Associate Director, People Strategy Job 2026: Salary, Duties, Requirements, and How to Apply
Looking for a senior Human Resources leadership opportunity in Washington, DC? The Associate Director, People Strategy position offers experienced HR professionals the opportunity to lead employee relations, talent strategy, compliance, and organizational development while earning a competitive salary of $83,200–$104,000 per year.
This role is ideal for HR professionals who enjoy partnering with leadership teams, improving workplace culture, and developing people-focused strategies that support organizational success.
Job Overview
| Job Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Position | Associate Director, People Strategy |
| Location | 1640 Rhode Island Ave NW, Washington, DC 20036, USA |
| Salary | $83,200 – $104,000 per year |
| Job Category | Human Resources, People Operations, HR Generalist |
| Employment Type | Exempt |
| Work Arrangement | Hybrid (2 days per week in the Washington, DC office) |
About the Role
The Associate Director, People Strategy works closely with senior HR leadership to develop and improve people-focused programs that strengthen employee engagement, support managers, ensure legal compliance, and promote an inclusive workplace.
Reporting directly to the Vice President of People Strategy, the successful candidate will serve as a trusted HR advisor while leading initiatives across recruitment, employee relations, performance management, compensation, compliance, and workforce planning.
This position combines strategic planning with day-to-day HR operations, making it an excellent opportunity for experienced HR professionals seeking leadership responsibilities.
Key Responsibilities
Employee Relations
The successful candidate will:
- Support employee relations investigations
- Advise managers on disciplinary and performance issues
- Guide corrective action processes
- Ensure consistent application of HR policies
- Help administer collective bargaining agreements
- Maintain confidentiality while handling sensitive workplace matters
Performance Management
Responsibilities include:
- Leading the organization’s performance review process
- Improving performance management systems
- Supporting manager accountability
- Promoting continuous employee development
- Managing HR technology platforms
- Using workforce data to improve HR programs
HR Policy and Compliance
The Associate Director will:
- Review and update HR policies
- Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws
- Advise leaders on employment legislation
- Conduct compensation benchmarking
- Support pay equity initiatives
- Prepare compliance reports such as:
- OSHA
- EEOC
- Unemployment reporting
- Monitor workforce trends and recommend improvements
Recruitment and Workforce Planning
Key recruitment duties include:
- Managing full-cycle recruitment
- Advising hiring managers
- Supporting workforce planning
- Improving candidate experience
- Conducting position classification reviews
- Supporting onboarding and orientation activities
Benefits Administration
The role also supports:
- Employee benefits administration
- HR process improvements
- Employee communications
- Benefits-related projects
- Operational efficiency initiatives
Required Qualifications
Applicants should possess:
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience
- Minimum five years of progressive Human Resources experience
- Experience using HRIS systems
- Experience with applicant tracking systems (ATS)
- In-house recruitment experience
- Strong knowledge of employment laws
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Outstanding organizational and project management abilities
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Professional judgment and discretion
- High ethical standards
- Ability to manage confidential information
- Experience working with Microsoft Office Suite
- Familiarity with Google Workspace (Docs, Gmail, Drive)
- Ability to travel up to 10% when required
Preferred Qualifications
Although not mandatory, preference will be given to candidates with:
- Labor union experience
- PHR certification
- SHRM-CP certification
- SHRM-SCP certification
Essential Skills
Successful candidates will demonstrate:
- Leadership and coaching abilities
- Conflict resolution skills
- Policy interpretation
- Employee relations expertise
- HR compliance knowledge
- Recruitment and interviewing skills
- Performance management experience
- Strategic thinking
- Workforce planning
- Data analysis
- Communication and presentation skills
- Time management
- Stakeholder management
- Change management
- Attention to detail
Salary and Benefits
The position offers an annual salary ranging from:
$83,200 to $104,000
In addition to competitive pay, employees typically benefit from:
- Professional development opportunities
- Inclusive workplace culture
- Hybrid working arrangement
- Leadership development
- Meaningful mission-driven work
- Opportunities to shape organizational strategy
Why Consider This Role?
This is more than a traditional HR position. The Associate Director, People Strategy plays an important role in shaping organizational culture, improving employee experience, strengthening leadership capability, and ensuring compliance across all HR functions.
Professionals looking to move into senior HR leadership or expand their strategic HR experience will find this position particularly rewarding.
How to Prepare Your Application
Before applying, ensure your resume highlights:
- Progressive HR leadership experience
- Employee relations investigations
- Recruitment and talent acquisition
- HRIS and ATS expertise
- Performance management projects
- Policy development
- Employment law knowledge
- Compensation analysis
- Project management achievements
- Stakeholder engagement
- HR compliance reporting
- Leadership and coaching experience
Use measurable accomplishments wherever possible, such as improvements in recruitment timelines, employee engagement scores, compliance outcomes, or performance management initiatives.
APPLY ON THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE
Final Thoughts
The Associate Director, People Strategy position is an excellent opportunity for experienced Human Resources professionals who are passionate about building inclusive workplaces, supporting leadership, and driving organizational success. With a competitive salary of $83,200–$104,000 per year, hybrid work flexibility, and broad strategic responsibilities, this role offers an outstanding next step for HR leaders seeking meaningful impact.
