SANDRA WILLIAMS * ad31dp@r.postjobfree.com * 1-914-***-****

PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY

Experienced HR professional with a successful track record in leadership, strategic HR operations, employee services, benefits and leave administration, labor relations, and people management. Skilled in seamlessly transitioning from planning to execution, prioritizing employee well-being during pre- and post-transformation initiatives.

After successfully concluding my tenure at OSF in 2022, I had the opportunity to take a hiatus for personal and professional growth. This hiatus from October 2022 to present was made possible through a financial and health coverage package offered to employees, like me, who voluntarily exited during the organization's restructuring. During this time, I proactively invested in furthering my education, prioritizing my well-being, and family relationships. Now, armed with refreshed dedication, sharpened skills, and an enriched perspective, I am eager to re-enter the workforce and contribute to drive impactful outcomes.

In a leadership role, I managed employee relations, conflict resolution, and compliance strategies for all US based locations and in collaboration with global partners for international locations. Known for a people-focused approach, I handle inquiries and provide effective solutions. As a dedicated leader, I focus on creating positive workplaces aligned with organizational goals, and compliance, emphasizing the well-being and satisfaction of our people. My leadership underscores a commitment to strong employee relations, ensuring initiatives and actions enhance the overall employee experience, contributes to a thriving culture and balances employee engagement with organizational compliance.

WORK HISTORY

Open Society Foundations, NY NY 5/1996 – 10/2022

Associate Director, Employee Services, 3/2019 – 10/2022

Co Head HR Operations, 1/20 - 2/22

●Led the strategic formulation and implementation of policies and procedures for the management of leave and health cases, ensuring compliance with FMLA, PFL, ADA, and other relevant regulations. Spearheaded comprehensive employee training initiatives to promote understanding and compliance with organizational policies and legal requirements, resulting in increased employee awareness and engagement.

●Implemented innovative solutions to optimize HR processes, resulting in increased efficiency and reduced operational costs. Developed and maintained strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, fostering a collaborative environment to address complex HR issues and challenges.

●Actively contributed to organizational restructuring efforts by providing strategic guidance and support, resulting in smooth transitions and minimized disruption to business operations. Demonstrated expertise in talent management and development, including performance evaluations, onboarding, and termination processes, to support organizational growth and success.

●Proactively identified opportunities for improvement within HR operations and implemented solutions to enhance overall effectiveness and efficiency. Played a key role in promoting a positive organizational culture by championing diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives across all levels of the organization.

Associate Director, HR Operations & Employee Services, 3/2013 – 3/2019

●Acted as the primary liaison for employee relations matters, collaborating with partners, legal counsel, and colleagues to provide guidance on disciplinary actions, terminations, and confidential separations. Implemented strategies to reduce contentious separations, fostering a constructive separation process. Managed a wide spectrum of cases and investigations, including sensitive disciplinary matters, performance management, and high-risk leaves of absence.

●Provided strategic HR partnering and advisory support, aligning HR strategies with overall business objectives. Developed tailored solutions to address HR challenges and ensure HR initiatives supported strategic goals. Fostered strong connections between HR, HR partners, and other business functions, resulting in improved employee engagement and performance alignment.

●Identified and addressed performance gaps within the organization, linking professional development opportunities to the tuition assistance program. Utilized data analysis, employee feedback, and targeted skill development to improve employee performance, engagement, and retention. These efforts contributed to enhanced relationship management and increased productivity.

●Managed the end-to-end employee lifecycle within HR operations, from onboarding to off-boarding. Developed SOPs, scripts, and workflow processes to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local laws and regulations. Engaged in relationship management and career mapping to provide comprehensive support to employees.

●Provided leadership development and communication support through coaching, mentoring, and feedback delivery to managers, senior leadership, and employees. Facilitated clear and impactful communication through the dissemination of strategies and scripts.

●Collaborated with leadership to advance Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives and foster a sense of belonging within the organization. Conducted policy and procedure reviews to ensure alignment with DEI principles.

SANDRA WILLIAMS * ad31dp@r.postjobfree.com * 1-914-***-****

Benefits Manager, Open Society Foundations, 1/2010 – 3/2013

● Benefits Management: Reported directly to the Associate Director, Benefits, and was responsible for the comprehensive administration of employee benefits programs. This encompassed the oversight of health insurance, retirement plans, and other perks, ensuring precise and timely delivery of benefits to all eligible employees. Implemented innovative strategies aimed at elevating the overall benefits package, thereby contributing to increased employee satisfaction and retention.

● Compliance and Risk Mitigation: Demonstrated expert understanding of compliance requirements, particularly in cases involving sensitive matters like discipline and terminations. Collaborated with legal and leadership teams to ensure compliance with relevant employment laws and regulations, thereby mitigating risks associated with employment-related decisions.

● HRIS Implementation and Data Analysis: Responsible for configuring and optimizing Workday to streamline benefits enrollment processes. This resulted in a significant reduction in administrative overhead and a smoother experience for employees. Collected and analyzed employee data for EEOC reporting to ensure compliance. Spearheaded return-to-work initiatives by leveraging data to design phased plans and safety measures for a smooth transition post-pandemic.

HR Senior Coordinator, Open Society Foundations, 11/2002 – 1/2010 * Executive Assistant, Open Society Foundations, 9/1998 – 11/2002

Legal Assistant, Open Society Foundations, 7/1997 – 9/1998 * Law Clerk, Open Society Foundations, 5/1996 – 7/1997 **Previous experience at Montefiore Medical Center and American Museum of Natural History

SKILLS

Employee Services & Relations * Investigations * Workday Implementation * Facilitator/Trainer *Strategic Planning * Organizational Restructures * Benefits & Leave Administration * HR & Culture Advisor * Performance Mgmt. * Labor Mgmt. * DEI & Belonging * Compliance * Risk Mitigation * Policy Design & Implementation * Mentoring * Learning & Development * Change & Culture Champion * Team Management * FML, HIPAA, PFL, ADA, LTD, EEO * Coach in the areas of Belonging, Leadership and Employee, EQ, Performance, & i4 Neuro-Leadership Technical Skills: Workday Benefits, Absence & Leave mgmt., I-9, and Employee Records mgmt., Excel, Word, PowerPoint

CERTIFICATIONS

People Manager Qualifications (PMQ-SHRM) * Organizational Culture Professional (ASCS) * Organizational Design - eCornell * SHRM – CP * Agile Leader (SSGI) * Ethics & Compliance (ECI) * Building Organizational Cultures (Harvard Bus School) * Human Capital Strategy - Yale (SOM) *HR Business Partner * Certified Diversity Professional * Global Mobility Specialist – Talent Mgmt * Performance Management * Talent Acquisition Strategist

EDUCATION

Leading and Managing Globally – December 2019 – Yale School of Mgmt. & IMD Business School * February 2011 – University of Phoenix 2006/2007 - Business Mgmt (BA candidate, started not completed) University of Phoenix Mastering HR Organizational Effectiveness – Spring 2007 – Villanova University * * Bus. Mgt. – October 2003 - 2006 University of Phoenix * Bus. Mgt- August 1986 - Taylor Business Institute

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