Manager/Assistant Director, HR Programs and Operations

Manager/Assistant Director, HR Programs and Operations

AEI – American Enterprise Institute

Washington, D.C. | In-person: Full-time in the office, with occasional remote days available by advance request.

The Opportunity

The American Enterprise Institute (AEI) seeks a full-time Manager/Assistant Director, HR Programs and Operations to join its HR & Talent Development team. You’ll report to the Vice President of HR and Talent Development and take on a visible, hands-on role that spans both the people and operational sides of HR.

You’ll work with leaders and managers across AEI on employee relations, performance management, HR programs, compliance, organizational effectiveness, and process improvement. You’ll also oversee AEI’s internship program, lead projects across teams, supervise and develop HR team members, and find better ways to support employees and managers.

If you enjoy taking ownership, solving problems, and making an impact in a collaborative public policy research environment, we’d like to hear from you. We encourage you to apply even if you don’t meet every qualification. We value the experience, perspective, and potential you would bring to the team.

Key Responsibilities

HR Programs and Operations

• Manage and improve HR programs, including performance management, manager training, immigration, HR communications, events, and compliance initiatives.
• Oversee internship recruiting, onboarding, programming, and engagement.
• Lead onboarding and offboarding processes, partnering cross-functionally to ensure consistent and smooth employee transitions.
• Manage HR program budgets and work with Finance on planning and expense tracking.
• Improve HR processes, workflows, tools, templates, and manager resources.
• Lead initiatives with HR, Finance, IT, Operations, and other teams.

Employee Relations, Workplace Support, and Compliance

• Handle employee relations matters, including performance concerns, workplace investigations, corrective actions, conflict resolution, complaints, accommodations, and separations.
• Advise managers on performance management, policies, documentation, and workplace practices.
• Support employee development, career growth, and internal opportunities.
• Spot employee relations trends and recommend practical ways to strengthen leadership and workplace culture.
• Develop and maintain HR procedures, documentation, and operational guidelines.
• Help managers and HR colleagues apply policies, employment practices, and compliance standards consistently.
• Work with HR leadership and legal counsel on sensitive employment and compliance matters.

Organizational Effectiveness

• Advise leaders on organizational design, team structure, role clarity, and departmental planning.
• Find ways to improve processes and organizational effectiveness.
• Help teams navigate organizational changes through careful planning, clear communication, and effective implementation.
• Build relationships across AEI that improve the employee experience.

Team Leadership

• Supervise, coach, and develop HR team members.
• Set priorities and carry out departmental goals with the Vice President of HR and Talent Development.
• Delegate work and ensure the team delivers high-quality results on time.
• Support the HR team’s professional growth.

Qualifications

• Manager: 4–6 years of relevant experience in HR, employee relations, HR operations, or a related area.
• Assistant Director: 6 years of relevant experience.
• Bachelor’s degree in HR, business, organizational psychology, data analytics, public policy, or a related field.
• Hands-on experience with employee relations, including performance management, investigations, accommodations, conflict resolution, and policy interpretation.
• Working knowledge of employment laws, HR practices, and compliance requirements.
• Experience leading projects and improving HR processes across teams.
• Supervisory or mentoring experience preferred.
• SHRM-CP, PHR, or comparable HR certification preferred.
• Strong judgment, discretion, communication, relationship-building, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and HRIS platforms; AEI prefers experience with ADP Workforce Now.

About AEI

AEI is a public policy think tank that defends human dignity, expands human potential, and works to build a freer and safer world. AEI operates independently of any political party and takes no institutional positions. Its scholars pursue rigorous, data-driven research with academic freedom.

AEI offers a stimulating, collegial work environment, and excellent benefits.

Equal Employment Opportunity

AEI is committed to a policy of Equal Employment Opportunity and will not discriminate against an applicant or employee on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, personal appearance, political affiliation, marital status, family responsibilities, matriculation, past, current, or prospective service in the uniformed services, status as a victim or family member of a victim of domestic violence, a sexual offense, or stalking, or any other legally recognized protected basis under federal, state, or local laws, regulations or ordinances. The information collected by this application is solely to determine suitability for employment, verify identity and maintain employment statistics on applicants.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions at AEI

• The employee is expected to regularly stand, sit, talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer, telephone, and keyboard. This job requires close-up vision for computer work.
• The employee must be able to lift up to 30 pounds.
• The employee must be able to work in a confined area.
• Moderate noise (e.g., from computers, phones, printers, and light traffic) is expected.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential responsibilities associated with this position.