AVP Human Resources

Job Summary

Reporting to the Chief People Officer, this position will provide critical support to the human resources department at Nassau. As a seasoned generalist, the ideal candidate will help manage and direct the HR team, programs and policy direction, administrative and operational needs, and provide significant hands-on support in the areas of talent management and development, recruitment/onboarding/offboarding, employee relations, and compensation. Exposure to and experience with all functional areas of HR, with specific emphasis on HR Operations, compensation, and employment/legal matters is required.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

• Act as a partner to the CPO on daily HR matters, managing various functional areas of HR, and leading the HR team.
• Work directly and in a hands-on capacity with Nassau leadership on a variety of matters ranging from counseling and coaching, employee relations, compensation program and performance management, and recruiting activities.
• Support CPO in development of HR strategic plans and goals and drive accountability throughout department and organization.
• Administer and maintain pay-for-performance programs, including executive compensation, equity, carried interest, and investment compensation plans, as well as ongoing pay equity analysis and benchmarking.
• Coach and consult with management to advise and help resolve employee relations issues, including performance issues, disciplinary actions and terminations, employee conflicts, policy violations, etc.
• Collaborate with in-house and outside counsel for legal matters related but not limited to, compensation and benefits, severance, terminations, policy administration and enforcement, FLSA, FMLA, ADA, etc.
• Lead and consult with the HR team and Nassau management on critical recruitment strategies – pro-actively identify, develop, and implement talent acquisition strategies that position Nassau as an “employer of choice.”
• Manage expansion and implementation of training and development programs that meet corporate and functional needs. Includes assessment and development of programs, staff, and budgets.
• Own and execute special, cross-functional HR projects as required by the business, including aspects of performance management, operations, and employee engagement programs, and ensuring appropriate policies and procedures to support the growth of the business.
• Forge strong partnerships with vendors, brokers, third party administrators, and other departments within Nassau to ensure impactful relationships, efficiency, the ability to execute on business objectives, and continue to drive growth.
• Manage vendor contract negotiations; lead system implementations/upgrades,
• Maintain compliance with federal, state, and local laws and ensure HR team stays abreast of changing regulations.
• Drive accountability while enhancing the department and organization's reputation through "extreme ownership" of responsibilities. Ensure proactive and timely responses to organizational and team needs.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• 10-12 years of proven experience in progressively senior HR leadership roles, with extensive leadership and management experience in a fast paced, highly dynamic, growth environment supporting various HR functions and an HR team.
• Bachelor’s degree in business, human resources, or related field or SPHR, SHRM-CP, or SHRM-SCP certification.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills with high degree of sensitivity, professionalism, and ability to handle complex, emotional issues in a rational and appropriate manner – a diplomat.
• Demonstrable superior written and verbal communication skills.
• Outstanding, strong, empathetic leader and team player with ability to influence and motivate all levels of organization. Experience supporting an HR team in their development and career growth.
• Exceptional operational skills with ability to manage day-to-day administration and resources in the most efficient, effective manner to deliver top quality services.
• Experience developing, implementing, and managing pay-for-performance compensation systems and programs that drive and motivate individuals to achieve company objectives.
• Thorough understanding of PE backed equity structures, a strong plus.
• Expert knowledge and application of HR policies and procedures including federal, state and local laws and regulations pertaining to employment and employee relations.
• Excellent project manager with ability to think strategically and act tactically. Strong attention to detail and deadlines with experience driving projects to fruition timely and accurately.
• Ability to garner quick credibility and respect. Mature professional with a polished demeanor to represent Nassau internally and externally.
• Demonstrated commitment to excellence, passion and commitment for the company and role.
• Life-long adaptable learner with continual interest in development, tackling challenges, and continuous growth.

Compensation

Nassau maintains a holistic compensation philosophy focused on competitive base salaries, performance driven incentives, and unique professional development opportunities. The combination of compensation, benefits, and an entrepreneurial culture along with related experiences is key to recruiting and retaining talent.  Our compensation system is designed to reward performance, support development and job growth, and compensate individuals relative to their contribution to our organization. The base salary for this position falls within Nassau’s salary band F:  $145,000-$175,000 depending upon experience.

Based in Hartford, Connecticut, Nassau Financial Group is a growth focused and digitally enabled financial services company with a fully integrated platform across insurance and asset management. Nassau was founded in 2015 and has grown to $1.6 billion in total adjusted capital, $25.5 billion in assets under management, and 363,000 policies and contracts as of June 30, 2025.

As part of a young and growing financial services enterprise, our employees are tapping into a new entrepreneurial spirit while they build on a long track record of putting customers first, understanding the evolving income and protection needs, and developing quality products to meet those needs.

Nassau provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.