About Us
Since 1921, AFB has been a leader in addressing the most pressing needs of people who are blind and have low vision and their families, breaking down societal barriers, and promoting broad systemic change. Publisher of the Journal of Visual Impairment & Blindness for over a century and counting, AFB is also proud to steward the accessible Helen Keller Archive, honoring the legacy of our most famous ambassador. AFB’s mission is to expand pathways to leadership, education, inclusive technology, and career opportunities to create a world of endless possibilities for people who are blind, deafblind, or have low vision. AFB is dedicated to promoting equality and inclusion for people who are blind and have low vision and targets key areas that impact both children and adults to facilitate meaningful change.
About the Role
The Director of People and Culture is a key business partner to the American Foundation for the Blind’s leadership, playing a central role in aligning people practices with organizational goals and mission impact. As a trusted advisor to the Senior Leadership Team and others throughout the organization, this role ensures that HR practices are not only operationally sound but also responsive to the needs of a dynamic, mission-driven organization. The Director champions a values-based, high-performing, inclusive workplace culture while providing hands-on leadership in human resources functions that directly support AFB’s service delivery.
Reporting to the COO, the Director will collaborate across departments to drive workforce development, navigate organizational change, and support leaders in managing performance, employee relations, and engagement. This role oversees critical functions including compliance, benefits administration, retention, talent acquisition, onboarding, training and development, leadership development, culture advancement initiatives, and continuous improvement of HR systems and policies. The Director brings a collaborative, solutions-oriented approach to help leaders make informed people decisions that strengthen the entire organization.
AFB headquarters are based in Arlington, VA. Position is remote within the U.S. with the opportunity for hybrid if located in the Arlington, VA area.
How You Will Contribute:
- Provide strategic direction, leadership and day-to-day management and supervision of the HR department and staff, overseeing key functions including employee relations, performance management, compliance, training and development, compensation, benefits, recruitment, and HR systems.
- Act as a trusted advisor to executive leadership on HR strategy, organizational design, compliance risks, and workforce planning to support the organization's mission and sustainability. Champion workforce development by identifying skill gaps, supporting internal mobility, succession planning, and long-term career growth.
- Manage compensation programs, including compensation strategy, job analysis and evaluation, and performance-based pay administration.
- Own and manage the full recruitment process—from sourcing and screening to onboarding—ensuring an equitable, timely, and mission-aligned hiring experience for all candidates.
- Recommend, write, and implement HR policies and procedures, incorporating AFB’s needs and business strategy and ensuring compliance with all federal, state, and local employment laws, as well as nonprofit-specific regulations and requirements.
- Manage the performance review process, supporting managers in setting goals, providing constructive feedback, and fostering employee growth and accountability.
- Lead culture-building strategies and workforce development initiatives that strengthen employee engagement and support operational excellence.
- Develop and implement training initiatives that promote a culture of learning and leadership across all levels of the organization.
- Perform employee relations, assisting staff in addressing workplace issues.
- Carry out various administrative and supervisory responsibilities, including developing and implementing departmental performance plan objectives, establishing and achieving HR goals and budgets.
- Supervise and provide direction and support to HR staff and external consultants to ensure responsibilities are executed accurately and in alignment with organizational policies and best practices.
- Support additional organizational needs as they arise, contributing to the overall health and success of the nonprofit.
- Performs other duties and special projects, as assigned.
Qualifications:
- At least seven years of broad human resources experience, with a strong emphasis on employee relations; at least five years of that experience must include supervisory or management responsibilities
- Bachelor’s degree in human resources, Business, Psychology, or a related field required
- Professional certification such as PHR (Professional in Human Resources) and/or SHRM-CP (SHRM Certified Professional) highly preferred. Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) and/or Google Workspace. Experience with productivity software such as Trello preferred
- High-level of HRIS competency, ADP preferred, with a proven record enhancing efficiency through HRIS functionality
- Demonstrated ability to handle sensitive information with a high level of confidentiality and discretion
- Strong active listening skills and the ability to approach situations objectively and thoughtfully
- Effective communicator (written and verbal) with the ability to interact professionally with individuals at all levels of the organization
- Self-motivated with the ability to work independently while also thriving in a collaborative team environment
- Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines
- Solid knowledge of federal and state employment laws and HR compliance standards and their intersections
- Proven ability to synthesize multiple requirements/needs into cohesive recommendations, policies, and procedures
Compensation:
Salary based on experience, market analysis, and location.
Benefits:
AFB offers a competitive benefits package, including:
- Paid leave (vacation and sick leave combined)
- Flex-time and telecommuting
- Competitive health, dental, vision and prescription drug coverage
- Flexible spending account program that allows employees to set aside pre-tax dollars for eligible medical expenses incurred by themselves or family members.
- 403(b) retirement savings plans, including employer contributions
- Enhanced short- and long-term disability coverage
- Accidental death or dismemberment coverage
- Free, confidential access to counseling and referral services on a variety of personal and work/life issues for employees and their family members
