Human Resources Manager

We are conducting a confidential search for a Director of Human Resources to join an elite, rapidly growing boutique geopolitical advisory and government relations firm. Operating at the high-stakes intersection of international policy, defense, aerospace, technology, and finance, the firm's leadership ranks and advisory network comprise world-renowned former statesmen, top-tier policy executives, and high-profile international diplomats. The firm has scaled past 40 personnel (including full-time staff and senior advisors) and is looking for its first dedicated HR leader to build an institutionalized human capital infrastructure from the ground up. Reporting directly to the Co-Founder & Managing Partner, this is a true "player-coach" seat where you will balance high-level compensation modeling and compliance architecture with daily, high-touch employee service. You will be the top HR professional and a sole practitioner in this growing firm. Core Responsibilities Build Infrastructure from Scratch: Author the firm's first formalized employee handbook, core compliance policies (e.g., security, inclement weather, crisis protocols), and establish clear performance review/PIP cadences. Systematize Compensation & Benefits: Architect a transparent, systematic compensation plan to eliminate legacy "one-off" negotiations; manage day-to-day benefits and audit/optimize the firm’s current PEO platform. Act as Employee Ombudsman: Serve as a highly accessible, service-oriented first line of defense for all staff concerns, ranging from complex health benefit inquiries to localized operational needs. Practice Group Integration: Oversee the operational onboarding and seamless assimilation of new lateral hires and incoming multi-person client practice groups. Establish Career Trajectories: Design baseline Learning & Development (L&D) and retention tracks so high-performing staff see a clear, long-term pathway within a flat organizational layout. The Ideal Candidate posesses A Professional Services Blueprint: 3–5+ years of HR experience within a partnership-style or high-touch professional services environment (e.g., boutique or specialized law firms, elite lobbying groups, or boutique management consultancies). Exceptional Diplomatic Finesse: High emotional intelligence and absolute discretion. You must possess the professional confidence to interface with and advise high-profile, senior stakeholders accustomed to working at the highest levels of executive authority. Radical Independence: A proven history of building frameworks on a "blank slate" without requiring extensive administrative hand-holding or infrastructure. Political Sector Comfort: Complete comfort working in an ecosystem deeply connected to the federal political and policy sector, while maintaining a non-partisan, completely objective internal posture. #J-18808-Ljbffr