Associate Director Human Resources

Job Summary:

The AACR seeks a highly qualified Human Resources professional who has expertise and experience as a senior-level HR Generalist. The Associate Director of Human Resources will report to the Director of Human Resources and be responsible for assisting the director in developing, implementing, and carrying out the organization's and department’s HR initiatives across all areas of Human Resources. The Associate Director will provide consultation to the management team on critical issues affecting their departments/divisions’ operations, and collaborate with the management team in the development and implementation of HR initiatives that support the overall mission of the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR).

The Associate Director of Human Resources performs, designs and implements human resource programs that support the organization’s overall mission and strategic direction In addition, the Associate Director will assist in carrying out the operational and tactics of the department in the various disciplines of Human Resources: employee relations, diversity, benefits and compensation, talent acquisition, safety and security, organizational and employee development, coaching, and compliance with employment laws.

Major Duties & Responsibilities:

• Assists the Director of HR in overseeing AACR’s Talent Acquisition Process, which will include full-cycle recruitment, interviewing, and hiring of qualified job applicants, particularly for managerial, exempt, and professional roles; collaborates with departmental managers to understand skills and competencies required for openings. Partner with hiring managers to develop, update, and revise job descriptions.
• Assists the Director of Human Resources in updating, developing, and implementing AACR’s Human Resource Policies and Procedures.
• Assists the Director in managing the work processes performed by the HR Team, and ensures that AACR is in compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws at all times.
• Oversees employee disciplinary meetings, separations, and investigations. Provides coaching and consulting services to AACR’s management team, including division heads, directors and managers/supervisors to assist them with Performance Management, Employee Relations and Employee Development/Training.
• Researches, develops, writes and implements AACR’s human resource policies and procedures.
• Manages AACR’s health, safety, including applicable OSHA and ADA regulations.
• Participates in the performance evaluation process, and evaluates and reviews the
benefits and compensation packages.
• Assists in the management, planning and implementation of special projects and
• initiatives of the AACR and the HR Department.
• Establishes and maintains synergistic relationships with all departments within AACR, as well as managing external vendor relationships.
• Maintains knowledge of trends, best practices, regulatory changes, and new technologies in human resources, talent management, and employment law.
• Other Duties as assigned

Essential Skills and Knowledge:

• A minimum of 7-10 years of HR management experience.
• Excellent management skills.
• Knowledge of the various Human Resources Disciplines
• Exemplary written and oral communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team with strong team leadership skills.
• Ability to exercise good judgment.
• Excellent administrative and organizational skills
• Must have excellent internal client service focus and be able to take initiative, respond proactively, and handle workflow with minimal supervision.
• Must be detail oriented, adhere to the HR standards of confidentiality, have the ability to multi-task, be able to work successfully in an ambiguous environment with frequently changing priorities,

Education and Training:

• B.A. or B.S. Degree required
• Master’s degree in Human Resource Management or HRCI certification required: SPHR or PHR

Computer Knowledge:

• Microsoft Office Suite: Word, Excel, PowerPoint,
• HRIS and Applicant Tracking Systems
• Spreadsheet and database programs.

Organizational Background

AACR membership includes more than 58,000 laboratory, translational, and clinical researchers; population scientists; other health care professionals; and patient advocates residing in 141 countries and territories worldwide. Presently, 32% of members live outside the United States and 22% of AACR’s international members are located in countries with emerging economies. AACR is the first and largest organization in the world dedicated to advancing high-quality, innovative cancer research. Its mission is to prevent and cure all cancers. The programs and activities of the AACR foster the exchange of new knowledge among scientists and physicians in the cancer field and in related biomedical sciences. AACR publishes ten peer-reviewed scientific journals and an award-winning magazine for cancer patients and their loved ones; convenes topical scientific conferences and an annual meeting that draws more than 22,500 participants; offers educational workshops that train young investigators in a variety of scientific and clinical areas; funds fellowships, career development awards, and research grants for both senior and junior investigators; raises public awareness of the progress in and reasons for hope in the biology, detection, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of cancer; engages actively in advocacy for increased federal research funding and other national policies that accelerate progress against cancer; and interacts with regulatory agencies to support regulatory science and policy.