Managing Director, People Partner

About the role

The Managing Director, People Partner (Business Partner) serves as a trusted advisor to leaders and managers, providing strategic and day-to-day partnership that strengthens team effectiveness, develops talent, and supports an exceptional staff experience.

Responsibilities

• Partner with directors, managing directors, and selected senior leaders to provide strategic guidance on talent management, team effectiveness, staff development, and employee experience.
• Build trusted relationships with leaders to understand team dynamics, identify opportunities, and proactively address talent needs.
• Consult on organizational design, workforce planning, and team structures that align with business priorities.
• Help leaders identify capability gaps and recommend development strategies to strengthen team performance.
• Coach managers through key talent processes, including hiring, onboarding, performance development, performance improvement, change management, and compensation cycles.
• Serve as the primary People Team partner for assigned client groups, connecting leaders with the appropriate People resources and expertise.
• Provide coaching and consultation to leaders navigating performance concerns, employee relations matters, and workplace challenges.
• Advise leaders on policy interpretation, standards of conduct, and workplace expectations.
• Partner with Employee Relations colleagues to escalate and resolve complex or sensitive matters appropriately.
• Navigate difficult conversations while promoting consistency, equity, and compliance.
• Contribute insights from client groups to strengthen talent programs, policies, and systems across the organization.
• Partner across the People Team to implement talent initiatives, including performance development, onboarding, annual talent processes, and manager enablement.
• Gather feedback from leaders and staff to identify trends and recommend continuous improvements.
• Analyze talent data—including engagement, retention, promotions, and exit trends—to support informed decision-making within assigned portfolios.
• Support special projects and cross-functional People Team initiatives as organizational priorities evolve.
• Contribute to organization-wide talent efforts and provide capacity during periods of increased demand.
• Demonstrate flexibility by adjusting priorities in response to changing organizational needs.
• Collaborate across the People Team to ensure consistent, high-quality support for staff and leaders.

Requirements

• Minimum of 7-10 years of progressive Human Resources experience, preferably in Business Partnering, HR Consulting, Organizational Development, or a Human Resources Generalist role.
• Experience partnering with people leaders to solve talent and organizational challenges.
• Knowledge across core HR disciplines, including employee relations, performance management, talent development, compensation, organizational effectiveness, and change management.
• Ability to build trust and credibility with leaders at multiple levels.
• Strong judgment and comfort navigating ambiguity, competing priorities, and organizational change.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects while meeting ambitious deadlines.
• Strong organizational, communication, and relationship-building skills.
• Commitment to Teach For America's mission, core values, and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Bonus (Preferred Qualifications)

• Experience managing or mentoring others.
• SHRM, PHR, or HCM certification.
• Experience with Workday or comparable HRIS platforms.
• Strong facilitation and coaching skills.
• Excellent project management and process improvement capabilities.
• Demonstrated curiosity, adaptability, and continuous learning mindset.
• Proven ability to build collaborative relationships across diverse stakeholders.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to use data to inform talent decisions.
• Solutions-oriented with sound judgment, integrity, and a high degree of ownership.