Talent Partner

Position Summary The Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) is seeking a Talent Partner to join our collaborative team and make a meaningful impact on how we build and support our workforce. Reporting to the Associate Vice President, Talent and Compensation, the Talent Partner will be responsible for managing the full recruitment lifecycle across diverse departments ensuring we attract and retain top talent that aligns with CFR’s mission. This role partners closely with senior leadership and internal stakeholders to align hiring strategies with business objectives. Additionally, the Talent Partner will support HR and talent initiatives, including, but not limited to compensation, employee engagement and training, diversity and inclusion efforts, and workforce planning. This role is ideal for an experienced talent professional who brings both strategic thinking and hands‑on execution to hire top talent and foster an exceptional employee experience. This is a full time position based in CFR’s Washington, DC office on a hybrid basis, four days a week onsite, with Tuesdays and Thursdays considered institutional anchor days where all staff are required to be onsite. Essential Functions / Responsibilities Lead and manage the full recruitment life cycle on diverse roles across various departments. Utilize a range of creative sourcing techniques—networking, social media platforms, job boards, and partnerships with universities and professional organizations—to attract both active and passive talent. Develop and maintain strong relationships with internal stakeholders and senior leadership to align hiring strategies with organizational goals. Handle employee relations matters independently ensuring detailed and organized records of all incidents. Ensure a seamless and positive candidate experience, from initial contact to preonboarding, that reflects and promotes CFR’s values and culture. Partner closely with the HR team to optimize onboarding processes and ensure alignment for efficiency and effectiveness. Support various HR initiatives, including, but not limited to compensation, employee engagement, training, diversity and inclusion efforts, and workforce planning. Perform any other duties or tasks as assigned or required. Minimum Qualifications Experience At least 6 years of full-cycle recruitment, talent acquisition, or a related function. Bachelor’s degree required; a master’s degree or coursework in Human Resources is helpful but not required. Experience recruiting for a variety of roles, including technical, creative, and editorial positions, is strongly preferred. Experience collaborating with senior leadership on hiring strategies. Prior experience as an HR generalist or HR business partner, a plus. Experience managing sensitive employee relations issues with discretion, including conducting workplace investigations, documenting findings, and partnering with HR leadership and/or legal counsel as appropriate. Comfort and ability to (co)lead internal trainings and workshops. Related Skills & Other Requirements Strong understanding of best practices in talent acquisition and DC employment laws. Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build relationships across all levels of an organization. Skilled at balancing empathy with accountability in difficult conversations. Excellent organizational and time‑management skills, with a keen attention to detail. Proficiency with HR systems such as ATS, HRIS, and other scheduling tools. Ability to handle confidential information with discretion and professionalism. A proactive and solutions‑oriented mindset, with the ability to adapt to a fast‑paced environment. Required Application Materials Please submit a résumé and cover letter stating your interest in the position. Compensation and Benefits The full‑time annual compensation range for this position is $95,000-$105,000 depending on experience. In addition to competitive salaries, the Council on Foreign Relations offers a benefits package that is among the best offered by nonprofit institutions today, including an award‑winning health and wellness program, an on‑site fitness center, and generous leave policies and health insurance programs. About CFR The Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) is committed to fostering a foreign policy community in the United States that is more representative of American society, recognizing that diverse backgrounds and perspectives contribute to broader, more informed participation in the foreign policy debate and lead to an enhanced understanding of the world and the United States’ role therein. To that end, CFR is dedicated to continuing to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) throughout its work and workplace by building a more diverse membership and staff, producing and dispensing thoughtful analysis on a broad range of foreign policy issues, and developing relevant, wide‑reaching programming that also serves to expand the foreign policy talent pipeline to underrepresented populations. #J-18808-Ljbffr Council on Foreign Relations