Director of People

Who We Are:

We Care Solar is an award-winning U.S. nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening health care and education in under-resourced countries by improving access to clean, reliable electricity.  Since 2010, We Care Solar has designed and delivered compact, durable solar electric systems to energy-deficient health centers and schools, replacing candles and kerosene lanterns with bright, efficient LED lights and power for essential devices.

Solar for Healthcare: We Care Solar has worked with more than 75 partners across 50 countries, installing reliable solar power at more than 10,000 health facilities, supporting more than 23 million mothers and newborns to date. The We Care Solar Suitcase® is a compact solar electric system for medical lighting, mobile communication, and essential medical devices. Our Light Every Birth initiative is transforming maternal health care at the national level in select countries in Africa.

Solar for Education: Our hands-on STEM education program empowers students to learn about solar as a solution to local and global energy access challenges while gaining skills in engineering, electricity, and problem-solving, while assembling specialized Solar Suitcase Learning Kits. We Share Solar's largest programs are in the United States, notably Minnesota, California, Illinois, and Florida. We have run STEM education programs in East Africa with a goal of expanding this program to African countries aligned with our Light Every Birth programming.

We Care Solar's work has earned global recognition for advancing reliable solar electricity in healthcare and education. Recent honors include selection as an awardee of Pivotal Ventures' 2025 Action for Women's Health, as well as the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Africa Solar Industry Association for co-founder Dr. Laura Stachel. The organization is also a recipient of the Zayed Sustainability Prize and the UNFCCC Momentum for Change Award, and has been featured by leading global media, including The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, CNN, and BBC World News.

We are a mission-focused organization and team that likes to have fun while doing serious work. Our team includes global staff from seven of our priority countries in Africa and U.S.-based staff across seven states. Many of our team members have been with We Care Solar for more than five years. We are extremely committed to providing a positive and flexible work environment (virtually and in-person) while ensuring that we are able to deliver cost-effective programs with high impact. 

About the Opportunity:

We are seeking a strategic and hands-on People leader to help strengthen and scale our People function. This role will play a key part in advancing People priorities, building and improving core systems and processes, and partnering with leaders across the organization to support performance and a strong employee experience. 

As the first People leader in this role, you will have the opportunity to shape and implement the foundational people practices while building on existing efforts. This is an ideal role for someone who thrives in evolving environments, enjoys creating structure and improving systems, and can balance thoughtful planning with practical, day-to-day execution.

This is a full-time, remote position based in the United States, reporting to the Managing Director. The role works in close partnership with the Director of Operations, ensuring organizational and operational alignment while maintaining a distinct focus outside of the core Operations team.

Responsibilities:

People Strategy & Infrastructure

• Conduct a current-state assessment of HR systems, policies, and organizational needs
• Define and execute a cohesive People strategy that strengthens systems, policies, and processes while enabling scalable and effective organizational growth
• Establish data-driven practices to evaluate effectiveness and improve People programs

Workforce Planning & Talent Lifecycle

• Build on and evolve existing talent systems across hiring, onboarding, and performance management to create a more aligned, scalable, and effective framework
• Lead workforce planning and organizational design efforts in partnership with leadership
• Build and manage processes that strengthen accountability, performance, and team effectiveness

People Operations & Total Rewards

• Oversee day-to-day People Operations, systems, and platforms to ensure efficiency and a strong employee experience
• Manage benefits and insurance programs, including vendor coordination and employee support
• Ensure smooth execution of core People Operations across the employee lifecycle

Compliance & Risk Management

• Establish a proactive compliance and risk management framework that ensures adherence to applicable laws and minimizes organizational exposure across the employee lifecycle
• Maintain compliant People policies, practices, and documentation
• Ensure adherence to applicable employment laws and regulations across multiple U.S. and international geographies
• Proactively identify and mitigate people-related risks
• Provide sound judgment and leadership on employee relations and sensitive matters

Culture, Employee Experience & Engagement

• Foster and strengthen a positive, inclusive, and collaborative culture
• Lead employee engagement and learning initiatives, building on existing efforts
• Design and continuously improve the employee experience in alignment with mission and values
• Partner with department leaders and senior leadership to embed values into everyday practices, leadership behaviors, decisions, and team dynamics

Key Qualifications:

• Minimum of a Bachelor's Degree in Human Resources, Business, or related field
• A minimum of 8 years of progressively responsible People/HR experience, preferably in a non-profit, mission-driven, or small growth organizational setting
• Demonstrative experience developing and executing People strategies that align with organizational priorities and drive business outcomes
• Hands-on experience across multiple areas of the employee lifecycle (e.g., hiring, onboarding, performance management, employee relations, or people operations)
• Experience supporting organizational growth through workforce planning, organizational design, change management, and talent development initiatives
• Strong working knowledge of employment laws and HR compliance requirements across multiple U.S. states; international workforce experience required, with Africa experience strongly preferred
• Analytical and data-driven approach to decision-making, with experience leveraging workforce metrics and insights to evaluate program effectiveness and inform People strategies
• Proven ability to build trusted relationships, influence stakeholders, and partner effectively with leaders at all levels of an organization, and drive cross-functional alignment and execution
• Ability to operate both strategically and tactically in a fast-paced, evolving environment
• Competency in Microsoft Office and Google Workspace

About You:

• You bring empathy and a holistic view of the employee experience
• You are highly collaborative, with a strong ability to listen and incorporate diverse perspectives
• You are solutions-oriented, resourceful, and proactive in tackling challenges
• You are comfortable working across cultures and adapting to different contexts
• You share a deep alignment with and commitment to the organization's mission and values
• You demonstrate a growth mindset and commitment to continuous learning
• You are a self-starter who effectively manages your time and can work under minimal supervision

What We Offer:

• Mission-driven work. Our work has a direct impact on thousands of students and millions of mothers and newborns. You will see and feel the impact of your work daily.
• Competitive salaries. A competitive salary commensurate with experience and based on geographic location. 
• Comprehensive benefits. Health, dental, eye insurance, 28+ paid vacation days and holidays, paid family leave, and employer contributed 401(k).
• Flexible work schedule. We pride ourselves on offering a flexible and fun environment while achieving our mission. You'll have autonomy to create a schedule that brings your best work, including working remotely and setting your own hours of work.
• Strong culture. A working environment that values humility, integrity, inclusion, professional growth, and learning.
• Talented and dedicated team. A collaborative, hard-working, international team that is willing to do what it takes to get the job done, is committed to learning and improving, but laughs often and creates time for having fun.

The salary for this exempt-level position will be based on experience and qualifications within an established pay range.

• Pay range: $125,000 - $140,000 

Equal Opportunity Employer

We Care Solar is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and collaborative workplace where all employees can thrive and contribute their unique perspectives. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an environment where every voice is heard and valued.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

We strongly encourage candidates from diverse backgrounds and experiences to apply.