Head of People, US

Director
CompanyEmpathy
LocationNew York
CategoryOperations & Business
DepartmentPeople Operations
SeniorityDirector
Workplace-
Posted2026-09-17
Viacomeet

Description

Empathy is transforming the way families navigate life’s most difficult times - from the loss of a loved one to other major life transitions. By combining technology with compassionate human care, we bring clarity, comfort, and peace of mind when it matters most.

We partner with leading employers, insurers, and financial institutions to deliver meaningful, human-centric support at scale. Today, Empathy supports over 50 million people across the US, Canada, and the UK.

Backed by top-tier investors including General Catalyst, Index Ventures, Adams Street, Aleph and Entreé Capital. We've raised over $160 million to date, including a $72 million Series C, to expand our impact and scale our mission worldwide.

  • 8+ years of progressive HR/People experience at a tech company or high-growth startup in New York City
  • 4+ years of people leadership experience
  • Demonstrated experience in both a startup environment and a mid-to-large organization; exposure to a startup scaling through growth is a strong plus
  • Experience working within a global company and navigating the complexities of a distributed, multi-region workforce
  • Proven track record supporting front-line teams directly
  • Comfort partnering with and coaching executives at all levels - from early-career managers to seasoned C-suite leaders
  • Firsthand experience navigating large-scale organizational change, whether rapid team growth, restructuring, or reduction
  • Strong working knowledge of multi-state US employment law
  • Exceptional communication skills - able to translate complex people topics into clear, actionable guidance
  • Builder's mindset: you design scalable systems while remaining willing to roll up your sleeves

Nice to Have

  • SHRM-SCP, SPHR, or equivalent HR certification
  • Familiarity with HRIS platforms commonly used in scaling companies (e.g., HiBob, JustWorks)
  • Experience working closely with growing go-to-market teams within a high growth startup

The salary for this position ranges between $180,000-$200,000. This is decided based on many factors, including but not limited to: skills, qualifications, and geographic location. In addition to base salary, we are proud to offer stock options in the company and a competitive benefits package.

To support our employees, we offer comprehensive benefits both in and out of the office. These include premium healthcare, comprehensive paid time off, and flexible parental leave. Our bereavement care includes premium access to the Empathy platform and support for employees and their families. We support financial wellness with a company-sponsored 401(k) plan and up to a 4% employer match, along with competitive stock options. With annual retreats, team lunches for our NYC office, and a remote employee stipend, we prioritize spending time together and investing in our people. We hope you will want to join our exceptional team!