Director of Human Resources

About Yaqeen Institute

Yaqeen is a nonprofit on a mission to pioneer Islamic research in creative, cutting-edge formats tailored to meet people where they are. We work to dismantle doubts through well-researched truths, nurture conviction by strengthening belief with practical, spiritual guidance, and inspire contribution by reviving our tradition of faithful changemakers, insha’Allah. We’re seeking like-minded professionals who embody Islamic values including sincerity, excellence, and compassion, and want to make a difference in the faith of people worldwide.

About the role

The Director of Human Resources is a strategic and hands-on leader responsible for overseeing all aspects of the HR function to support organizational effectiveness, staff well-being, and alignment with Yaqeen’s mission and values. This individual will drive culture, recruiting, talent development, performance management, and compliance, while fostering a workplace rooted in Yaqeen’s core values in order to effectively and efficiently reach our organizational mission.

What you'll do

• Strategic Leadership
• • Develop and execute HR strategies that align with the organization's mission and long-term goals.
  • Serve as a thought partner to executive leadership on people and culture strategy.
  • Lead organizational planning on workforce development, structure, and succession.
  • Build and manage the department budget ensuring that programs are on track to meet KPIs and meet objectives.

• Talent Management
• • Oversee full-cycle recruitment and onboarding processes.
  • Lead initiatives on talent retention, employee engagement, and career growth.
  • Build frameworks for performance evaluation, promotions, and coaching.

• Learning & Development
• • Design and implement training programs for various HR focus areas including tarbiyah, leadership, soft skill development and HR compliance training.
  • Reinforce growth pathways (individual contributor and management) across departments.

• Compensation & Benefits
• • Build compensation program that is equitable and comprehensive to a global team
  • Monitor annual inflation and cost of living and ensure proper adjustments when necessary
  • Evaluate and apply benefits program including medical insurance and retirement opportunities
  • Up to date on all best practice and innovative benefit opportunities relevant to enhancing employee work life balance experience including PTO, perks, etc

• HR Operations
• • Maintain and enhance HRIS systems and personnel records.
  • Oversee and smooth operations and effective execution of all department functions.
  • Work cross functionally with other departments to ensure best application of people and culture strategy.
  • Track and report HR metrics including headcount, retention, engagement, and audit appropriately
  • Provide insights to support data-informed decision-making.

• Employee Engagement
• • Strong pulse on employee issues and concerns
  • Create channels for employees to voice their opinions and perspectives
  • Oversee the increase in employee satisfaction through intentional engagement opportunities
  • Foster a strong sense of connection across all levels of the organization.
  • Build meaningful reward and recognition program to ensure employees feel valued and have a strong sense of belonging
  • Lead org wide events that align all members of the organization and intentionally build team chemistry and understanding - Host org wide All-hands, tarbiyah session, trainings, etc
  • Manage employee escalations with wisdom and care

• Policy & Compliance
• • Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws.
  • Lead policy development, employee handbook updates, and benefits administration.
  • Communicate and reinforce HR policy across organizations.

• Culture & Organizational Health
• • Operationalize Yaqeen’s values by infusing them into the organizational policies and leadership philosophy
  • Develop frameworks for spiritually grounded performance and workplace culture through initiatives such as Yaqeen’s Tarbiyah Program.
  • Facilitate organizational alignment between leadership and employees.
  • Champion inclusive, equitable, and values-driven workplace practices.
  • Support conflict resolution, mediation, and restorative processes.
  • Create safe channels for employee feedback and voice.

Qualifications

• Required:
• • Master’s degree in HR, Business Administration, Organizational Development, or related field.
  • Minimum 7–10 years of progressive HR experience, including 3+ years in a leadership role.
  • Proven ability to build systems, lead change, and manage complex interpersonal dynamics.
  • Deep knowledge of employment law, HR compliance, and best practices.
  • Strong emotional intelligence, discretion, and interpersonal skills.

• Preferred:
• • SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, or equivalent HR certification.
  • Experience in nonprofit, mission-driven, or faith-centered organizations.
  • Familiarity with Islamic ethics and application in multicultural work environments.

Yaqeen Institute embraces a philosophy that values and promotes diversity. Our goal is to attract, develop, retain, and advance a talented and diverse workforce within a culture where all employees are empowered to reach their fullest potential.

Please note that all career opportunities at Yaqeen Institute are subject to a three-month probationary period, during which we assess performance, alignment with our values, and mutual fit to ensure long-term success in the role.

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