• Director of HR Operations

    The MITRE Corporation (Mclean, VA)


    Why choose between doing meaningful work and having a fulfilling life? At MITRE, you can have both. That's because MITRE people are committed to tackling our nation's toughest challenges—and we're committed to the long-term well-being of our employees. MITRE is different from most technology companies. We are a not-for-profit corporation chartered to work for the public interest, with no commercial conflicts to influence what we do. The R&D centers we operate for the government create lasting impact in fields as diverse as cybersecurity, healthcare, aviation, defense, and enterprise transformation. We're making a difference every day—working for a safer, healthier, and more secure nation and world. Our workplace reflects our values. We offer competitive benefits, exceptional professional development opportunities for career growth, and a culture of innovation that embraces adaptability, collaboration, technical excellence, and people in partnership. If this sounds like the choice you want to make, then choose MITRE - and make a difference with us.

    Department Summary:

    Lead Scalable Operations. Align People Strategy with Business Impact.

     

    We’re looking for a dynamic Director of HR Operations to drive the operational engine of our HR organization—one that supports over 110 HR professionals and about 7,500 employees across a complex, mission-driven FFRDC environment. Human Resources Information Services (HRIS), HR Service Center, and People Analytics report into this role.

     

    In this highly visible role, you’ll lead enterprise-wide HR operations while partnering closely with business sectors to ensure workforce strategies are aligned with organizational goals. You’ll bring operational discipline, innovation, and a collaborative spirit to every aspect of HR service delivery from process improvement and compliance to workforce planning and cross-functional execution.

     

    Roles & Responsibilities:Operational Excellence

     

    + Lead and continuously improve HR service delivery across core functions—recruiting, onboarding, employee relations, benefits, compliance, and more.

    + Optimize systems, workflows, and shared services to ensure consistent, high-quality HR support across the enterprise.

    + Establish and track KPIs to monitor performance, service levels, and operational efficiency.

     

    Strategic Business Partnership

     

    + Serve as a trusted HR operations leader and advisor to sector leadership, ensuring HR strategies support business goals.

    + Collaborate with sector and corporate leaders to assess workforce needs, align talent strategies, and drive execution at scale.

    + Act as the connective tissue between HR and business units to ensure proactive support, agility, and strategic alignment.

     

    Enterprise-Wide Process Innovation

     

    + Design and implement scalable HR processes that support organizational growth and change.

    + Identify opportunities to automate and streamline workflows, reduce complexity, and improve employee and manager self-service capabilities.

    + Ensure integration and compliance of HR systems with broader enterprise systems (finance, IT, legal, security).

     

    Data-Driven Decision Making

     

    + Leverage analytics and reporting tools to surface insights on workforce trends, operational performance, and future talent needs.

    + Translate data into actionable strategies that enhance organizational agility and HR service effectiveness.

     

    Leadership & Team Development

     

    + Lead, coach, and develop a team of 25 HR operations professionals, ensuring high performance and alignment with evolving business priorities.

    + Foster a culture of accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement across the HR function.

     

    Compliance & Risk Management

     

    + Ensure HR operations meet all federal, state, and FFRDC-specific compliance requirements.

    + Anticipate risks, develop mitigation strategies, and maintain audit readiness across all HR service areas.

    Basic Qualifications:

    + 15+ years of progressive HR leadership experience; at least 5 years leading large-scale HR operations.

    + Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s preferred in HR, Business, or related field.

    + Strong background in complex, mission-driven environments (government, FFRDC, or highly regulated industries preferred).

    + Ability to work onsite four days a week (McLean or Bedford office location) with occasional travel (15%).

    Preferred Qualifications:

    + Experience with Workday and Service Center operations preferred.

    + Experience leading larger teams of over 20 staff across various locations.

    + Proven ability to lead enterprise HR operations with a focus on process efficiency, system integration, and compliance.

    + Strong business acumen and the ability to collaborate cross-functionally at the executive level.

    + Expert in data-driven HR practices and HRIS technologies.

    + Adept at building high-performing teams and driving organizational change.

    + SHRM-SCP, SPHR, or other HR certifications are highly desirable.

    This requisition requires the candidate to have a minimum of the following clearance(s):

    None

    This requisition requires the hired candidate to have or obtain, within one year from the date of hire, the following clearance(s):

    None

    Salary compensation range and midpoint:

    $219,000 - $274,000 - $329,000 Annual

    Work Location Type:

    Onsite

     

    It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.Commitment to Non-Discrimination

     

    All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability, status as a protected veteran or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, local or international law.

     

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    Benefits information may be found here (https://careers.mitre.org/us/en/benefits) .

     

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