Human Resources Business Partner

About The Organization

ReFED is a U.S.-based nonprofit working to catalyze the food system to take evidence-based action to stop wasting food. We do this by cultivating and convening the food community, delivering actionable evidence and insights, and seeding and accelerating food waste solutions. Starting with the 2016 Roadmap to Reduce U.S. Food Waste, ReFED has produced first-of-their-kind tools and resources, providing a full-supply-chain picture of U.S. food waste, cost-effective solutions to reduce it, and methods to track progress. In 2021, ReFED launched the Insights Engine, an online data center serving as the next generation of data, insights, and guidance on U.S. food waste reduction. Reducing food waste will have a significant impact on mitigating climate change, optimizing the use of water, land, and other resources, and providing meals for the over 47 million people in the United States who currently face food insecurity. We are continuing to grow our team to further build our capacity to achieve our vision of a sustainable, resilient, and inclusive food system that makes the best use of the food we grow.

We are a team of doers, and we get a lot accomplished. We create outsized impact, and everyone on the team contributes to accomplishing our shared goals. Learning and professional development are heavily embedded in ReFED's culture. We promote cross-functional work to embrace diverse perspectives, experiences, and skills to ensure we are an inclusive and authentic workplace, so if you are excited about this role but your experience does not align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.

Learn more at www.refed.org.

The Human Resources Business Partner (HRBP) will play a key role in shaping and realizing an inclusive, people-centered culture at ReFED. Reporting directly to the Director of People & Culture, the HRBP will serve as a trusted partner to managers and staff, providing strategic and operational support across performance management, employee relations, engagement, and organizational development.

This role offers the opportunity to directly influence equity-driven HR practices and help build systems that support a high-performing, connected, and mission-aligned remote team.

Applications must be received by April 28, 2025 to be fully considered.

Key Responsibilities & Duties

• Strategic People Partnership
• Partner with the Director of People & Culture to implement HR strategies that align with organizational priorities and center equity and inclusion.
• Serve as a thought partner to managers on workforce planning, role development, team structure, and employee lifecycle processes.
• Support ReFED's growth and change management initiatives by fostering transparency, communication, and alignment across teams.
• Employee Relations & Policy Guidance
• Provide day-to-day support on employee relations issues with empathy, confidentiality, and sound judgment.
• Partner with the Director of People & Culture to coach managers on performance conversations and feedback in order to improve overall ReFED performance.
• Ensure fair and consistent application of policies, collaborating with the Director to review and revise regularly.
• Talent Acquisition & Recruitment Operations
• Partner with hiring managers to support equitable and inclusive recruitment practices, including developing job descriptions, screening tools, and interview processes.
• Coordinate end-to-end recruitment logistics, such as posting jobs, managing candidate communications, scheduling interviews, and supporting the candidate experience.
• Maintain applicant tracking systems and contribute to continuous improvement of recruitment workflows and documentation to ensure efficiency and consistency.
• Performance Management & Development
• Support the execution and continuous improvement of ReFED's performance management and professional development programs.
• Collaborate with managers to build clear, equitable professional development pathways.
• Assist in building organizational learning strategies that foster growth and inclusion.
• Employee Engagement & Experience
• Lead and support strategic employee engagement initiatives that strengthen team connection, culture, and well-being.
• Co-develop an annual plan for wellness and culture-building programs in partnership with the Director.
• Provide leadership to and execute all employee recognition programs.
• Help facilitate employee surveys and listening strategies, and support follow-through on feedback.
• Justice, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (JEDI)
• Champion ReFED's JEDI commitments in all HR processes, communications, and decision-making.
• Support inclusive recruitment, equitable retention, and accessible workplace practices and policies.
• Collaborate on the implementation of equity-centered trainings, initiatives, and culture-building efforts.
• HR Operations & Compliance
• Maintain accurate and confidential employee records.
• Support onboarding and offboarding processes to ensure welcoming and smooth experiences.
• Monitor compliance with federal and state labor laws and assist in audit preparation and process improvement.
• Assist with scheduling, coordination, and logistical support for employee engagement activities, training sessions, surveys, and recognition programs.
• Fellowship and Internship Recruitment & Program Development
• Lead the development of ReFED's first formal fellowship and internship program, building a structure that supports early-career talent while advancing organizational priorities.
• Conduct a needs assessment in collaboration with the Director of People & Culture and team leads to determine program goals, capacity, and project opportunities.
• Design and scope the program from the ground up - including recruitment strategy, onboarding approach, mentorship models, learning opportunities, and feedback mechanisms.

In This Role, You Will Help Address The Following:

• Strengthen ReFED's people-centered and equity-driven culture by implementing strategic HR initiatives that foster inclusion, performance, and well-being across a remote team.
• Guide managers and staff through key aspects of the employee lifecycle-such as workforce planning, performance development, and employee relations-ensuring alignment with ReFED's values and organizational goals.
• Build equitable and accessible HR systems that support long-term talent development, inclusive recruitment, and transparent feedback practices.
• Serve as a trusted advisor, helping leaders navigate growth, change management, and team dynamics with empathy and strategic insight.

Some Other Things You Would Engage In:

• Co-design and implement employee engagement strategies, including culture-building programs, wellness initiatives, and recognition systems that enhance connection and morale.
• Lead the development of ReFED's first formal fellowship and internship program, expanding access for early-career talent and advancing ReFED's long-term capacity.
• Champion ReFED's Justice, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (JEDI) commitments across all HR processes, from recruitment to retention and beyond.
• Help manage HR operations and compliance, ensuring smooth onboarding/off boarding, accurate record keeping, and alignment with labor laws and internal policies.
• Collaborate on organization-wide learning strategies that promote continuous growth, inclusion, and leadership development.

You Could Be A Great Candidate For This Role If You:

• Have 5+ years of HR experience and are eager to lead both strategic and hands-on HR initiatives.
• Bring a strong understanding of HR best practices, compliance, and organizational development, with a deep commitment to equity and inclusion in every aspect of your work.
• Excel in building trusted relationships with managers and staff, offering coaching, problem-solving, and policy guidance with tact and empathy.
• Are proactive, detail-oriented, and capable of independently managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced, evolving organization.
• Communicate effectively across audiences, with the ability to write clearly, listen actively, and facilitate collaborative problem-solving.

We Think You Would Thrive in This Role and at ReFED If You:

• Are deeply committed to ReFED's mission and energized by the opportunity to help build a thriving, inclusive workplace where people can do their best work.
• Believe that HR can be a force for equity, connection, and impact, and bring both strategic vision and operational skill to your work.
• Are a collaborative partner and culture builder who values learning, inclusion, and feedback as tools for individual and organizational growth.
• Embrace a remote-first, flexible environment and enjoy building meaningful connections with colleagues across time zones and backgrounds.
• Thrive when you're given the chance to create and improve systems, lead new initiatives, and support others through change and complexity.

We Do Not Require:

• Specific degrees or credentials
• Specific location, other than the United States
• Language skills beyond English
• Food system experience

$95,000 - $110,000 a year

Compensation & Benefits

ReFED offers a competitive salary and benefits package, opportunities for professional development, and policies and programs that encourage a healthy work-life balance. The salary for this position will be determined based on relevant experience and qualifications. We strive to provide a supportive and inclusive work environment where all team members can thrive and grow professionally, while maintaining their personal priorities and values.

ReFED's U.S. benefits package includes:

* 100% employee and 50% dependent premium coverage for medical, dental, and vision benefits;

* Participation in employer-sponsored 401(k) plans with up to 4% employer matching;

* Professional development opportunities, including an annual budget and the option to participate in ReFED's mentor program;

* 18 paid vacation days annually;

* 10 paid sick days annually;

* Early closure in July and August for Summer Fridays;

* Paid family leave;

* Approximately 13 paid company holidays annually, including closed offices during the last week of the year;

* Short- and long-term disability coverage and term life insurance;

* A flexible work environment with the option to work from home or a co-working space.

ReFED values a diverse range of skills and experiences and encourages all interested candidates to apply, even if they don't meet all of the criteria listed. Our organization recognizes that everyone brings unique perspectives and strengths to the team, and we are committed to considering all applicants fairly and thoroughly. If you are passionate about our mission and excited about the role, don't hesitate to apply and tell us about yourself!

Our Recruitment Process

Our recruitment process includes the following steps:

* Initial screening interview over video call.

* 2-3 interviews over video call with different members of the team.

* Skills assessment over video call which may or may not include an assignment to complete beforehand and present during the skills assessment meeting. All necessary information and guidance will be provided in advance.

* References, usually three, will be requested, and reference checks will be conducted.

We strive to maintain clear and frequent communication throughout the recruitment process, however, due to capacity limitations we may not be able to respond to every initial application. Our process always includes input from multiple team members with diverse backgrounds and perspectives from across the organization.

Our Operating Environment

ReFED is a distributed organization, with a team of 30+ working remotely from various locations across the United States. We use a range of digital collaboration and connectivity tools to facilitate our work, including Google Workspace, Slack, Zoom, Airtable, Salesforce, Miro, MS Office, Adobe, and Insperity.

Our remote culture is built through a variety of means, including 3-4 annual in-person gatherings. These events include our annual team retreat, department retreats and the Food Waste Solutions Summit, a national convening of the food waste movement that we host annually. We also foster team connections through informal virtual get-togethers, ask-me-anything sessions with our Board and Advisory Council members, and peer recognition on our shoutouts channel in Slack. We have a "Big Dill" spot bonus program and engage in conversation through our watercooler channel in Slack. Our in-person events are essential for team building, learning, and fun.

Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Commitment

ReFED is committed to creating an inclusive work environment where all individuals have equal opportunities to contribute and grow. We recognize that our success is rooted in the diverse perspectives and backgrounds of our team members, and we strive to foster a culture of belonging where everyone feels valued and respected. As an equal opportunity employer, we are committed to recruiting, hiring, developing, training, and promoting individuals regardless of their gender identity, sex, race, religion, age, national origin, political affiliation, ancestry, sexual orientation, disability, or veteran status. We acknowledge that systemic barriers limit opportunities for certain groups, and we are dedicated to actively working to remove those barriers and promote justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (JEDI) in all aspects of our organization. Our commitment to JEDI is an ongoing journey, and we are committed to continuously learning, listening, and improving our practices to create a more equitable and inclusive workplace for all.