We are seeking a dynamic and strategic Director, People to join our team. This role requires a strategic thinker with exceptional HR expertise and strong business acumen.

This role follows a hybrid schedule, requiring onsite presence in our NYC, office a minimum of three days per week. 

• Collaborate with employees and leaders alike to align people strategies with business objectives, acting as a trusted advisor and consultant for all staff.
• Lead strategic planning for employment development and retention, applying forward-thinking approaches to workforce management that benefit every employee.
• Develop creative solutions to address complex workplace challenges, using data-driven insights and best practices to resolve issues and optimize performance across the organization.
• Promote an inclusive, respectful, and engaging workplace environment, establishing processes for continuous feedback, professional growth, and improvement for everyone.
• Serve as an internal consultant for conflict resolution, team dynamics, and change management, providing tailored recommendations and support to all employees.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to identify gaps and opportunities, facilitating workshops and discussions that foster innovation, creative thinking, and belonging for diverse groups.

Required Skills

• Exceptional creative problem-solving abilities, including the capacity to analyze complex situations, generate multiple solutions, and implement effective action plans that consider the needs of all employees.
• Advanced consultative skills: ability to listen actively, ask insightful questions, and guide individuals and teams through collaborative decision-making processes.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with an aptitude for influencing and coaching at every organizational level.
• Ability to build trust and foster constructive relationships, navigating sensitive issues with empathy, professionalism, and respect for all backgrounds.
• Adept at facilitating collaborative problem-solving sessions and mediating among diverse perspectives.
• Skilled in synthesizing information from multiple sources to provide actionable insights and strategic recommendations that serve the interests of the workforce.

Education & Experience

• 10+ years of progressive Human Resources/People experience, with demonstrated leadership and strategic partnership responsibilities.
• Bachelor’s degree required

• Proven experience in employee relations
• Strong background in the creative industry, particularly publishing or media.
• Demonstrated ability to build strong relationships and influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Strong business acumen and analytical skills.

HarperCollins Publishers is a company full of people who are passionate about books.  When you apply for a position, we want to know why you want to work here, and why you are interested in the job. That’s why cover letters are strongly preferred.

The salary range for this position is $130,000-$175,000. We recognize that attracting the best talent is key to our strategy and success as a company. As a result, we aim for flexibility in structuring competitive compensation offers to ensure we are able to attract the best candidates. The quoted salary range represents our good faith estimate as to what our ideal candidates are likely to expect, and we tailor our offers within the range based on the selected candidate's experience, industry knowledge, technical and communication skills, and other factors that may prove relevant during the interview process.  

In addition to cash compensation, the company provides a comprehensive and highly competitive benefits package, with a variety of physical health, retirement and savings, caregiving, emotional wellbeing, transportation, and other benefits, including "elective" benefits employees may select to best fit the needs and personal situations of our diverse workforce.     

HarperCollins Publishers is an equal opportunity employer.

HarperCollins Publishers is committed to providing reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities, in our job application and/or interview process. If you need assistance or accommodation in completing your application, due to a disability, email us at TalentManagement@harpercollins.com. Note: we will only respond to accommodation requests.