Executive Director, Human Resources

Together we make breakthroughs possible.

At OCLC, we build technology with a purpose: to connect libraries and make knowledge accessible worldwide, because we believe that what is known must be shared. Our teams work with complex global datasets, AI and machine learning, hybrid cloud solutions, and other technologies that connect people and organizations to the information they need.

We value the power of unique perspectives and experiences to unlock innovation. At OCLC, your ideas matter, whether you have two years of experience or 20. You’ll learn, create, and problem-solve with technologists, product developers, librarians, researchers, marketing pros, and support teams around the world.

Why join OCLC?

OCLC is consistently recognized as a best place to work by several independent programs. We recognize and reward people and results with a comprehensive Total Rewards package.

This means competitive compensation that reflects your unique contributions—performance, experience, and skills—along with exceptional benefits, including best-in-class health coverage, retirement plans with generous company contributions, and a commitment to your overall well-being.

• We know the best ideas don’t always happen at a desk. Take a walking meeting around our 100-acre campus or enjoy lunch on the patio. We’re committed to your success—both personally and professionally. Hybrid work environment: For many roles, three days a week on-site, with occasional additional days based on business needs.
• Free use of our on-site fitness center, gym sports, group exercise classes, and game room
• Onsite catering and cafeteria subsidized by OCLC
• Health and wellness events
• Work environments with individual and team spaces and the latest technology tools
• Paid parental leave and adoption assistance
• Tuition reimbursement and Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility
• Company-subsidized pricing on local tickets and memberships

Join us in transforming how people everywhere access information and be part of a mission-driven team that makes a global impact.

The Job Details Are As Follows

The Executive Director, Human Resources role at OCLC is a unique opportunity to operate at the intersection of people and business, partnering with senior leaders to shape talent, organization, and culture across the Americas while contributing to global priorities in a purpose-driven organization.

The Executive Director, Human Resources is responsible for leading people practices and human resource management in the Americas. This role intersects globally in pay practices, HR systems, and organization development programs.

This position plays a critical part in designing and advancing HR strategies that attract, engage, and retain people. In partnership with key stakeholders, the Executive Director ensures HR programs, systems, and processes align with business priorities by translating strategy into meaningful employee experiences that reinforce culture and support sustainable organizational performance.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee a comprehensive HR function including talent acquisition, organization development, onboarding, performance management, succession planning, rewards, recognition, pay practices, health and welfare plans, supplemental benefits, HR information systems, HR business partnership, employee engagement and communication, compliance, and support for workplace culture.
• Partner closely with business leaders to understand priorities, diagnose talent needs, and deliver practical HR solutions that drive results, with the expectation of becoming a sought-after advisor while leading a team of HR partners across a range of technical and organizational disciplines.
• Maintain knowledge of trends, best practices, regulatory changes, and new technologies. Proactively identify opportunities for improvement and innovation and apply this knowledge to implement and communicate changes in policy, practice, and strategy when needed.
• Lead an experienced HR team, fostering an inclusive and collaborative environment that enables strong partnership across the organization.
• Provide effective recommendations and support to C-Level and create content, as needed, for C-Level and Board.
• Ensure organizational effectiveness by shaping structures, leadership capability, and change initiatives that enable business performance.
• Lead HR due diligence processes for mergers and acquisitions, ensuring seamless integration and alignment with OCLC’s strategy.
• Develop and manage associated budgets.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field. Master’s degree is preferred.
• 10-15 years of progressive experience in human resources, with at least five years in a senior leadership role.
• Exceptional leadership and consultative skills with a demonstrated ability to connect, build trust, influence, and collaborate effectively at all levels of the organization.
• Strategic mindset with the ability to translate HR initiatives into business outcomes.
• Decisive leader who can weigh alternatives, gather input, and provide direction with confidence.
• Ability to use and understand data to build talent, technology, and total rewards programming reconciled with budgets and forecasts.
• Skilled in change management with the ability to influence stakeholders and manage through competing priorities.
• Excellent written, presentation and verbal communication skills with the ability to summarize complex matters in a clear, concise style.
• Technology industry and global experience is a plus.

Working Conditions

Normal office environment.

ADA/EAA: The above statements cover what are generally believed to be principal and essential functions of this job. Specific circumstances may allow or require some people assigned to the job to perform a somewhat different combination of duties.