Mercy For Animals aims to end industrial animal agriculture by constructing a just and sustainable food system. We envision a world where animals are respected, protected, and free
As a leading farmed animal advocacy organization, we know that achieving this goal requires a diverse, inclusive, and collaborative work environment—one that welcomes and sparks new perspectives and innovative ideas. If you are passionate about our mission, driven to make a big impact for animals, and eager to be part of a dedicated team, join us!
We currently seek a director of people operations, U.S. & Canada, to join our people operations team. In this role you will design, develop, and oversee Mercy For Animals’ U.S. and Canadian people operations strategy, policies, procedures, initiatives, and programs, including talent acquisition and team member rewards and relations.
You will do invaluable work:
- Partner with the vice president of global people operations, the managing director for the United States and Canada, and the regional people operations team to develop the region’s objectives for talent acquisition, talent development, team member rewards, and team member relations in alignment with Mercy For Animals’ global and regional strategic priorities
- Actively partner with senior leadership and the regional leadership team to foster proactive engagement, build strong partnerships, and ensure alignment with and adherence to organizational programs, policies, and procedures
- Partner with the vice president of global people operations to foster an intentional culture based on Mercy For Animals’ core values, leadership principles, and ongoing commitment to a work environment that is engaging, inclusive, equitable, and just
- Partner with the regional managing director and the finance team on the development and management of the regional people operations budget
- Oversee, guide, and mentor the regional people operations team to successfully implement the region’s people operations objectives, including oversight of direct reports that support talent acquisition and team member relations
- Oversee payroll for all U.S. and Canadian employees, ensuring its timely and accurate completion
- Manage both U.S. and Canadian benefits, including overseeing the open-enrollment process
- Ensure the organization’s compliance with federal, state, and local laws and regulations by staying current on U.S. employment law and ensuring timely reviews and modifications of people operations policies, procedures, and practices
- Address and oversee appropriate, respectful handling of all sensitive or confidential team member relations issues, such as complaints, disciplinary actions, and separations, as necessary
- Regularly collect, analyze, and review regional people operations metrics and trends and discuss them with the managing director and regional leadership team, making recommendations and implementing improvements as necessary
- Conduct research on people operations trends, best practices, and technologies, and recommend new or changes to existing policies, programs, initiatives, and practices to the regional managing director and regional leadership team
- Adhere to all organizational policies and procedures
- Perform any other duties assigned by team leader
Your qualifications will take our people operations team to the next level:
- Minimum of five years’ work experience in human resources, at least three of them in a leadership role
- Bachelor’s degree in human resources, psychology, or a related field or an additional three years of work experience in human resources
- Demonstrated understanding of strategic work in human resources, including talent development, talent acquisition, employee relations, employee engagement, compliance, and compensation
- Payroll experience, preferably using ADP
- Extensive knowledge of U.S. federal and state employment laws and regulations, specifically California employment law
- PHR or SHRM-CP certification or a willingness to obtain either within one year of employment
- Proven experience in developing and accomplishing organizational strategic and budget objectives
- Strong spoken and written communication skills
- Excellent interpersonal, persuasion, negotiation, and conflict-management skills
- Strong research and analytical skills
- Good judgment and problem-solving skills
- Proven leadership skills, including the ability to build and maintain high-performing teams
- Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to delegate effectively
- Ability to travel one to three times per year for conferences and retreats
- Commitment to the mission and values of Mercy For Animals
- Strong understanding of and commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice principles and experience implementing these in a people operations setting
About Your Team Leader
Mario Burton is the vice president of global people operations at Mercy For Animals. In his role, he oversees HR operations across all our regions. Mario has recently joined Mercy For Animals but is an HR professional with over a decade of experience managing multiple HR functions, including talent acquisition, leadership development, total rewards, and organizational change management.
Compensation and Benefits
Earn an annual salary of $97,000–$107,000, depending on qualifications, and enjoy a commute-free life as a remote team member. In addition to a collaborative and innovative work environment, you will be able to take part in our benefits package, including no- or low-cost health, vision, and dental insurance; generous paid time off and sick leave; and a 401(k) retirement plan, with a dollar-to-dollar employer match of up to 3% of your annual salary.
*Benefits and salary outside the United States will be shared early in the interview process.
Application Details
We consider traditional and nontraditional qualifications and carefully review each application, resume, and cover letter. Feel encouraged to go outside a traditional cover letter and state how you would add to our culture; what we would gain from having you on our team; and how you align with our organizational vision, mission, and values.
Our Commitment to You
Mercy For Animals is a globally minded organization. We are committed to the principles of equity and justice, and our culture celebrates authenticity—enabling every team member to shine. All employment decisions are based solely on individual qualifications, job needs, and job requirements, and potential team members of every color, orientation, age, gender, origin, veteran status, and ability are encouraged to apply. We strive to include candidates from historically marginalized communities and those from or in communities impacted by environmental, social, and economic injustice.
Come as you are, and help us transform our society and construct a truly compassionate food system.
