Everyone is welcome at Handshake. We know diverse teams build better products and we are committed to creating an inclusive culture built on a foundation of respect for all individuals. We strongly encourage candidates from non-traditional backgrounds, historically marginalized or underrepresented groups to apply.

Your impact

Handshake is seeking a dynamic and strategic Director HR Business Partner to join our team, reporting directly to the CHRO. This role is pivotal in supporting our Engineering team and their leaders during a period of significant evolution and growth. You will facilitate seamless organizational changes, create robust systems and processes, and drive employee development and engagement. As a trusted advisor to people managers and leaders throughout the function, you will provide critical insights and guidance to foster a high-performance culture. Within the People organization, you will be a thought partner to the CHRO and the rest of the People & Talent Leadership team: role modeling what great looks like in your role while also helping to support cross-functional initiatives and transformations across the business. 

Your Role:

Strategic Partnership: Collaborate with senior leaders to develop and implement forward-looking plans. Provide strategic guidance on employee engagement, workforce planning, talent retention, and business performance. Partner with our CTO and his Leadership team to develop longer-term talent strategies and initiatives to support the goals of the global Engineering organization. 

Leadership Development: Coach and mentor people managers, providing expertise in conflict management, talent and performance management, and employee motivation to enhance leadership capabilities.

HR Program Management: Serve as the primary point of contact within Engineering for HR programs, tools, metrics, and analytics. Ensure these resources effectively support your organization.

Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with the People and Talent teams on company-wide initiatives such as compensation and feedback reviews, learning and development programs, and organizational changes.

Policy and Process Optimization: Continuously evaluate and improve current practices and policies to ensure scalability and effectiveness. Recommend and implement changes as necessary.

Communication and Change Management: Lead the communication and implementation of new or updated HR programs and policies. Translate business needs into effective HR solutions proactively.

Your Experience:

Experience: Minimum of 8 years in HR with at least 5 years as an HR Business Partner, preferably supporting technical or engineering teams.

Leadership Skills: Demonstrated ability to influence and drive strategic initiatives at all organizational levels.

Emotional Intelligence: High EQ with a strong sense of empathy towards employees.

Communication: Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, adept at fostering collaborative relationships across diverse teams.

HR Expertise: Deep knowledge of HR best practices in coaching, employee engagement, change management, and relevant employment laws.

Analytical Skills: Proficiency in people analytics and metrics, using data to inform decision-making and drive organizational change.

Problem-Solving: Innovative and agile problem solver with a proactive approach to addressing business needs: you are moved to act when you see something that could be improved.

Cultural Fit: Proven track record of cultivating inclusive and values-aligned organizational cultures.

*Must be willing to work a hybrid schedule from our SF office- 3 times a week*

Compensation range

• $205,000-$240,000

For cash compensation, we set standard ranges for all U.S.-based roles based on function, level, and geographic location, benchmarked against similar stage growth companies. In order to be compliant with local legislation, as well as to provide greater transparency to candidates, we share salary ranges on all job postings regardless of desired hiring location. Final offer amounts are determined by multiple factors, including geographic location as well as candidate experience and expertise, and may vary from the amounts listed above.

About us

Handshake is the #1 place to launch a career with no connections, experience, or luck required. The platform connects up-and-coming talent with 750,000+ employers - from Fortune 500 companies like Google, Nike, and Target to t