HR Operations Director

Role: Human Resources Operations Director

Contract Type: Volunteer

Interview: August 2025

Duration 12 Months

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 a dedicated and mission-aligned HR Operations Director to lead and coordinate the operational heart of our Human Resources department. This role is central to ensuring that our people systems run smoothly, ethically, and with excellence, so that our volunteers, researchers, and leaders can focus on advancing our humanitarian mission for art and education.

Reporting directly to the Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO), the HR Operations Director will act as the primary point of contact for all HR managers and departmental leads across the organization. All HR managers will coordinate through the HR Operations Director, ensuring centralized alignment, streamlined decision-making, and consistent implementation of policies. You will lead a team of HR managers/Directors (5) and serve as the operational nerve center of the department, bridging strategic oversight and execution. Through a combination of operational oversight and continuous improvement initiatives, you will help Arcadia create a resilient, people-focused, and scalable HR infrastructure that reflects the spirit and global diversity of our organization.

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 ResponsibilitiesCentral Coordination and Leadership of HR Operations

- Serve as the primary liaison between the CHRO and all HR managers across the organization, ensuring seamless communication, alignment, and execution of HR policies. Lead a team of five HR Managers/Directors, overseeing all daily operations of the HR function and driving efficient, values-based processes.

Operational Excellence and Continuous Improvement

- Identify opportunities to streamline HR processes, reduce administrative friction, and elevate service delivery across the department. Champion a culture of operational discipline and agility by regularly reviewing and upgrading people-related systems in collaboration with cross-functional teams.

Policy Execution and Governance Support

- Translate strategic HR goals into actionable systems and policies. Ensure all policies are operationalized effectively and monitored for adherence. Support governance needs such as audits, risk mitigation, and compliance reviews with reliable documentation and process oversight.

Skills and CompetenciesHR Operations and Systems Management

- Extensive experience in HR operations with a strong understanding of organizational workflows, compliance frameworks, and people systems. Ability to translate strategic goals into structured, scalable processes that enhance organizational integrity and performance.

Leadership and Cross-Functional Influence

- Exceptional leadership and coordination skills, with the ability to manage and develop HR teams across regions and functions. Strong presence in cross-functional settings and confidence to serve as the operational hub of the HR department.

Communication and Change Management

- Clear, precise communicator with the ability to convey complex operational issues to diverse audiences. Skilled in change management, conflict navigation, and enabling adoption of new systems or procedures within a fast-evolving organizational environment.

Qualifications:

• A Master’s degree in Human Resources Management, Psychology, Organizational Development, or a related field is required. 
• A minimum of 5 years of experience in human resources management or leadership roles, progressive experience in HR operations, including significant involvement in organizational organisational development and employee engagement.
• Demonstrated experience acting as the primary operational lead for HR teams — managing multiple HR functions and serving as the coordination hub for execution and alignment.
• Strong background in conflict management and providing organizational support to employees facing challenges, with a focus on creating solutions that benefit both the individual and the organization.  
• Adept at managing interdepartmental communications, resolving operational roadblocks, and ensuring that people systems reflect institutional values such as inclusivity, transparency, and professionalism.
• 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.

A__rcadia 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.