and a strong employee experienceChange-oriented. Can lead people and organizations through growth, transformation, and evolving prioritiesMission-driven. Understands the importance of Geneva's mission and the people who make it possible