What are the responsibilities and job description for the Chief People Officer position at Phifer & Company?
Chief People Officer
New York, NY
Chief Executive Officer
Team Size: 30 total staff, including 6 direct reports
About the Company
Our client a fast‑growing AI company headquartered in New York City, building advanced machine‑learning products that are reshaping how organizations operate. As we scale, we’re investing deeply in our People function to ensure our culture, leadership, and organizational systems evolve with our ambitions. The Chief People Officer will lead a 30‑person People organization and serve as a strategic partner to the CEO and executive team.
Role Overview
The Chief People Officer is responsible for the full People strategy across the company, overseeing talent acquisition, people operations, learning and development, DEI, total rewards, employee relations, and organizational development. This leader will guide a large, multidisciplinary People team and ensure the company attracts, develops, and retains world‑class talent in a competitive AI landscape.
The ideal candidate is a seasoned, strategic operator who has scaled People organizations in high‑growth tech environments and can balance long‑term vision with hands‑on leadership
Key Responsibilities
Executive Leadership & Strategy
• Serve as a core member of the executive team, advising the CEO and leadership on organizational health, workforce planning, and leadership development.
• Build and execute a comprehensive People strategy aligned with company goals, product roadmap, and long‑term growth.
• Lead a 30‑person People organization, including six direct reports overseeing Talent Acquisition, People Operations, Total Rewards, L&D, DEI, and Employee Experience.
Culture & Organizational Development
• Shape and strengthen a values‑driven culture that supports innovation, accountability, and ethical AI development.
• Lead organizational design efforts to support rapid scaling, new product lines, and evolving business needs.
• Drive change‑management initiatives that enable teams to adapt effectively and sustainably.
Talent Acquisition & Workforce Planning
• Oversee a high‑performing recruiting function capable of hiring top technical and non‑technical talent at scale.
• Build workforce planning models that anticipate future needs and ensure the company is staffed for growth.
• Implement best‑in‑class hiring processes that promote fairness, speed, and quality.
People Operations & Total Rewards
• Ensure People Operations systems, policies, and processes are efficient, compliant, and scalable.
• Oversee compensation philosophy, benchmarking, equity programs, and benefits strategy to maintain competitiveness and equity.
• Use data and analytics to inform decisions, measure program effectiveness, and drive continuous improvement.
Learning, Development & Leadership Growth
• Build robust leadership development programs for managers, directors, and executives.
• Oversee career‑pathing frameworks, coaching programs, and internal mobility initiatives.
• Foster a culture of continuous learning and professional growth.
Employee Relations & Experience
• Ensure a consistent, fair, and empathetic approach to employee relations across the company.
• Build programs that strengthen engagement, belonging, and cross‑team collaboration.
• Maintain a strong ethical foundation and uphold high standards of integrity and trust
Qualifications
• 18 years of progressive HR/People leadership experience, including executive‑level roles in high‑growth tech or AI‑driven companies.
• Experience leading a People organization of 20 staff, with multiple functional leads as direct reports.
• Deep expertise in organizational design, talent strategy, performance management, and total rewards.
• Strong understanding of the unique challenges of scaling technical teams and AI‑focused organizations.
• Exceptional communication, coaching, and relationship‑building skills.
• Ability to operate strategically while remaining connected to day‑to‑day execution.
• Demonstrated commitment to building inclusive, ethical, and mission‑driven workplaces.
Advanced degree - STRONGLY PREFERRED.
Why Join Us
• Lead a large, influential People organization at a pivotal moment in our growth.
• Partner directly with a visionary CEO and executive team shaping the future of AI.
• Drive culture, leadership, and organizational strategy across a rapidly scaling company.
• Competitive compensation, equity, and benefits package.