Role: Human Resources People and Culture Director
Contract Type: Volunteer ( Not Paid Position)
Duration 12 Months (With Possible Extension)
Who we are & What do we believe?
Arcadia is a non-profit, international non-governmental organisation with a global presence, comprising 238 members from all seven continents. Founded and headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, Arcadia is dedicated to two core missions:
Our primary mission is to make university-level education accessible to everyone, irrespective of financial, social, geographical, or political barriers. We strive for academic excellence and aim to diminish the limitations to education, ensuring that high-quality education is available to all. Our secondary mission is to foster a global appreciation and support for art. By addressing contemporary global issues through art in our exhibitions, and highlighting significant art events worldwide, we aim to cultivate a deep-seated art consciousness. Our goal is to inspire a greater appreciation for art in the modern world.
At Arcadia, our academic team consists of over 70 international researchers who contribute to Higher Education-level academic articles across a myriad of disciplines. Our commitment to sharing knowledge without any charges or subscriptions ensures that everyone, everywhere, can benefit from our collective expertise. We believe in the transformative power of education and art to create a better, more enlightened world, a modern utopia.
Wherever you are, whoever you are !
We believe that the internet is one of the greatest resources humanity has achieved, giving us the opportunity to exceed our physical boundaries. Arcadia welcomes all; regardless of gender, ethnicity, and age. We embrace diversity and as an international NGO with more than 79 different nationalities, our aim is to support diversity within our teams and allow people all around the world to have the opportunity to join and contribute and grow in their fields of interest.
About the Position
Arcadia is seeking an experienced and dynamic People and Culture Director to lead and enhance the culture within the organization, ensuring the creation of a supportive, transparent, and inclusive environment. This strategic role is integral to cultivating a workplace culture that promotes happiness, comfort, equality, and open communication. In this role, you will manage a 1 People & Culture Manager and 1 People & Culture Coordinator who will be responsible for a dedicated team of 10 individuals within the Culture Department, comprising 5 Employer Branding Specialists and 5 Culture Specialists. Together, you will work on initiatives that foster organizational growth, ensure a positive working atmosphere, and align with Arcadia’s core values. As a P&C Director, you will play a pivotal role in maintaining a thriving organizational culture by regularly engaging with staff members to gather feedback, identify areas of improvement, and address any conflicts that may arise. You will be responsible for conducting exit interviews, facilitating support for staff dealing with internal conflicts, and collaborating with executive management to implement strategies that continuously enhance the workplace. You will be expected to adhere to best HR practices, streamline processes, and develop a confidential reporting system to track improvements based on feedback collected from staff. Your leadership will also involve creating online events and initiatives aimed at improving the overall working environment and strengthening the culture within Arcadia. This role will report directly to the Chief Human Resources Officer and will participate in monthly departmental status meetings to ensure the ongoing alignment of departmental goals with organizational needs.
This position offers a unique opportunity to have a direct impact on Arcadia’s organizational culture and work environment, promoting a positive and enriching experience for all employees. We are looking for a passionate individual with exceptional leadership and communication skills, and a commitment to shaping the future of Arcadia’s workplace culture.
Key Responsibilities
Cultural Oversight and Conflict Resolution:
- Lead the development and implementation of strategic initiatives to foster a positive and inclusive work environment. Oversee the department’s efforts in resolving employee conflicts and addressing concerns. Act as a point of support for employees dealing with personal or organizational challenges, providing guidance and resources to promote well-being and productivity.
Internal Feedback and Engagement:
- Conduct bi-annual meetings with staff to collect feedback, identify areas for improvement, and assess organizational satisfaction. Use these insights to create action plans that enhance the culture and workplace environment, ensuring that all feedback is addressed and incorporated into ongoing strategies.
Exit Interviews and Organizational Development:
- Lead and manage the exit interview process, collecting valuable feedback from departing team members to assess and improve organizational practices. Collaborate with executive management to develop actionable insights that align with Arcadia's mission to continuously evolve and improve organizational processes.
Professional Development and Culture Initiatives:
- Design and implement initiatives that enhance staff engagement, morale, and professional development. Develop online events, workshops, and team-building activities to improve the organizational culture and create an enjoyable and supportive work environment.
Regular Reporting and Collaboration:
- Report directly to the Chief Human Resources Officer and participate in monthly status meetings to track the progress of culture initiatives. Work closely with executive management to ensure alignment between cultural initiatives and overall organizational goals.
Skills and Competencies Required:
HR Expertise and Organizational Culture Management:
- Extensive experience in human resources, with a particular focus on managing organizational culture, employee engagement, and conflict resolution. Proven ability to design and implement strategies that foster a positive, inclusive, and high-performing workplace.
Member Relations and Feedback Systems:
- Demonstrated ability to lead employee engagement initiatives, including conducting feedback surveys, exit interviews, and one-on-one meetings. Expertise in identifying and resolving organizational challenges to improve overall employee satisfaction.
Leadership and Communication:
- Exceptional leadership and interpersonal skills, with a motivational and empathetic style. Able to inspire trust, credibility, and cooperation across all levels of the organization. Skilled at facilitating open communication and providing actionable support to employees.
Qualifications:
- A Master’s degree in Human Resources Management, Psychology, Organizational Development, or a related field is required.
- A minimum of 10 years of experience in human resources management or leadership roles, including significant involvement in organizational culture development and employee engagement.
- Proven experience in designing and implementing culture-building initiatives, internal feedback systems, and professional development programs aimed at fostering a positive, inclusive, and high-performance workplace.
- Strong background in conflict management and providing organizational support to staff facing challenges, with a focus on creating solutions that benefit both the individual and the organization.
- Experience in collaborating with executive management to align cultural initiatives with organizational goals and long-term strategic vision.
- Strong project management skills, with the ability to oversee multiple initiatives simultaneously and ensure their successful execution.
- Comfortable with part-time commitment, contributing 8–10 hours (20%) per week, with availability for remote work, selecting your own working hours.
- A motivational and empathetic leadership style, with a commitment to fostering inclusivity, integrity, and excellence. Strong interpersonal skills to inspire trust and credibility within the organization.
What We Offer
- An online certificate with an international serial number after completing one year at Arcadia.
- Access to Arcadia's Executive Education Certificate Program, which includes six courses totaling 64 hours, specifically tailored for your role, with international certification.
- Access to a global network of seasoned professionals and consultants, offering tailored support to help you grow, excel, and advance in your area of expertise.
- We promise you a green world, a new feature. Join a fully net-zero carbon emission organisation committed to supporting a greener world.
- Flexible working hours based on project deadlines. You must be available to work 8-10 hours per week, with the flexibility to choose your working hours.
- The chance to be part of our volunteer organisation, contributing to Arcadia's humanitarian mission to provide education for all.
- Possibility of contract renewal with advancement at your field at the end of your 1 year according to evaluation of the Arcadia Board.
- The opportunity to work remotely, providing flexibility and the ability to balance your work with other commitments.
- The chance to work with a diverse team of individuals from around the world, supporting the organisation's commitment to inclusivity and diversity.
- Being credited with your name, picture and also being credited in the '' Team '' section.
- Training sessions from our valuable and well-experienced team members.
- Being part of our volunteer-based organisation, and the satisfaction of contributing and doing good to the world.
Arcadia is an equal opportunity provider. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, familial status and other legally protected characteristics
Work Location: In person
