Manager, People and Culture

For more than 60 years, the African Wildlife Foundation (AWF) has worked at the intersection of ecological conservation and sustainable development, ensuring that Africa’s wildlife and wildlands thrive alongside human progress. As AWF grows—with a goal of expanding from a $30M organization to $50M—we are seeking a Manager, People and Culture to oversee HR operations for our US office, ensuring compliance, managing day-to-day HR processes, and providing essential HR support to leadership. Your work will be instrumental in shaping a more structured, performance-driven culture and strengthening HR operations as AWF expands its impact.

Reporting to the Senior Director, People and Culture (Nairobi) and working closely with the Chief Financial Officer (US), you will manage all HR operations for our US team of 45 employees. This includes recruitment, benefits, compliance with federal and multi-state employment laws, employee relations and engagement, training and development, performance management, payroll, and culture initiatives. You’ll be adapting established global HR processes to meet US employment regulations while acting as the primary HR resource for US-based staff. AWF recently conducted an HR audit that identified key areas for growth, so you’ll have a clear roadmap and the support of our finance and global HR teams to implement improvements.

Your immediate priorities include leading the implementation of a new HRIS system to improve the efficiency and accessibility of HR data, as well as reviewing and updating the employee handbook to ensure clarity and consistency in policies. This role requires balancing hands-on HR management with the ability to provide leadership with the data and guidance needed for informed decision-making. With AWF’s headquarters in Africa, you’ll also need to navigate cross-time zone coordination and ensure US operations remain well-integrated with global HR strategies.

How You’ll Make an Impact

With most of our US staff dedicated to fundraising and driving the financial support that fuels AWF’s work, having strong HR systems in place is essential. You will ensure they have the policies, processes, and operational support needed to stay focused on securing resources that advance AWF’s mission. Success in your first 1-2 years will be demonstrated by:

• Maintaining full compliance with US labor laws, state-specific regulations, and internal policies by keeping the employee handbook up to date and clearly communicating expectations.
• Managing recruitment efficiently to keep hiring processes on track and maintain a stable workforce.
• Implementing and optimizing the new HRIS system, ensuring accurate, accessible HR data that integrates smoothly with AWF’s global operations.
• Fostering a culture of transparency, accountability, and performance by applying HR processes consistently, supporting leadership in setting clear expectations, and ensuring policies are understood and enforced fairly.

Work Environment, Salary, and Benefits

• You’ll enjoy a hybrid schedule, collaborating with colleagues in our Washington, DC, office 3 days a week (Tuesday, Wednesday and one flex day). Occasional international travel is required.
• The budgeted salary range for this position is $90K – $110K with an outstanding benefits package, including generous PTO, 10 paid company holidays, fully covered medical, vision, and dental insurance, a 5% 401(k) match (increasing to 10% after two years), and transportation reimbursement.
• You’ll be joining a mission-driven, collaborative, and flexible team. AWF is a place where problem-solving is a team effort, and colleagues genuinely support each other.

Responsibilities

Employment Lifecycle & Talent Management

• Manage and oversee the full recruitment process, including assisting managers with job descriptions, posting roles, shortlisting candidates, coordinating interviews, and conducting reference checks.
• Collaborate with the Senior Director, People and Culture and hiring managers to recommend and negotiate compensation.
• Prepare and issue offer letters, oversee new hire onboarding, and ensure employees are introduced to AWF’s culture and policies.
• Track probationary review timelines and ensure compliance with AWF policies and federal and state employment laws.
• Administer employee benefits programs, manage annual renewals and vendor selection, and serve as the primary contact for benefits-related questions.
• Support performance management by advising staff on best practices, coaching managers, and ensuring development plans align with AWF’s goals.
• Coordinate training events, staff meetings, and internship management.
• Provide proactive HR support by regularly checking in with leadership and managers.
• Manage employee separations and advise on legal considerations.

Payroll & Compliance Management

• Collaborate with the Accountant to ensure timely and accurate payroll processing.
• Work with the Compliance Department and the Accountant to maintain full compliance with applicable employment laws and regulations.
• Provide payroll-related support, including tracking staff changes and ensuring legal compliance with payroll processes.

Employee Relations & Risk Management

• Advise managers and employees on employee relations issues, mitigating legal risks and ensuring regulatory compliance.
• Support HR audits and compliance reviews, develop tools to monitor HR policy compliance, and escalate risks as needed.
• Track, log, and resolve employee relations issues in coordination with the Senior Director, People and Culture.
• Ensure compliance with statutory requirements (tax, immigration, labor laws) and liaise with relevant authorities when appropriate.

HR Systems & Data Management

• Lead the implementation and optimization of the HRIS system, ensuring accurate data management and reporting.
• Maintain and reconcile HR databases (Unanet, SharePoint, payroll, accounting, email lists) and generate regular HR reports.
• Ensure staff are well-trained in using AWF’s NAVEX reporting tool.
• Maintain and update HR policies, legal documents, and benefits information, ensuring accessibility for staff.

Culture & Employee Engagement

• Support initiatives that reinforce a culture of transparency, accountability, and performance across the US team.
• Advance diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives by ensuring HR policies and programs reflect AWF’s commitment to an inclusive workplace.
• Assist in employee engagement programs and the promotion of AWF’s core values.
• Contribute to change management efforts, helping align HR processes with AWF’s evolving organizational culture.

Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree in human resources management or a related field with at least 6 years of experience in an HR generalist or HR manager role. Familiarity with working across multiple time zones and supporting teams in a globally connected HR environment is preferred.
• Proven ability to manage benefits administration, compliance with federal and multi-state employment laws, employee relations, performance management, staff training, HRIS management, and recruitment.
• Experience collaborating with senior leadership to provide HR support that aligns with organizational goals, with the ability to coach managers and resolve workplace conflicts effectively.

About AWF

Founded in 1961 at the height of the African independence movement, AWF (then known as the African Wildlife Leadership Foundation) was created to help newly independent African nations and people conserve their own wildlife. For more than 60 years, AWF has been a key player in African conservation and sustainable development. AWF has defined large conservation landscapes that are essential to securing the future of Africa’s wildlife. Within these landscapes, AWF employs an integrated approach to conservation, including land use planning, education and capacity building, development of conservation enterprises to improve livelihoods, and applied research. AWF has earned a 4-star rating on Charity Navigator 5 times in the last decade, a distinction only awarded to the most fiscally and ethically responsible organizations.

Staffing Advisors is committed to reducing bias in every aspect of the hiring process. We have long recommended a competency-driven approach to hiring. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status, or any other basis protected by law. We encourage you to apply even if your experience is not a 100% match with the position description; we will consider people from a variety of backgrounds and career experiences.