VP People Response

The Vice President of People Response is accountable for delivering comprehensive and responsive HR support directly at the frontlines of WCK's globally decentralized relief operations. This role ensures that People strategies, policies, and practices developed by the enterprise Global People and Culture function are effectively tailored and implemented within the unique Response context. The individual will be both strategic and hands-on, leading all facets of people operations, employee relations, development, performance management, and compensation for Response team members and contractors.

This person will be deployable to support field operations and must be proactive and innovative to ensure our people practices drive mission success while supporting the well-being of teams operating in high-stress, rapidly changing environments. Reporting to the President, Response, this individual works closely with Response Finance, Legal, Support, Community teams, and maintains alignment with the Chief People Officer.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership & Partnership

• Serve as the senior People leader for Response Operations, providing expert guidance on all people-related initiatives within the Response context
• Partner with the President, Response and Response leadership team to ensure People strategies align with Response operational priorities and mission objectives
• Collaborate with Global People and Culture to ensure enterprise policies and processes are effectively adapted for Response operations
• Represent Response People needs in enterprise-wide People discussions and ensure Response-specific requirements are integrated into broader organizational strategies

Frontline People Operations

• Lead comprehensive people operations for Response teams, including employee relations, policy implementation tailored to field contexts, and compliance with employment laws across multiple jurisdictions
• Oversee day-to-day People support for both U.S.-based and international team members, including those employed through Employer of Record arrangements
• Deploy to field locations (approximately 25% travel) to provide direct people support during critical response operations
• Build and maintain 24/7 people support capabilities, potentially through regional resources, to meet the demands of global emergency response operations

Performance and Development Systems

• Own Response-specific processes for goal setting, performance development, and performance management within Lattice and other enterprise systems
• Design and deliver learning and development programs tailored to the unique needs of Response teams, including rapid deployment readiness, trauma-informed practices, and cross-cultural competency
• Lead succession planning and workforce planning efforts specific to Response operations in collaboration with Response leadership

Technology and Innovation

• Leverage enterprise HR technology systems while implementing Response-specific adaptations and innovations to enhance operational efficiency
• Drive automation initiatives specifically designed for rapid deployment scenarios, streamlined field onboarding, and mobile-friendly people processes
• Champion technology solutions that enable effective people management across diverse, distributed, and rapidly scaling Response teams

Employee Well-being and Resilience

• Develop and implement comprehensive well-being strategies that address the unique stressors of emergency response work, including trauma exposure and high-pressure environments
• Lead initiatives to build organizational resilience and prevent burnout among Response teams
• Act as a trusted advisor to Response leaders and team members, providing coaching and support to promote healthy communication and positive team dynamics in high-stress situations

Application & Cover Letter
This application requires a cover letter that explains your interest in this position and in working for WCK.

References and Background Checks
To help ensure the safety of our communities and our teams, our selection process will include reference and background checks, subject to any legal or regulatory requirements.

Equal Opportunity
WCK is an equal opportunity employer committed to inclusion and diversity and to ensure equal opportunity for all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other protected characteristics.

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the United States. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of employment at this time.

E-Verify
For US based employment, WCK participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. Employers can only use E-Verify once you have accepted a job offer and completed the Form I-9. Please view the E-Verify posters here with important information.

Para empleados en los EEUU, WCK participa en E-Verify y proporcionará al gobierno federal la información de su Formulario I-9 para confirmar que usted está autorizado para trabajar en los EE.UU.. Los empleadores sólo pueden utilizar E-Verify una vez que usted haya aceptado una oferta de trabajo y completado el Formulario I-9. Haz clic aquí para ver los carteles de E-Verify con información importante.

No recruiters or agencies, please.

• 12-15 years of progressive HR leadership experience, with demonstrated success in complex, multi-jurisdictional environments

• Experience managing people operations in high-stress, rapidly changing, or emergency/crisis contexts preferred
• Proven track record of adapting enterprise policies and processes to unique operational contexts
• Strong background in contractor management and multi-stakeholder collaboration
• Knowledge of international employment law and compliance requirements
• Experience with HR technology systems and process automation
• Demonstrated ability to lead and influence without direct authority
• Excellent crisis communication and decision-making skills
• Must have valid passport and ability to deploy to emergency response locations globally
• Alignment with the mission and values of WCK

Field Deployment Requirements

• Ability to travel internationally at short notice
• Physical and mental resilience to work in challenging field conditions including extreme weather, basic accommodations, and high-stress emergency environments
• Ability to maintain effectiveness while managing jet lag, irregular schedules, and demanding operational tempo

Skills and Competencies

• Strategic thinking with hands-on execution capabilities
• Cultural competency and ability to work effectively in diverse, international environments
• Resilience and adaptability in high-stress, rapidly changing situations
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Self-directed with comfort in ambiguous situations
• Proficient in relevant HR technology platforms, Microsoft Office Suite

ZERO Premiums: WCK covers 100% of insurance premiums for employees and their dependents, including medical, dental, vision, and group life coverage. Benefits begin on your date of hire.

• Voluntary Benefits:
•  Options include:
• Additional Life Insurance
• Pet Insurance
• Supplemental AD&D
• Flexible Spending Accounts (Dependent Care and Health Care)
• 403(b) Retirement Plan:
•  WCK offers a 50% match up to 8% of employee salary deferrals, beginning within 30 days of hire.
• Life & Disability Insurance:
•  100% employer-sponsored group life and disability insurance provided within 30 days.
• Paid Time Off (PTO):
•  Responsible PTO, including vacation, sick, and personal leave, plus paid holidays.
• Growth Opportunities:
•  Learning and development support to grow your career.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP):
•  Free and confidential support for life’s challenges.
• Annual Salary Reviews and additional benefits outlined in the Personnel Manual.

Salary Range: $160,000 - $200,000 USD Per Year