HR Manager (Employee Relations Focus) — Hybrid | Annandale, VA
Job Summary:
PHILLIPS Programs is looking for an experienced and people-focused HR Manager to join our team in a hybrid capacity, with a strong focus on employee relations. This role is ideal for someone who is skilled at navigating sensitive conversations, building relationships, and ensuring consistency in HR practices across multiple locations — without needing to “own” every HR process themselves.
Reporting to our Chief People Officer, this individual will serve as the primary point of contact for employee relations matters and help guide key HR functions (like recruitment and performance management) that are often supported by external partners. You’ll help oversee processes, not necessarily run them — giving you more time to focus on what matters most: fostering a healthy, inclusive, and supportive workplace culture.
What You'll Do:
- Lead employee relations efforts across the organization, managing conflict resolution, performance discussions, and policy-related matters
- Oversee (not own) key HR functions — like recruitment, onboarding, and performance reviews — supported by trusted external partners
- Serve as a strategic partner to managers and school leaders, ensuring consistent, compliant, and people-first HR practices
- Coach leaders and staff on feedback, development, and retention strategies
- Support employee engagement initiatives and coordinate training as needed
- Travel between PHILLIPS campuses as needed to support onsite needs (especially in the early months as you build relationships) — with flexibility to manage some matters remotely
What You'll Bring:
- 5+ years of HR experience, including strong employee relations work
- A relationship-first mindset and ability to build trust at all levels
- Working knowledge of employment laws and HR best practices
- Bachelor’s degree in HR or a related field
- HR certification (e.g., SHRM-CP, PHR) preferred
This is a hybrid position based in Annandale, VA, with occasional travel to our other campus sites in Fairfax and Leesburg, VA, and Laurel, MD. We anticipate more time onsite in the beginning as you build relationships and learn our systems, but remote work will increase as you settle into the role and establish trust with the team.