The Senior Director of Human Resources serves as a strategic leader and operational manager, overseeing the full spectrum of HR functions including recruitment, talent development, performance management, benefits, employee relations, organizational design, compliance, and internal culture initiatives.

This position partners closely with the Chief People, Community Engagement and Programs Officer to align HR practices with organizational goals, drive a culture of accountability, inclusion, and innovation, and ensure a best-in-class employee experience.

Key Responsibilities

• Recruitment & Retention
• Oversees recruitment strategy efforts to attract top talent across all levels.
• Partners with hiring managers to implement equitable and effective hiring processes.
• Creates programs to improve retention, onboarding, and employee integration.
• Performance Management & Learning
• Leads the design and administration of the performance review cycle, including goal setting, metrics tracking, and coaching resources.
• Oversees leadership development, training, and staff upskilling programs to foster continuous learning.
• Benefits
• Partners with Sr. HR Manager on the day-to-day benefits administration.
• Recommends program enhancements that promote equity, competitiveness, and wellness.
• Employee Relations & Compliance
• Provides direct support and coaching to managers and employees on workplace issues.
• Ensures compliance with all employment laws in the countries that Optica employs staff.
• Updates HR policies and procedures in accordance with legal requirements and best practices.
• Provides Chief People, Community Engagement, and Programs Officer grievance reports and partners with any legal issues.
• Culture & Staff Engagement
• Partners with Chief People, Community Engagement and Programs Officer on programs to strengthen employee connection, morale, and inclusion.
• Leads staff events and culture-building initiatives across departments.
• HR Operations & Metrics
• Evaluates and improves HR systems and workflows for efficiency and employee self-service.
• Implements dashboards and metrics to track engagement, turnover, hiring, and development progress.
• Prepares and presents HR metrics reports to designated senior management.

Qualifications and Experience

• Minimum 10 years of progressive HR experience; 4+ years at the senior leadership level in a nonprofit or association environment.
• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field; Master’s degree preferred.
• SPHR, SHRM-SCP, or other HR certification strongly preferred.
• Strong understanding of performance management, organizational development,  and workforce planning.
• Expertise in HRIS and data analytics to guide decision-making.
• Knowledge of benefits design and vendor management.
• Excellent communication, coaching, and conflict resolution skills.
• High degree of integrity, confidentiality, and emotional intelligence.

About Optica

Optica (formerly OSA) is dedicated to promoting the generation, application, archiving, and dissemination of knowledge in optics and photonics worldwide. Founded in 1916, it is the leading organization for scientists, engineers, business professionals, students, and others interested in the science of light. Optica’s renowned publications, meetings, online resources, and in-person activities fuel discoveries, shape real-life applications and accelerate scientific, technical, and educational achievement.

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