Senior Director, Human Resources at Institute of Food Technologists – Chicago, Illinois

Searching for a senior level HR opportunity that will incorporate your HR knowledge and strategic experience? Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) is searching for an HR professional who is experienced and well-versed in both strategic and operational functions to join our leadership team as Senior Director of Human Resources. In your role, you will lead in setting HR strategy, identifying operational gaps, creating clarity, and executing strategic initiatives for ongoing processes. Additionally, you will apply your HR knowledge in the many sectors of Human Resource to align best practices and compliance.

WHO WE ARE:

Since 1939, the Institute of Food Technologists has served as the voice of the global food science community. IFT advocates for science, technology, and research to address the world’s greatest food challenges, guiding our community of more than 200,000. IFT convenes professionals from around the world – from producers and product developers to innovators and researchers across food, nutrition, and public health – with a shared mission to help create a global food supply that is sustainable, safe, nutritious, and accessible to all. IFT provides its growing community spanning academia, industry, and government with the resources, connections, and opportunities necessary to stay ahead of a rapidly evolving food system as IFT helps feed the minds that feed the world. For more information, please visit https://www.ift.org.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Senior Director, Human Resources serves as a strategic partner to the executive leadership team, leading the development and execution of a comprehensive HR strategy that aligns with IFT’s mission and organizational goals. This role oversees all aspects of human resources, including talent management, organizational development, culture, compensation and benefits, employee relations, and compliance.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Leadership –

• Develop and implement a forward-looking HR strategy aligned with IFT’s strategic plan
• Design and lead organizational design and workforce planning initiatives informed by a vision for long-term workforce readiness
• Lead change initiatives related to organizational growth, restructuring, or transformation
• Lead employee engagement initiatives and analyze feedback to drive improvements
• Manage HRIS and leverage data analytics for decision-making
• Identify opportunities for organizational improvement and implement HR initiatives aligned with business objectives

Operational Leadership -

• Build out programming, systems, and processes to support the HR Strategy
• Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations
• Design, oversee, and maintain HR policies, procedures, processes, and systems
• Design and oversee recruitment, onboarding, retention, and succession planning
• Design leadership development and training programs to build internal capabilities
• Foster a high-performance culture through performance management systems
• Design and manage competitive compensation and benefits programs
• Conduct market benchmarking and ensure internal equity
• Oversee vendor relationships and benefits administration

WHAT WE OFFER:

• The hiring pay range for this role is $145,000 to $160,000 per year. (Commensurate with experience and qualifications.)
• Bonus eligibility (based on annual performance and board approval)
• 401k and annual profit sharing (based on the organization's financial standing)
• Hybrid work environment
• Flexible schedule with a 40-hour work week
• (3) weeks’ vacation plus a paid winter break at the end of December
• Sick time/Personal and Floating days/Paid Holidays
• Medical (BC/BS), dental, and vision plans at affordable rates
• Employer paid Life Insurance and Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Professional Development
• Employee Assistance Program
• Onsite Wellness Center (Unlimited fitness classes, state of the art amenities, personal training, nutrition counseling and more!)
• Online discount marketplace (Pet Insurance. Identity Theft. Vacations. Tickets to concerts. Gym memberships. Local restaurants. Car rentals. Supplements. Clothing. TVs. Coffee. Jewelry, etc.)
• Most benefits begin the first of the month following employee’s start date. IFT offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to reward and energize our employees, so they can live a balanced life and maintain their well-being. Please visit this link for additional benefit information: https://www.ift.org/about-us/our-story/work-at-ift/

WHAT WE REQUIRE:

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field. Master’s degree or MBA, preferred.
• SHRM-SCP or SPHR Certification, preferred
• 10+ years of progressive HR leadership experience, including senior-level roles
• Strong knowledge of HR best practices, employment law, and organizational development
• Occasional travel for conferences and the ability to attend occasional evening, weekend, and overnight meetings
• Proven ability to influence and partner with executive leadership
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and leadership skills
• Experience in nonprofit, association, or mission-driven organizations, preferred
• Experience supporting hybrid or distributed workforces, preferred

FOR CONSIDERATION:

If you are an HR professional that is highly skilled in executing initiatives and with a wide breath of HR experience to bring an organization to a “best in class” level, then we would like to speak with you! For consideration, please apply at: https://www.ift.org/about-us/our-story/work-at-ift/.

Institute of Food Technologists is an equal opportunity employer.