Managing Director, People Partner

Managing Director, People Partner (Business Partner)

TEAM: People Team

REPORTS TO: Vice President, People & Performance

LOCATION: Flexible

WHAT YOU'LL DO

At Teach For America, we are inspired by a single mission - one day, all children will have access to an excellent education. Achieving that mission requires evolving how we work, lead, and support our people so they can thrive in an agile, ever-changing environment.

We are seeking a Managing Director, People Partner (Business Partner) to serve as a trusted advisor to leaders and managers, providing strategic and day-to-day partnership that strengthens team effectiveness, develops talent, and supports an exceptional staff experience. In close collaboration with senior People Team colleagues, you will help leaders navigate talent decisions, foster healthy team cultures, and implement people strategies that enable teams to achieve meaningful impact.

WHAT YOU'LL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR

Portfolio Management (50%)

• Partner with directors, managing directors, and selected senior leaders to provide strategic guidance on talent management, team effectiveness, staff development, and employee experience.

• Build trusted relationships with leaders to understand team dynamics, identify opportunities, and proactively address talent needs.

• Consult on organizational design, workforce planning, and team structures that align with business priorities.

• Help leaders identify capability gaps and recommend development strategies to strengthen team performance.

• Coach managers through key talent processes, including hiring, onboarding, performance development, performance improvement, change management, and compensation cycles.

• Facilitate leadership development sessions and learning experiences in partnership with other People Team functions.

• Serve as the primary People Team partner for assigned client groups, connecting leaders with the appropriate People resources and expertise.

Employee Relations & Manager Coaching (20%)

• Provide coaching and consultation to leaders navigating performance concerns, employee relations matters, and workplace challenges.

• Support managers in using performance improvement processes as developmental tools.

• Advise leaders on policy interpretation, standards of conduct, and workplace expectations.

• Partner with Employee Relations colleagues to escalate and resolve complex or sensitive matters appropriately.

• Help leaders navigate difficult conversations while promoting consistency, equity, and compliance.

Support Talent Systems & Organizational Initiatives (20%)

• Contribute insights from client groups to strengthen talent programs, policies, and systems across the organization.

• Partner across the People Team to implement talent initiatives, including performance development, onboarding, annual talent processes, and manager enablement.

• Gather feedback from leaders and staff to identify trends and recommend continuous improvements.

• Analyze talent data—including engagement, retention, promotions, and exit trends—to support informed decision-making within assigned portfolios.

Agile Team Support (10%)

• Support special projects and cross-functional People Team initiatives as organizational priorities evolve.

• Contribute to organization-wide talent efforts and provide capacity during periods of increased demand.

• Demonstrate flexibility by adjusting priorities in response to changing organizational needs.

• Collaborate across the People Team to ensure consistent, high-quality support for staff and leaders.

A WEEK IN THE LIFE

As a Managing Director, People Partner, no two weeks look exactly alike. You may spend one day coaching managers through performance conversations, partnering with leaders on hiring plans, or facilitating talent calibration discussions. Another day might include reviewing engagement data, supporting change management planning, or collaborating with colleagues to improve talent processes.

Throughout the year, you'll help leaders strengthen team effectiveness, implement organizational talent practices, and create environments where staff can do their best work.

YOUR EXPERIENCE

Minimum Qualifications

• 7–10 years of progressive Human Resources experience, preferably in Business Partnering, HR Consulting, Organizational Development, or a Human Resources Generalist role.

• Experience partnering with people leaders to solve talent and organizational challenges.

• Knowledge across core HR disciplines, includi