About FIRST
For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST) is a robotics community that prepares young people for the future through a suite of inclusive, team-based robotics programs for ages 4-18 (PreK-12) that can be facilitated in school or in structured afterschool programs. Boosted by a global support system of volunteers, educators, and sponsors that include over 200 of the Fortune 500 companies, teams operate under a signature set of FIRST Core Values to conduct research, fundraise, design, build, and showcase their achievements during annual challenges.
The mission of FIRST is to inspire young people to be science and technology leaders and innovators, by engaging them in exciting mentor-based programs that build science, engineering, and technology skills, that inspire innovation, and that foster well-rounded life capabilities including self-confidence, communication, and leadership.
An international not-for-profit organization (501(c)(3)) founded by accomplished inventor Dean Kamen in 1989, FIRST has a proven impact on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math) learning, interest, and skill-building well beyond high school. Alumni of FIRST programs gain access to exclusive scholarships, internships, and other opportunities that create connections and open pathways to a wide variety of careers.
FIRST Core Values
The FIRST Core Values emphasize friendly sportsmanship, respect for the contributions of others, teamwork, learning, and community involvement and are part of our commitment to fostering, cultivating, and preserving a culture of equity, diversity, and inclusion. The FIRST Community expresses the FIRST philosophies of Gracious Professionalism® and Coopertition® through our Core Values:
- Discovery: We explore new skills and ideas.
- Innovation: We use creativity and persistence to solve problems.
- Impact: We apply what we learn to improve our world.
- Inclusion: We respect each other and embrace our differences.
- Teamwork: We are stronger when we work together.
- Fun: We enjoy and celebrate what we do!
For more information on FIRST please visit website.
The Opportunity
The Senior Director, Human Resources serves as a subject matter expert on issues related to HR and Organizational Development and manages the day-to-day operations of the HR team. Alongside the Chief People Officer, this role acts as a thought leader and advisor to senior leadership and people managers on issues related to performance, talent, and employee engagement. The Senior Director is responsible for ensuring that people operations are appropriately aligned to the strategic plan and priorities and for developing and implementing initiatives and projects that foster best in class practices and a highly engaged and inclusive workforce. This role manages a high performing team of 3 HR staff and reports to the Chief People Officer.
Specific Responsibilities:
Organizational Development
- Provide leadership to the Human Resources staff and continually assess programs to assure the group's contribution to the mission of the organization.
- Design and execute HR plans that align to the strategic and tactical business plans for the organization as a whole.
- Develop initiatives that foster best in class policies and practices in the areas of talent management, leadership development, succession planning and training and development.
- Establish credibility at all levels of the organization as an effective thought leader on topics related to people and culture.
Talent Acquisition
- Develop staffing strategies and implementation plans designed to identify top talent both within and outside the organization.
- Identify effective and appropriate external sources of talent for positions at all levels.
- Evaluate and advise on the impact of new programs or regulations on the ability of FIRST to attract, motivate, develop, and retain critical people resources throughout the organization.
Performance Management and Professional Development
- Oversee and improve the organizations performance management, feedback, and recognition systems.
- Provide support and coaching to managers in the organization to ensure strong leadership across the organization.
- Develop and execute effective training and professional development initiatives with a focus on leadership development, career progression and succession planning.
- Manage complex employee relations issues and engage legal support when necessary.
People Engagement and Culture
- Foster a culture of transparency where employees feel empowered with information.
- Evaluate org practices with an equity and inclusion lens to ensure the full development and performance of all employees inclusive of diverse backgrounds and perspectives.
- Act as the organization’s culture ambassador – promoting and fostering practices that lead to a positive and welcoming environment where employees can thrive.
Candidate Profile
The ideal candidate will have the following professional and personal qualities, skills, and characteristics:
- Bachelor’s degree (BA/BS) preferred.
- Extensive experience and depth of knowledge in Human Resources and Organizational Development.
- 10+ years of directly related experience; people management experience required.
- Strategic thinker with the ability to contribute to organizational strategy.
- Strong communication skills with the ability to quickly form trusting relationships and earn the respect and confidence of employees and leadership.
- Ability to develop and execute on a strategy yet comfortable with an all-hands-on-deck environment when needed.
- Experience managing teams and budgets.
- Demonstrated commitment to EDI; experience implementing HR policies and practices with a focus on equity.
Compensation & Benefits
The salary range for this position is $120,000-$160,000. New staff members typically start between the range minimum and midpoint based on qualifications, experience, and internal equity. FIRST offers a comprehensive benefits package.
Contact
Koya Partners, the executive search firm that specializes in mission-driven search, has been exclusively retained for this engagement. To express interest in this role please submit your materials by filling out our Talent Profile. All inquiries and discussions will be considered strictly confidential.
For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST) does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic information, disability, age, religion/creed, and military/veteran status in its programs and activities.