Associate Director, People & Culture Systems. New York. Posting Date: 10/31/2025. Deadline: 11/14/2025
Role Title: Associate Director, People and Culture SystemsContract Type: Permanent
Reporting To: Director, Operations and Systems
Program/Department/Unit Name: People and Culture
Location: New York or London
Team Name: People and Culture Operation and Systems
Role Purpose
The Associate Director, People and Culture Systems will be responsible for shaping the future of OSFโs People and Culture technology landscape. This role will drive innovation, efficiency, and scalability by optimizing the Workday ecosystem and integrating emerging technologies and AI-enabled solutions. Through strategic collaboration with IT, internal stakeholders and external partners, the role would aim at delivering a seamless digital employee experiences, accelerate process automation, and continuously improves system performance to support OSFโs evolving global workforce.
Key responsibilities
As Associate Director People and Culture systems, your responsibilities will include, but not limited to:
- Develop and execute a forward-looking PandC technology strategy aligned with OSFโs global workforce needs and digital agenda.
- Lead continuous improvement of PandC systems and processes using automation, AI - enabled workflows (as appropriate), and data insights.
- Champion digital transformation within PandC, fostering a culture of innovation, agility, and operational excellence.
- Serve as a strategic advisor to PandC leadership on emerging HR technology trends and opportunities.
- Oversee the full Workday ecosystem, including Core HCM, Talent, Compensation, Absence, Recruiting, Payroll integrations, and Reporting.
- Ensure scalability, performance, governance, and optimization of system architecture.
- Coordinate Workday releases, enhancements, and roadmap planning in alignment with organizational priorities.
- Integrate AI and machine learning into key HR processes including analytics, workforce planning, case management, and self-service aligned with the organization AI policy.
- Evaluate and implement HR technology partners and vendors to expand capabilities and efficiencies.
- Implement process automation and digital workflows to improve service levels, reduce manual intervention, and eliminate redundancy.
- Establish strong governance, data privacy, and compliance standards across PandC systems.
- Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing HR Systems team.
- Collaborate closely with IT, Payroll, Finance, Legal, and Security teams on cross-functional initiatives.
- Manage vendor relationships and ensure delivery against contractual performance metrics.
People Responsibilities (Total Team/DRs)
Yes (2)
Key metrics
- P&C technology roadmap development and deployment
- Workday Audit Rating
- Satisfaction Score related to P&C systems ticket resolution
Key internal relationships
- Advisory Partners
- Operation Directors โ Location based
- Compensation and Benefits Team
- Talent Management Team
- Employee Support Center
- Information and technology team
- Legal and Governance
Key external relationships
- AMS providers
- External consultants
The ideal candidate
- Educated to a degree-level (or equivalent)
- Workday Pro Certified
- Substantial leadership experience in multiple People and Culture systems, specifically Workday and Adaptive planning
- Experience working in complex, global organizations.
- Experience with data governance, people analytics, or digital employee experience platforms
- General working knowledge of all People and Culture disciplines (benefits, recruiting, compensation, learning, talent, and time tracking)
- Understands and uses qualitative/quantitative measurement and data collection design principles
- Excellent analytical capabilities and knowledge of the use of metrics;
- Leading and mentoring teams
- Vendor management and partnering
- Strong knowledge of the use of metrics., with advanced Excel skills
What we offer
Exceptional opportunities to learn, grow, and make an impact; from a generous annual professional development allowance for every employee to onsite training and learning conversations with visiting experts.
Excellent benefits and perks to promote well-being and a healthy work-life balance, including:
Generous time off and flexible work arrangements.
Employer-paid health insurance and dental plans for individuals and families (no employee contribution required).
Exceptional retirement savings plan (non-contributory for employees) and life insurance.
Progressive paid parental leave, reproductive and family planning support, and much more.
A commitment to nurturing a diverse and inclusive workplace, so you can bring your whole self to work and make a positive impact.
The salary range for this role in the US is $177,167 - $196,853 (USD). The final offer is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to skill set and level of experience.
Who we are
Open Society Foundations aim to establish vibrant and inclusive democracies where governments are accountable to their citizens. Our operating model organizes grantmaking around specific, time-limited projects, developed alongside support for established partners, enabling us to respond swiftly to emerging needs. We are committed to promoting human dignity, equality, and rights; reimagining democratic ideals and practice; and advancing equity in governance systems.
Guided by our founderโs values and the belief in the art of the possible, we engage directly with global entities, individuals, and policymakers through grants, advocacy, impact investing, and strategic human rights litigation to drive positive change. At the heart of our mission is a deep commitment to rights, equity, and justice, inspiring every action we take.
Additional information
Open Society Foundations is committed to building an inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We actively seek applications from talented individuals across all backgrounds, identities, and life experiences. Each candidate is evaluated solely on their unique qualifications without regard to race, age, sex, religion, ethnic origin, nationality, gender, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, or any other legally protected characteristics.
We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for candidates with disabilities.
Competitive rates of pay apply.
Open Society Foundations is committed to advancing diversity, equity and inclusion, and to building a diverse staff that reflects the movements, issues and communities that our mission serves. Candidates from all underrepresented backgrounds, identities and communities are encouraged to apply.
We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants and colleagues with disabilities.