Human Resources Director

Sep 19, 2025

About Us

The Water Research Foundation (WRF) is the world’s leading research organization advancing the science of water. As a nonprofit with more than 1,000 subscribing organizations worldwide and $80 million in active research projects, WRF funds, manages, and publishes critical research that helps communities ensure water quality and improve water services to the public. Our mission is simple yet vital: To help our subscribers discover opportunities and solve problems by delivering actionable water research to meet the needs of the communities they serve. 

Our team of ~50 passionate professionals is driven by collaboration, innovation, and improving the quality of life for all communities. We value mission alignment, and transparency in everything we do—and we're looking for a Human Resources leader who will help us strengthen and sustain this culture. 

The Opportunity

As Human Resources Director (HRD), you’ll have a rare opportunity to own the full HR function for a dynamic nonprofit. This is a role for someone who enjoys being both a strategic leader and a hands-on practitioner—shaping HR strategy while directly partnering with staff and leaders every day. 

You’ll be the architect of WRF’s HR programs, from talent acquisition and engagement to compensation, compliance, and professional development. If you're energized by the idea of building trust, creating a positive culture, and ensuring our people thrive while advancing a meaningful mission, this role is for you.

What You'll Do

In this role, you'll focus on four core areas:

Culture & Engagement

  • Serve as a trusted advisor to staff and leadership on all HR matters
  • Foster a culture of transparency and collaboration
  • Lead engagement initiatives, recognition programs, and surveys

Talent & Retention

  • Lead full-cyle recruiting, onboarding, and retention strategies
  • Partner with managers on selections, career development, and succession planning
  • Create onboarding experiences that connect new hires to our mission from day one

Total Rewards & Compliance

  • Administer benefits and compensation, ensuring competitive and equitable practices
  • Oversee open enrollment and annual renewals
  • Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local laws, including EEO, affirmative action, and employment reporting

Growth & Development

  • Lead performance management and support managers with goal setting and feedback
  • Identify training needs and implement professional development programs
  • Manage tuition reimbursement and leadership development initiatives 

What We're Looking For

  • Bachelor’s degree in HR, Business, or related field (Master's preferred)
  • PHR/SPHR or SHRM certification
  • 7+ years of progressive HR leadership experience, ideally with a distributed, multi- state workforce
  • Experience in nonprofit or mission-driven organizations strongly preferred
  • Knowledge of Paychex HRIS/payroll a plus
  • Expertise in employment law, compliance, and HR best practices
  • Strong communication, trust-building, and influencing skills
  • A leadership style that is approachable, collaborative, and values-driven
  • Ability to work strategically while rolling up your sleeves as needed
  • Occasional travel between our Denver, CO and Alexandria, VA offices

Why You'll Love Working Here

  • Impact: Play a central role in shaping the employee experience at a mission-driven organization tackling some of the world’s most pressing water challenges
  • Culture: Join a collaborative, committed team that values transparency, and innovation
  • Flexibility: Hybrid work environment and flexible hours
  • Growth: Tuition reimbursement and professional development opportunities
  • Security & Well-being: Competitive pay, outstanding retirement match, generous paid leave, and comprehensive health benefits

Compensation & Benefits

  • Salary range: $120,000 - $140,000 (commensurate with experience)
  • Time Off: 4+ weeks PTO, 13 paid holidays (11 fixed + 2 floating)
  • Retirement: 401(k) with outstanding company match
  • Insurance: Health, dental, vision with employer-shared premiums; company-paid life, short- and long-term disability
  • Extras: Health Reimbursement Account (HRA), Health Savings Account (HSA), tuition reimbursement program
     

Apply Here: https://apply.workable.com/j/DD035D86FA

 

WRF is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.

No immigration or relocation assistance is available for this position.