VP, People & Culture

The Opportunity
As Second Harvest embarks on this exciting next chapter, they seek a Vice President, People & Culture (“VP”), who will be responsible for shaping and sustaining positive mission-driven and people-centered organizational success. Reporting to the President & CEO and leading a team of 2.5 FTEs, this role will oversee all human resources functions to ensure the workforce is engaged, well-supported, and aligned to Second Harvest’s mission, values, and strategic goals.

Specific responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Lead development and execution of HR strategies that enable mission success.
• Serve as the strategic HR partner to the Leadership Team, advising on workforce planning, culture, and organizational development.
• Collaborate closely with executive partners to drive organizational success through people.
• Champion a culture of belonging rooted in the values of Adaptability, Co-Creation, Equity, Innovation, Radical Hospitality and Empathy & Compassion.
• Enhance employee engagement and retention through data-informed initiatives and continuous improvement.
• Champion the integration of data analytics and emerging technologies, including AI-driven tools, to enhance talent acquisition, benefits administration, and workforce planning.
• Lead the people-centered strategy for Second Harvest’s upcoming major campus move, ensuring a smooth and engaging transition by driving comprehensive change management efforts, crafting clear and timely employee communications, and designing event-based engagement initiatives that reinforce a positive, employee-focused experience throughout the transition.

• Oversee recruitment strategies that attract, develop, and retain top talent, ensuring a positive candidate journey.
• Support leadership and department heads in succession planning and talent pipeline development.
• Provide coaching and guidance to managers on performance, employee relations, accountability, and recognition.
• Oversee the performance management system to ensure clarity of expectations and continuous growth for employees.

• Design and maintain competitive and equitable compensation and benefits programs aligned with organizational goals.
• Lead benefits and retirement planning and vendor management, including brokers and insurance providers.
• Oversee payroll administration to ensure accurate processing, compliance, and timely resolution of payroll-related issues.
• Manage leave of absence programs, including FMLA, ADA and other statutory or organizational leave policies, to ensure consistent interpretation, proper documentation, and supportive communication with employees and managers.
• Oversee HR systems, compliance reporting, and personnel record integrity.
• Manage HR departmental budget and prioritize resource investments to improve operational efficiency.

• Ensure compliance with all HR regulatory and legal requirements (federal, state, and local).
• Lead workplace safety initiatives, co-chair the Safety Committee, and administer Workers’ Compensation programs.
• Partner with legal counsel as needed concerning employment-related matters.
• Represent the organization in audits, claims, and regulatory interactions.

• Identify organizational capability needs and drive learning and development initiatives.
• Support organizational change management and communications as the organization scales and evolves.
• Manage special projects and assignments in partnership with the President & CEO and CFO.

• Genuine passion for Second Harvest’s mission, values, and impact.
• A personal commitment to leading with integrity, discretion, and sound judgment.
• Respect for diverse backgrounds, lived experiences, and perspectives; fostering an inclusive and values-driven culture.
• The ability to bring Second Harvest’s strong mission and culture to life through innovative and inclusive HR practices.

• Progressive and comprehensive HR leadership experience, ideally…