Lead Employee Relations Partner

Location: Remote

Role Overview

The Wikimedia Foundation seeks a Lead Employee Relations Partner to establish and manage a global Employee Relations function. Reporting to the VP of People Experience, this position focuses on designing processes that align with organizational values, ensuring fair treatment for staff, and managing complex employee relations cases across multiple regions. While this is an individual contributor role initially, there is potential for people management responsibilities in the future.

Key Responsibilities

• Framework Design: Develop and implement global employee relations frameworks, processes, and best practices aligned with the organization’s values and strategies.
• Case Management: Oversee and resolve complex employee relations cases thoughtfully and efficiently.
• Collaboration: Partner with HR Business Partners, Legal, and People leadership to ensure policies align with global compliance and organizational goals.
• Policy and Guidance: Provide expertise on grievances, disciplinary actions, conflict resolution, and workplace investigations.
• Training and Development: Deliver training for managers and staff on employee relations topics, including labor law compliance and conflict management.
• Data and Reporting: Build systems to track and report on employee relations metrics and trends, providing actionable insights to leadership.
• Manager Capability Building: Work with the People Growth & Belonging team to enhance manager effectiveness in driving employee engagement.
• Compliance and Best Practices: Stay updated on international labor laws, ensuring regional compliance in collaboration with employers of record.

Preferred Qualifications

• Educational Background: Bachelor’s degree in HR, Labor Relations, Organizational Psychology, or a related field (Master’s preferred).
• Experience:
  • Minimum 8+ years in employee relations or HR, including multi-regional experience in global contexts.
  • Proven track record in handling complex employee relations cases and ensuring compliance with diverse labor laws.
  • Previous experience in a non-profit or mission-driven organization preferred.
• Skills:
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to influence across a global workforce.
  • Strong problem-solving and discretion in handling sensitive matters.
  • Proven leadership and mentoring abilities.
  • Knowledge of international labor laws and employee relations frameworks.

Compensation and Benefits

• Pay Range (US): $135,043–$163,849 annually (adjusted based on location).
• Comprehensive benefits include health insurance, paid leave, and professional development opportunities.
• Remote-first organization with staff across 40+ countries.

About Wikimedia Foundation

The Wikimedia Foundation operates Wikipedia and other Wikimedia projects, supporting free knowledge-sharing globally. It is a not-for-profit organization that relies on donations, with its mission rooted in equity, transparency, and collaboration.

How to Apply

Applicants from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply. If you require assistance or accommodation during the application process due to a disability, contact recruiting@wikimedia.org or call +1 (415) 839-6885.

For more information, visit wikimediafoundation.org.