Director of HR Operations

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Department Summary:

Lead Scalable Operations. Align People Strategy with Business Impact.

We’re looking for a dynamic Director of HR Operations to drive the operational engine of our HR organization—one that supports over 110 HR professionals and about 7,500 employees across a complex, mission-driven FFRDC environment. Human Resources Information Services (HRIS), HR Service Center, and People Analytics report into this role.

In this highly visible role, you’ll lead enterprise-wide HR operations while partnering closely with business sectors to ensure workforce strategies are aligned with organizational goals. You’ll bring operational discipline, innovation, and a collaborative spirit to every aspect of HR service delivery from process improvement and compliance to workforce planning and cross-functional execution.

Roles & Responsibilities:
Operational Excellence

• Lead and continuously improve HR service delivery across core functions—recruiting, onboarding, employee relations, benefits, compliance, and more.
• Optimize systems, workflows, and shared services to ensure consistent, high-quality HR support across the enterprise.
• Establish and track KPIs to monitor performance, service levels, and operational efficiency.

Strategic Business Partnership

• Serve as a trusted HR operations leader and advisor to sector leadership, ensuring HR strategies support business goals.
• Collaborate with sector and corporate leaders to assess workforce needs, align talent strategies, and drive execution at scale.
• Act as the connective tissue between HR and business units to ensure proactive support, agility, and strategic alignment.

Enterprise-Wide Process Innovation

• Design and implement scalable HR processes that support organizational growth and change.
• Identify opportunities to automate and streamline workflows, reduce complexity, and improve employee and manager self-service capabilities.
• Ensure integration and compliance of HR systems with broader enterprise systems (finance, IT, legal, security).

Data-Driven Decision Making

• Leverage analytics and reporting tools to surface insights on workforce trends, operational performance, and future talent needs.
• Translate data into actionable strategies that enhance organizational agility and HR service effectiveness.

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, coach, and develop a team of 25 HR operations professionals, ensuring high performance and alignment with evolving business priorities.
• Foster a culture of accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement across the HR function.

Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensure HR operations meet all federal, state, and FFRDC-specific compliance requirements.
• Anticipate risks, develop mitigation strategies, and maintain audit readiness across all HR service areas.

Basic Qualifications:

• 15+ years of progressive HR leadership experience; at least 5 years leading large-scale HR operations.
• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s preferred in HR, Business, or related field.
• Strong background in complex, mission-driven environments (government, FFRDC, or highly regulated industries preferred).
• Ability to work onsite four days a week (McLean or Bedford office location) with occasional travel (15%).

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with Workday and Service Center operations preferred.
• Experience leading larger teams of over 20 staff across various locations.
• Proven ability to lead enterprise HR operations with a focus on process efficiency, system integration, and compliance.
• Strong business acumen and the ability to collaborate cross-functionally at the executive level.
• Expert in data-driven HR practices and HRIS technologies.
• Adept at building high-performing teams and driving organizational change.
• SHRM-SCP, SPHR, or other HR certifications are highly desirable.

This requisition requires the candidate to have a minimum of the following clearance(s):

None

This requisition requires the hired candidate to have or obtain, within one year from the date of hire, the following clearance(s):

None

Salary compensation range and midpoint:

$219,000 - $274,000 - $329,000 Annual

Work Location Type:

Onsite

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Commitment to Non-Discrimination

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability, status as a protected veteran or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, local or international law.

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