Director of People and Culture Full-time Job

Moonshot believes that marginalized people in society — including minority ethnic people, people from working class backgrounds, Disabled and LGBTQIA+ people — must be centered in the work we do. We strongly encourage applications from people with these identities or who are members of other communities who are currently underrepresented in our workforce. We know a diverse workforce will enable us to understand drivers behind violent extremism and online harms in an in-depth way and do better work to counter them.About the role:Moonshot seeks an exceptional Director of People and Culture to lead the day-to-day operations of our global People & Culture function across offices in London, Washington DC, Toronto, and Dublin.

Reporting to our Chief People Officer (who provides strategic direction and oversight while working fractionally), you will be the primary People partner to to directors and the wider team, ensuring we continue to attract, develop, and retain world-class talent as we scale our impact.You will hold departmental budget responsibility, and work closely with Finance and Programme Delivery leaders to ensure optimal workforce planning and resource allocation. The ideal candidate will bring hands-on execution capability, combining deep HR expertise with genuine care for people working in challenging environmentsYour responsibilities will include:Lead day-to-day operations of the global People & Culture function, ensuring responsive, high-quality service to managers and staff across all locationsDirectly manage the People & Culture team, including recruitment and HR management roles, setting operational priorities and ensuring effective execution of the P&C strategyLead initiatives to strengthen organizational culture, employee engagement, and psychological safety, with particular focus on supporting staff wellbeing for those working with disturbing contentOversee end-to-end recruitment strategy across all jurisdictions (UK, US, Canada, Ireland), ensuring processes are efficient, equitable, and deliver high-quality diverse candidatesLead strategic workforce planning activities, including scenario planning for growth and resource optimization in collaboration with Finance and Delivery teamsMake final decisions on salary offers, contract negotiations, compensation adjustments, and terminations, ensuring alignment with organizational objectivesLead complex Employee Relations cases, including performance management, disciplinary matters, grievances, and policy breaches, providing coaching and support to line managersOversee the annual appraisal process, including budget allocation and pay review decisionsEnsure full compliance with employment law and HR reporting requirements across UK, US, Canada, and Ireland, reviewing and updating policies regularlyLead Moonshot's internal welfare team, ensuring appropriate support structures are in place for staff exposed to potentially traumatizing materialRequirementsEssential:HR leadership experience in a rapidly scaling organization, ideally in the social impact, tech, or professional services sectorsProven experience managing and developing HR teams, with strong delegation and coaching skillsExpertise in complex Employee Relations cases, including leading performance management, disciplinaries, and terminationsStrong knowledge of multi-jurisdictional employment law and compliance, particularly UK and US (experience with Canada and Ireland highly desirable)Experience developing and implementing comprehensive staff welfare and morale strategies, ideally in organisations where staff are exposed to disturbing or emotionally demanding workExcellent judgment and discretion when handling sensitive and confidential mattersOutstanding communication skills, with ability to influence at all levels of the organizationCommitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion with demonstrated track record of advancing EDI initiativesDesirable:Experience of working across international offices, particularly those based in the US, Canada and IrelandUnderstanding of the online harms or social impact sectorExperience working in organisations dealing with emotionally demanding workExperience recruiting and supporting software engineering and technical teamsExperience with organisational change management and restructuringExperience recruiting software engineering teamsBenefits30 days paid leave per annumPrivate healthcare package, including coverage for partners and childrenEmployee Assistance Programme providing access to mental health supportGenerous maternity and paternity leave: 26 weeks paid maternity leave, 8 weeks paid paternity leaveAll permanent employees are granted share options upon employmentSalary: £80,000 - £90,000 FTE - Depending on skills and experience