Human Resources Leader

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Job description

We are focused on results. Those that can be measured. And those measured in ways beyond numbers.

We see individuals, not issues. We are inspired by passion, and compassion for the wellbeing of people. Our methods are based on logic, driven by rigor, results, issues, and outcomes. Our innovation means trying new things, learning from our mistakes, and consistently refining our approach. Our strategies help us define our path to success, but our effectiveness is based in the aggregate power of our initiatives to impact holistic change.

-Bill and Melinda Gates

BILL & MELINDA GATES MEDICAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE

The Bill & Melinda Gates Medical Research Institute (Gates MRI) is a non-profit biotech dedicated to accelerating product development for diseases that disproportionately affect the world's poorest populations, including malaria, tuberculosis, diarrheal diseases and a range of challenges in maternal and newborn health. Headquartered in Cambridge, MA and led by CEO Emilio Emini PhD, our focus is advancing novel drug and vaccine candidates against the aforementioned diseases from the laboratory into human studies. To enable a fast-to-decision mindset, the institute operates using small, cross-functional development teams with the understanding that it is essential to break out of silos and embrace unconventional approaches across different prophylactic and therapeutic modalities. The five core mantras that permeate across the organization and drive progress at every level are:

• Urgency: Strive every day to do better than your last best accomplishment.
• Collaboration: Solving the world's most complex disease burdens is a team effort.
• Innovation: Uncover new methods, approaches and solutions to achieve unprecedented results.
• Rigor: Follow the science with passion and perseverance.
• Courage: Pursue progress boldly without fear of failure

Though the Institute is a diverse group of passionate change-makers, creative fixers and relentless advocates, these five core values will be universally adopted by all who join it and strive to improve the health and wellness of the world's most vulnerable populations.

THE POSITION

Reporting to our Chief Operating Officer, The Human Resources Leader is responsible for collaborating with the Gates MRI Executive Leadership members and their teams to translate business strategies and priorities into people and organizational strategies and priorities ensuring support of the Gates MRI Mission and Objectives. As a subsidiary of the Bill & Melinda Gates foundation (BMGF, the foundation), the HR Lead also collaborates with the human resources team of the foundation, drawing upon foundation human capital strategies, programs and ways of working to achieve Gates MRI organizational objectives. The role reports to the Chief Operating Officer of the Gates MRI and has dual accountability to the Director, HRBP Programs and Subsidiary Governance at the foundation.

In this role, you will influence and impact the very success of our organization through the continued maturation of our current processes and policies while fostering our vision of a culture focused on inclusion and support. This role will oversee the people strategy including working with leaders on the talent and structure needed to support the organization, hiring the talent needed to achieve team goals, ensuring successful employee onboarding, creating and implementing a robust talent management plan, coaching, and supporting project and change management. This role will provide daily supervision for the Boston-based HR team and ensure active integration with the operational processes, practices and governance of the foundation with the Gates MRI.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develops, executes, and manages the People Strategy for the Gates MRI ensuring it delivers on the critical business needs, aligned with foundation people strategy.
• Translates and implements HR programs, processes and policies working in collaboration with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF or Foundation).
• Collaborates with and is a thought partner to leadership on organizational design/structure and effectiveness, identifying, prioritizing talent requirements and workforce planning to deliver on strategic objectives.
• Designs and implements an innovative talent management strategy while partnering with our BMGF colleagues. Proactively consults and guides leaders and managers in effectively deploying talent initiatives, including equitable and inclusive recruitment, performance, and rewards processes/practices that ensure attraction and retention of top talent and drive employee accountability.
• In collaboration with the Foundation's Total Rewards team, applies the Total Rewards program for the Gates MRI including compensation, benefits, and mobility. Analyzes trends and works with the Foundation's Total Rewards team to ensure people goals are met.
• Proactively consults with and advises leadership and staff in the development and implementation of HR programs and practices to establish and maintain a work environment that reflects the institutes values of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Proactively works with leadership and staff to help shape the Gates MRI's culture inclusive of our core values and mantras.
• Manages HR issues and consults managers, leaders, and/or legal counsel when appropriate regarding risk to employment decisions.
• Supports development of leaders and high performing teams. Coaches leaders, managers, and employees on a variety of HR issues, including facilitating difficult conversations.
• In collaboration with the Foundation and the MRI's leadership develops programs to support the growth and development of our people.
• Advocates for employees and oversees overall employee needs.
• Ensures compliance with relevant internal policies and legal/regulatory requirements.
• Acts as employee advocate and subject matter expert on employee relations. Provides guidance, counselling and training to managers and employees for policy interpretation and sensitive work-related issues.
• Builds management capability to facilitate an open, inclusive environment that enables effective employee relations. Specific responsibilities include:
  • Proactively advises people managers regarding HR guidelines and policies and responds to manager inquiries.
  • Partners with managers to ensure timely and effective performance management processes and feedback to employees. Works with other HR and Legal partners, when appropriate, on complex employee relations matters and investigations.
  • Implements consistent, scalable global processes to proactively identify and address employee issues.
  • Helps facilitate difficult conversations between managers and employees; provides support with process and documentation as required.
  • Promote employee wellbeing.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Education: BS in Business Administration, Human Resources or related field. MBA or advanced degree preferred. HR Certifications helpful but not required
• 10 to 15 years of progressive HR leadership experience in biotech and/or pharmaceutical organizations
• Strong executive presence with impeccable communication (oral and written), negotiation, influencing, and facilitation skills
• Ability to navigate complex environments, perform under pressure in ambiguous situations and adapt to a rapidly changing environment
• Problem solver demonstrating creativity, curiosity, discipline, and resourcefulness
• Highly organized and detailed oriented
• Models professional courage, engaging in trust-based debate, asking hard or unpopular questions with a willingness to say no
• Significant experience in organization design, talent development, training practices and workforce planning
• Well-practiced in managing complex employee relations matters, conflict management and de-escalation techniques
• Knowledge and ongoing monitoring of human resources trends, best practices, and regulatory requirements
• Has experience working in an affiliate organization with a parent organization

The Gates MRI requires a COVID-19 vaccination for in-person business in the United States. Therefore, all U.S. employees are required to present proof of vaccination status upon hire unless they qualify for a medical or religious exemption

#LI-TH1

As part of our standard hiring process for new employees, employment with the Bill & Melinda Gates Medical Research Institute will be contingent upon successful completion of a background check.

The Bill & Melinda Gates Medical Research Institute is dedicated to the belief that all lives have equal value. We're committed to creating a workplace where employees thrive both personally and professionally. We also believe our employees should reflect the rich diversity of the global populations we aim to serve-in race, gender, age, cultures and beliefs-and we support this diversity through all of our employment practices.

All applicants and employees who are drawn to serve the mission of the Bill & Melinda Gates Medical Research Institute will enjoy equality of opportunity and fair treatment without regard to:

* Race

* Color

* Age

* Religion

* Pregnancy

* Sex

* Sexual Orientation

* Disability

* Gender Identity

* Gender Expression

* National Origin

* Genetic Information

* Veteran Status

* Marital Status

* Prior Protected Activity