Head of People Operations

About The Patrick J. McGovern Foundation

The Patrick J. McGovern Foundation (PJMF) is a $1.5 billion philanthropy organization working at the intersection of artificial intelligence, data science, and the public interest. The foundation is committed to advancing critical missions that leverage emerging technologies for societal benefit. This role exists to ensure the team advancing the foundation's mission is fully supported, professionally developed, and positioned to do the best work of their careers.

Role Overview

As Head of People Operations, you will report directly to the VP of People and Culture and lead several critical pillars of the People & Culture function. This is a strategic leadership position that requires both high-level people strategy expertise and hands-on operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Manager Capability Development: Design and implement programs that build leadership capabilities across the organization, ensuring managers have the skills and support they need to lead effectively.
• Performance Culture: Develop and maintain a high-performance culture that aligns with organizational values and mission, creating systems that motivate and engage employees.
• Organizational & Manager Learning: Lead learning and development initiatives that support both individual contributor growth and manager effectiveness.
• Technical & Non-Technical Recruiting: Oversee recruiting strategies and execution across all functions, including specialized technical roles in AI, data science, and general organizational positions.
• Employee Relations: Handle complex employee relations matters with sound judgment, discretion, and a commitment to fair treatment and organizational health.
• HR Compliance: Ensure the organization remains compliant with all applicable employment laws and regulations across jurisdictions where team members are located.
• Benefits Administration: Oversee employee benefits programs, ensuring competitive offerings that support employee wellbeing and retention.

Ideal Candidate Profile

You excel at both strategic people conversations and diving into the operational details of employee relations matters. You bring sound judgment to difficult situations and can navigate complex HR challenges with clarity and compassion. You have a proven track record of building teams and systems that hold up over time and scale effectively. Beyond expertise, you genuinely care about the mission and that care shows up authentically in how you treat your colleagues every day.

This role is ideal for someone who combines strategic HR leadership with hands-on operational competence, who thrives in mission-driven environments, and who sees people operations as a critical business function that directly impacts organizational effectiveness and employee success.

Why Join McGovern Foundation

Working at the Patrick J. McGovern Foundation means contributing to meaningful work at the intersection of technology and social impact. You'll build people systems that support a mission-driven organization working on some of the most important challenges of our time. This is an opportunity to shape organizational culture and people practices at a well-resourced foundation with significant impact potential.

The role offers the flexibility and autonomy of remote work, allowing you to contribute meaningfully while maintaining work-life balance.

💰 Compensation not publicly listed. Market estimate for similar roles: from $80K, varying by experience and location.