Senior Human Resources Business Partner

Job Description:

POLITICO is seeking a seasoned Senior HR Business Partner to serve as a strategic advisor and hands‑on operator to our high‑performing, fast‑paced newsroom. This is a highly visible, senior‑level role for an HR leader who thrives in dynamic environments and brings equal strength in strategic partnership and hands‑on execution. The ideal candidate is a trusted thought partner to editorial leadership, someone who can anticipate business needs and translate priorities to drive actionable talent solutions.

There is a strong requirement for the ability to expertly manage the operational HR fundamentals that enable our newsroom to function at its best.

• Deeply embedded in the newsroom:
  You understand how editorial teams operate and tailor practical HR solutions accordingly.
• A problem‑solver with excellent judgment:
  You are able to navigate complexity, ambiguity and sensitive situations.
• A strong operator:
  You can seamlessly balance strategic initiatives with day‑to‑day HR execution.
• Agile and adaptive:
  You navigate change with ease while maintaining focus on outcomes as priorities evolve.
• A credible, calm and pragmatic HR leader:
  You are resilient in high‑pressure, high‑visibility and deadline‑driven environments.
• Influencing without authority:
  You are collaborative with the ability to influence senior leaders and partner effectively across HR functions.
• Detail‑oriented and organized:
  You have a rigorous approach with follow‑through and execution.
• Ownership oriented:
  You have a strong sense of accountability.

• Strategic Partnership and Advisory Serve as a trusted HR advisor to senior newsroom leaders on organizational design, workforce planning, performance management and employee relations. Provide pragmatic, solutions‑oriented HR guidance focused on speed, clarity and risk awareness. Navigate complex, high‑visibility people situations with discretion, judgment and confidence.
• Talent and Workforce Management Partner with business leaders, Talent Acquisition and Finance to develop and justify new headcount and backfill requests, ensuring alignment with budget, workforce plans and long‑term talent strategy. Lead and support newsroom talent management initiatives, including performance cycles, performance management, disciplinary procedures, career pathways, succession planning, development planning and retention strategies. Ensure HR policies, practices and decisions are applied consistently, fairly and in compliance with employment laws and company standards
• Collaborate with Total Rewards on job leveling, compensation planning and pay decisions to ensure competitiveness and internal consistency. Leverage talent data, manager insight and editorial priorities to inform proactive workforce decisions and future talent needs, including pipelining and succession, in partnership with Talent Acquisition.
• Operational Excellence Deliver a high‑touch onboarding and integration experience, supporting engagement, retention and early productivity. Ensure people‑related processes are efficient. This includes managing and processing all employee changes related to role changes, reporting lines, promotions, transfers and exits with minimal disruption to newsroom operations. Manage and document employee relations matters with sound judgment, discretion and a solutions‑oriented approach. Identify gaps, inefficiencies or friction points in people processes and implement practical, scalable solutions aligned to newsroom needs.
  
  Ensure smooth cascading of people‑related communications to leaders across the various teams and be the central point of contact to field queries and concerns. Use people analytics to identify attrition and engagement trends and translate insights into…