Director of Human Resources

Cato Institute

Director of Human Resources at Cato Institute overseeing all HR functions. Focusing on organizational strategies and alignment with principles of personal liberty and freedom.

Posted 6/25/2026full-timeWashington • District of Columbia, Washington • 🇺🇸 United StatesLead💰 $140,000 - $180,000 per yearWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Provide executive-level leadership for all HR functions, ensuring policies and practices reflect Cato’s mission of personal liberty, individual freedom, and organizational excellence.
Develop long-term HR strategies that support workforce planning, organizational culture, and ongoing operational needs.
Lead the evolution of HR systems, processes, and programs—including openness to responsible and ethical use of AI-powered tools to enhance efficiency, analytics, and employee experience.
Partner with senior leadership to design and execute organizational development initiatives, talent strategies, and cultural priorities.
Oversee, mentor, and develop the HR team, ensuring high performance, accountability, and alignment with organizational mission and values.
Provide executive oversight of recruitment, onboarding, and separation processes, ensuring they are efficient, equitable, and mission-aligned.
Direct the administration and continuous improvement of compensation structures, salary reviews, and title frameworks.
Ensure rigorous compliance with federal, state, and local labor laws, regulatory requirements, and internal controls.
Oversee employee relations, conflict resolution, and personnel matters, engaging legal counsel when appropriate.
Supervise benefits administration and compliance in partnership with the Human Resources Manager.
Lead development, communication, and annual review of all HR policies, procedures, and process documentation.
Serve as the strategic owner and senior super-user of the HCM system (Paylocity), guiding optimization and cross-functional use.
Promote adoption of HR self-service tools and evaluate emerging technologies—including AI applications—to streamline HR operations and enhance decision-making.
Recommend, coordinate, and oversee professional development and training initiatives for staff.
Foster a mission-aligned, high-trust work environment rooted in personal responsibility, liberty, and mutual respect.
Support broader organizational operations, contributing to cultural stewardship and continuous improvement.

Requirements

What you’ll need

Minimum seven years of progressive HR management experience, ideally within a mission-driven or nonprofit environment.
Demonstrated leadership experience in designing and directing strategic HR initiatives, including workforce planning, organizational development, and cultural stewardship.
Proven ability to lead, manage, and coach HR teams; strong commitment to accountability, clarity, and mission alignment.
Deep alignment with Cato’s mission of personal liberty, individual freedom, and limited government.
Extensive knowledge of employment law (including FLSA, FMLA, EEO, ADA, and immigration procedures) and experience overseeing compliance programs.
Strong expertise in strategic compensation, performance management, and policy governance.
Experience leading process improvement and technology adoption, including openness to integrating ethical, efficient AI tools into HR workflows.
Strong ability to develop, execute, and assess long-term HR strategies.
Exceptional interpersonal, coaching, and communication skills.
High proficiency in Microsoft Office and HRIS platforms; advanced experience with HCM systems (Paylocity preferred).
Extraordinary organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Demonstrated ability to build trusting, effective relationships at all levels of the organization.

Benefits

Comp & perks

Medical, dental, and vision insurance
Employer contribution to a Health Savings Account (HSA)
Generous vacation and sick days
Paid parental leave
Employer-provided life and disability insurance
401(k) employer match
Transit/parking benefits
Pet insurance

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Hard Skills & Tools

HR managementworkforce planningorganizational developmentstrategic compensationperformance managementpolicy governancecompliance programsprocess improvementAI integrationemployee relations

Soft Skills

leadershipcoachingaccountabilitycommunicationinterpersonal skillsorganizational skillsattention to detailrelationship buildingstrategic thinkingcultural stewardship