Context: The purpose of the Senior Human Resources Partner is to be a business partner to the Program Department (the largest division of the Sierra Club which houses all of our national conservation programs) as well as other assigned client groups. The Senior HR Partner will be involved in strategic planning with the leadership team in the Program Department, providing input on the people implications of strategies. This position will work to build and deliver Human Resources programs to support the organization's objectives in partnership with the HR team. They will be a coach, identify barriers, help leadership team members and their reports work through those barriers and address a wide variety of Employee Relations issues. Understanding of environmental issues and/or social justice and equity will enable the Senior HR Partner to be a high level partner.
Sierra Club was the first environmental organization to be created and today it’s one of the largest. Our work focuses on championing solutions to the climate crisis; working for clean air, safe water, land protection and a vibrant natural world; fighting for environmental and social justice; and getting people outside to enjoy the outdoors. We have 800 employees located in offices across the country. Sierra Club’s employees are changemakers whose work is rooted in our Equity, Inclusion, and Justice values. We are guided by the Jemez Principles to build just relationships with and uplift communities who want a clean energy future. This position will play a key role in ensuring that these values are echoed in our employee relations strategies including complex conflict resolution and workplace investigations.
Sierra Club is comprised of a national entity and a network of local chapters that support our grassroots engagement. We are also proud to be a unionized employer - with two in-house labor unions representing nearly half of our employees.
Scope: The Senior HR Partner will provide strategic support through coaching, guidance, annual planning and training. This position will engage both staff and managers in assigned client groups regarding all Human Resources functions, including sensitive and complex employee relations matters, staffing, and general administration. This is a visible role where you will have the opportunity to make an impact to the organization’s mission, values, and productivity.
- Act as a partner for all HR programs and services that are delivered to clients in line with their strategic plan. (Approx. 40%)
- Coach, support, and mentor managers in the equitable application of HR policies and practices; provide strategic advice, feedback and guidance on complex HR issues.
- Provide strategic assistance with employee counseling, promotions/recognition, and retention efforts.
- Support hiring managers and guide them through the recruitment and onboarding process, helping the organization to recruit and retain a workforce representative of the population.
- Resolve concerns and issues for managers and employees by providing information, recommendations and guidance or escalating as required.
- Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local legal requirements by studying existing and new legislation; anticipating changes; offering guidance.
- Facilitate effective performance evaluation and work plan process for client groups.
- Work in partnership with members of the HR team to ensure HR functions are being carried out on behalf of assigned client groups.
- Coach Managers with ongoing human resource issues by effective mentoring, including: (Approx. 25%)
- Provide coaching on development for leaders and their direct reports, including creating development plans, identifying training opportunities and acting as a mentor to various individuals.
- Investigate all claims of policy violations to conclusion and support both staff and managers through various employee relations matters reported to the HR team (including grievances, workers’ compensation cases, and employee inquiries).
- Counsel managers through challenging performance management situations including disciplinary actions and performance improvement plans.
- Support and coach managers in building and growing successful, inclusive teams, identifying and motivating high performers, and navigating difficult conversations as necessary.
- Help to build and maintain a culture that reflects the Club’s core values.
- Point of contact for staff with HR related questions or policy issues, acting as liaison in employee complaint resolution (Approx. 15%)
- Provide high level of service to targeted client/customer base.
- Troubleshoot, identify viable options and problem-solve using excellent reasoning abilities and demonstrating sound judgment.
- Develop and lead trainings or workshops on management skills or other topics to support a thriving, positive workplace culture (Approx. 10%)
- Handle special projects and miscellaneous duties as assigned. (Approx. 10%)
- Minimum 5 years (progressive in nature) of work experience in the Human Resources field that includes fast paced, varied Generalist work.
- Demonstrated ability to effectively manage people strategies, employee relations/labor relations, organizational effectiveness, talent development and performance management.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to professionally handle stressful situations.
- Must be able to deal with confidential data and possess a high level of personal integrity and discretion.
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple and often competing priorities.
- High emotional intelligence, reflected in the ability to build strong relationships and work collaboratively with managers and all levels of staff throughout the organization.
- Knowledge of current CA and Federal employment laws, and record keeping requirements.
Desired Skills:
- Experience working in a union environment
- Skilled in conducting investigations
- Knowledge of Workday, Taleo and Google Tools
- Commitment to environmental and social justice and the Sierra Club’s mission
- Proven ability to work with efficiency, flexibility, and good sense of humor
Sierra Club employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits program including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, flexible spending accounts, employee assistance program, and long term disability insurance. A 401(k) Plan is available to save for retirement with match and a generous employer contribution that increases with service time. Vacation, holiday and leave of absence policies prioritize work-life balance for Sierra Club staff.