Full-Time Lead Employee Relations Partner

Summary

The Wikimedia Foundation is seeking a Lead Employee Relations Partner to join the People Department. This role will report to the VP, People Experience and will partner closely with the entire People Leadership Group as a true cross-functional resource. In this role, you will guide the initial development of a global Employee Relations function to ensure that the Foundation treats every staff member fairly, respectfully, and consistently in line with our values, policies, and core mission. The right individual will be able to balance proactive and reactive work, as both are critical components of the role. While this is an individual contributor role to start, the right individual will be interested in people management and experience in that field. 

Responsibilities

• Design and implement global employee relations frameworks, processes, and best practices that align with organizational values, goals, and personnel strategies.
• Lead and oversee the management of complex employee relations cases across the organization, ensuring timely and effective resolution in a thoughtful manner.
• Collaborate with HR Business Partners, Legal, People senior leadership, and other stakeholders to ensure ER policies and practices support the needs of the foundation now, and in the future.
• Provide expert guidance to the People Department and senior leadership teams on a range of ER issues, including grievances, investigations, disciplinary actions, and conflict resolution.
• Develop strong relationships with employers of record and counsel to build processes that ensure that all employee relations cases are handled in compliance with relevant local labor laws, regulations and applicable policies across different regions.
• Develop and deliver employee relations training programs for the People Department, managers, and staff on topics such as accommodations, workplace investigations, and labor law compliance, consistent with our internal policies and global programs.
• Build manager capabilities to support effective employee relations and employee engagement to drive a positive and productive work environment through workshops, training, and educational materials, in partnership with our People Growth & Belonging team.
• Establish and maintain systems and up to date information for tracking and reporting on ER metrics, trends, and outcomes.
• Provide regular reports with data-informed insights on key employee relations trends, risks, and dynamics internal and external to the Foundation
• Stay ahead of industry trends and develop innovative approaches to address emerging employee relations challenges.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Labor Relations, Organizational Psychology, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).
• 8+ years of experience in employee relations, HR, or labor relations, including experience in managing complex employee relations issues in a global, multi-regional context.
• Strong understanding of international labor laws and the ability to navigate the complexities of employee relations in different countries.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with a strong ability to influence and collaborate across a diverse, global workforce.
• Proven track record of successfully leading and mentoring teams in a dynamic, mission-driven organization.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to manage sensitive and complex employee relations cases with discretion and professionalism.
• Experience working in a not-for-profit or public sector organization.