Chief Human Resources Officer

Background

World ORT’s global educational network, schools, colleges, and international programs reach more than 350,000 individuals across over 40 countries. With generous support from its donors, World ORT’s schools and programs serve underserved students by bridging the gap between aptitude and opportunity, as they work to expand knowledge, build autonomy, and strengthen Jewish identity. In Israel, World ORT Kadima Mada (“Science Journey”) programs focus on empowering disadvantaged students in the country’s under-resourced periphery to become self-sufficient and gain confidence in their ability to succeed. Due to World ORT’s innovative programs and quality instruction in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), students in Israel acquire translatable knowledge and transferable skills that can meet the demands of the 21st-century job market. In Europe, the Former Soviet Union, and Latin America, World ORT expands access to high-quality STEM education while simultaneously enriching individuals’ Jewish identities. In the process, World ORT revitalizes a religious and cultural experience that was lost to many regions for decades. Through the study of Jewish culture, language, history, and traditions, World ORT’s Jewish curriculum counters assimilation, renews Jewish communal life, and deepens connections to Jewish identity for generations to come.

Position

The Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) will serve as the primary architect of World ORT’s people strategy, bridging the New York headquarters with the diverse international network. This is a dual-focus role:

1. Global Strategy: The CHRO will define the "connective tissue" of the global ORT culture, ensuring that while each international unit operates under its own legal framework, they all share a unified professional standard, mission alignment, and organizational soul.
2. US Operations: The CHRO will act as the functional HR Director for the US team, maintaining direct oversight of all recruitment, retention, and development for US-based staff. The ideal candidate will understand the nuances of Jewish communal life and can build professional development programs (retreats, seminars) that inspire the team worldwide.

Responsibilities

Global HR Strategy & Organizational Culture

• Develop a comprehensive 3-5 year HR strategic plan that unifies the main UK and US international hubs. Create a shared "Global Culture Code" that transcends borders while respecting the legal autonomy of local HR units.
• Design a global framework for performance reviews and professional evaluations. While local implementation may vary by country law, the standards of excellence, core competencies, and values alignment will be centralized and consistent.
• Combat organizational silos by creating cross-border touchpoints, including:
• Retreats & Seminars: Design and execute annual or bi-annual global leadership retreats and educational seminars that bring international teams together (virtually or in person) for bonding and learning.
• Global Onboarding: Create a "Mission & Values" onboarding module that every employee, whether in the US, Israel, Europe, or South America, participates in to ensure mission alignment.
• Serve as a senior consultant to regional directors, assisting them in navigating complex people issues and ensuring they have the resources to align with the global vision.

US Headquarters Oversight

• Lead the full lifecycle of recruitment for all US-based roles. Develop creative sourcing strategies to attract top-tier talent in the Jewish non-profit and educational sectors.
• Monitor the "pulse" of the US office. Implement retention strategies, including competitive benefits analysis, wellness initiatives, and recognition programs.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for US staff regarding grievances, conflict resolution, and policy interpretation, ensuring compliance with US federal and New York state labor laws.
• Manage the training budget for US staff, identifying individual skill gaps and curating opportunities for upskilling.

Development Program & Learning

• Conceptualize and launch professional development programs specifically for educators and administrators, which involves:
• Identifying world-class speakers and trainers for internal seminars.
• Creating a "Future Leaders" mentorship program identifying high-potential staff globally.
• Structuring "Lunch and Learns" centered on Jewish ethics in the workplace.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications and qualities:

• 10+ years of progressive HR experience, with at least 3-5 years in a senior leadership role. Experience in a global or multi-site non-profit is highly preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree in HR, Organizational Psychology, or Business Administration preferred. SHRM-SCP or SPHR certification is a plus.
• Demonstrated ability to distinguish between what must be standardized globally (culture, values, excellence) and what must be localized (contracts, labor law, benefits).
• Deep understanding of, or strong familiarity with, the Jewish educational landscape, Jewish values, and the Jewish calendar.
• Proven track record of designing and running retreats, conferences, or complex training programs.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills with the ability to navigate different cultural norms and communication styles across the network.

Personal Attributes

• The ability to draft a high-level 5-year plan in the morning and handle a sensitive employee relations issue in the afternoon.
• Sensitivity to the nuances of working with diverse Jewish communities (e.g., secular, Modern Orthodox, Haredi) and international cultural differences.
• The ability to be a trusted confidante to staff while maintaining the firmness required of an executive leader.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary: In the range of $135,000-$150,000 depending upon experience.
• Paid family leave.
• Comprehensive health insurance.
• 401k plan.
• Commuter benefits.
• Jewish Holidays.
• Shortened Friday hours.
• Opportunities for global travel.

For more information or to apply, please email: Allison Weinger, Chief Operating Officer, [email protected]