People and Culture Partner

Location: Remote within the contiguous United States 

Hiring Range: This position’s hiring range is anticipated to be $56,656 to $84,000 annually, depending on experience, plus great benefits!  

Position Summary: This position serves as liaison to our managers and employees and identifies opportunities for collaboration in driving culture and understanding of Best Friends. To support staff throughout their tenure with Best Friends compassion in each step/phase of the employee lifecycle. 

Culture Statement and Responsibility: We believe in treating everyone with kindness and compassion, building trust through authenticity and following through on commitments. We prioritize well-being alongside our mission, fostering strong relationships through open communication and transparent feedback. Diversity and inclusion are integral to our culture, enriching team dynamics by valuing diverse perspectives. Each team member is responsible for creating an inclusive environment where all voices are respected and contributing to a workplace that embodies our shared values and commitment to progress. By consistently aligning our actions with our Guiding Principles, we strengthen our culture and ensure that our values are lived every day.  

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:  

Culture, Inclusion & Engagement   

• Model kindness, compassion, authenticity, and well-being in all interactions; contribute positively to team culture.   

• Promote a culture where employees feel valued, respected, and connected to Best Friends’ mission.   

• Collaborate on organization-wide engagement efforts including Sanctuary Welcome Week, New Hire Onboarding, engagement surveys, and staff celebrations.   

• Support initiatives and conversations that build inclusion, belonging, and trust across teams.   

• Participate in communication loops that encourage feedback, accountability, and continuous improvement.   

Employee Lifecycle Support (Onboarding & Off-boarding)   

• Connect with new managers to inform them of the role of P&C Partners and support their acclimation to the organization and their team. 

• Monitor new hire surveys and exit interviews; identify trends and recommend improvements aligned with engagement pillars.   

• Manage off-boarding processes with professionalism and empathy, ensuring a smooth transition for employees and managers.   

Management & Employee Relations Support   

• Serve as the primary P&C contact for assigned portfolio, developing subject-matter expertise and offering timely, accurate guidance aligned with our Guiding Principles and applicable labor and employment law.   

• Coach managers on performance management practices, conflict resolutions, leadership, and HR guidelines.   

• Independently manage and resolve employee relations (ER) matters within the portfolio, including performance concerns and grievances, aiming to resolve issues early.   

• Lead complex investigations to completion including preparation of investigative summary to include findings and recommendations.  

• Provide crisis support to managers and employees during unexpected events or natural disasters.   

• Assist managers with team-building, communication practices, and development activities to strengthen engagement and team health.   

Collaboration & Communication   

• Build strong, trusting relationships with employees and leaders across the organization.   

• Partner with the P&C team to share portfolio insights, identify opportunities for improvement, and enhance the employee experience.   

• Collaborate cross-functionally to support people-focused programs, training, and organizational initiatives.   

• Facilitate small-group learning sessions, including preparing for performance conversations, difficult discussions, and other relevant topics.   

• Contribute to internal meetings and team activities.  

• Occasional travel may be required to support onboarding, engagement, or team events.  

Insights, Tracking & Continuous Improvement   

• Track engagement touchpoints, ER cases, and other portfolio metrics; identify patterns and systemic opportunities for improvement.   

• Present findings and recommendations to senior leadership to strengthen workplace culture and processes.   

• Contribute to continuous improvement within P&C programs and systems by identifying creative solutions and fresh approaches.   

• Lead or participate on project teams supporting P&C and organizational initiatives.  

Required Skills and Experience: 

• 2–3 years of HR experience, including at least 2 years independently managing employee relations cases.  ​ 

• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities, follow through on commitments, and maintain attention to detail.   

• Ability to exercise sound judgment and effectively solve problems in a fast-paced environment.   

• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build trust, maintain confidentiality, and influence at all levels of the organization.   

• Willingness to learn new technologies, skills, and HR methodologies.   

• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, Copilot, and MS Teams.   

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with public speaking and presentation experience. Ability to professionally advocate Best Friends’ positions on issues. Added in, but please remove if not necessary.  

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Psychology, or related field.   

• SPHR, PHR, SHRM-CP, or CEBS certification.   

• Experience with HRIS systems such as Workday and tools like Trello and Airtable.   

• Experience in animal welfare or mission-driven nonprofit organizations.   

Physical Requirements: 

• Ability to work remotely.  

• Perform repetitive tasks for extended periods of time including typing, arm, and hand motion.  

• Work at a computer for extended periods of time.  

• Must have a valid driver's license for at least 3 years, ability to qualify to be added to Best Friends insurance.  

• Daily hours and days of the week may vary according to the needs of the department schedule.  

• Ability to travel and/or drive on behalf of Best Friends, including overnight stays, when needed.