Chief People Officer (CPO)

The Opportunity

Never has the world needed more support for democracy than now. For over 40 years, the National Endowment for Democracy (NED) has supported the promotion and preservation of democracy, giving voice and agency to the oppressed around the world. NED seeks a skilled and visionary Chief People Officer (CPO) to join its leadership and drive organizational change to support its urgent mission. As an accomplished and deeply credible thought leader and partner, the CPO will bring best practices and strategies to move the Endowment’s work and culture forward. The CPO will help the Endowment optimize its greatest asset—its people—by bringing efficacy, accuracy, and collaboration across the 300-person organization.

With a budget of over $315 million supporting democracy movements across the world, NED needs the talent of an experienced people officer to bring sophisticated vision, innovation, and inspiration to its highly skilled and committed workforce.

The Organization

The National Endowment for Democracy is a private, nonprofit, grantmaking organization dedicated to promoting democratic ideals and institutions globally. NED serves as America’s leading foundation for freedom, providing support for democratic activists, civil society organizations, and independent media worldwide, along with its core institutes: the National Democratic Institute (NDI), the International Republican Institute (IRI), the Solidarity Center, and the Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE). Through nearly $315 million in grants annually to 2,000 non-governmental partners in over 100 countries, NED is at the heart of supporting a global infrastructure for democracy.

A Unique Institution

NED is a unique institution. Its nongovernmental character provides flexibility to operate in some of the world’s most challenging environments and respond quickly to opportunities for political change. NED is dedicated to fostering democratic growth abroad by supporting political parties, trade unions, free markets, business organizations, and civil society elements that uphold human rights, independent media, and the rule of law. Funded largely by the U.S. Congress, NED’s support sends a message of solidarity to democrats working for freedom and human rights, often in isolation.

Bipartisan and Transparent

From its inception, NED has remained bipartisan. Mandated by an Act of Congress and created jointly by Republicans and Democrats, NED’s board is balanced between both parties and enjoys Congressional support across the political spectrum. NED operates transparently, with a commitment to accountability that reflects its founders’ belief that democracy support should be conducted openly.

The Mandate for the Chief People Officer

The CPO will possess passion for NED’s global mission and distinctiveness. As a seasoned people and culture expert, the CPO is tasked with reimagining NED’s people and culture structures to align with the organization’s mission, values, and direction. With responsibility for human capital strategy and operations, the CPO will shape organizational culture, drive employee engagement, and develop strategies to attract, retain, and develop top talent. Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, the CPO is a strategic partner to the President and senior leaders across NED.

The Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership
With extensive and relevant experience, the CPO will envision, develop, and implement a comprehensive people strategy that builds clarity and trust across the organization. The CPO will partner with senior leaders to bring operational excellence and change.

Talent Acquisition and Retention
The CPO will revamp and lead talent acquisition processes, including recruitment, selection, and onboarding. They will ensure NED grows and retains exceptional talent through professional development and performance management practices.

Data-Driven Decision Making
The CPO and the people and culture team will leverage technology, AI, and data to optimize people practices, focusing on accuracy, security, and impact based on emerging trends.

Diversity and Inclusion
In a global, culturally aware context, the CPO will foster an organizational culture that promotes cross-cultural engagement and inclusion, driving equity, participation, and trust at all levels.

Collaboration and Teamwork
The CPO will cultivate a culture of teamwork, accountability, cooperation, and open communication, fostering strong relationships built on trust and transparency.

Culture Champion
As a culture builder, the CPO will bolster NED’s learning culture, promoting a culture of integrity, respect, and accountability. They will ensure the hybrid workforce is connected through programming and meaningful exchanges.

Efficient Administration
Leading the people and culture team, the CPO will ensure that policies, processes, and decisions are clear, consistent, transparent, and fair. They will oversee a full organizational overhaul and cultivate a service-driven culture with high standards.

The Candidate

Personal Assets

• People-Centric Approach: Centering people as NED’s most valued asset, balancing the needs of employees and the organization.
• High EQ and Communication Skills: The CPO will connect with NED’s workforce, who work with grantees and partners often in crisis.
• Creativity and Innovation: With a penchant for exploring new ideas, the CPO will bring excellence and change, challenging traditional HR practices.

Other Essential Qualities

• Agility with a bias for action.
• Authenticity, likeability, and a sense of humor.
• Strong communication skills.
• Tech-savvy, analytical problem-solving.
• Resourcefulness, flexibility, and resilience.
• Confidentiality, discretion, and judgment.
• Team management and leadership excellence.

Professional Experience

• At least 15 years of progressive HR management experience, with 5 years in a leadership role, ideally within a complex nonprofit or globally focused organization.
• Proven expertise in change management and strategic people and culture initiatives.
• Knowledge of people and culture best practices, including talent management, labor laws, and employee relations.
• Experience with diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging initiatives.
• Familiarity with AI in HR processes and collective bargaining.
• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred.

The Relationships

The CPO reports to the Chief Operating Officer and partners with the Chief Financial Officer. They lead a team of six, including the Senior Director of IT & Digital Transformation, Director of Employee & Labor Relations, Director of Compensation & Benefits, and Senior Manager of Recruiting & Retention.

Compensation

The starting salary for this position begins at $190,000 and extends to $225,000, based on experience and immediate impact potential. NED provides a generous compensation package.

The Location

NED is headquartered in Washington, D.C., where the Chief People Officer will be based. Although the organization operates on a hybrid model, the CPO will be expected to be in-office to drive change and excellence.

For potential consideration or to recommend a prospect, please email [email protected] or call Michelle Hall or Lysondra Somerville at 404-BoardWalk (404-262-7392).