Director of HR, North America

About SANS

Founded in 1989, SANS Institute (SANS) began as a cooperative research and education organization. Over the next 25 years, it grew to become the most trusted and widely recognized provider of information security training and certification in the world. Today, SANS has served more than 300,000 cybersecurity professionals around the world, with more than 60,000 earning Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC) security certifications-the leading certification that provides assurance to employers that their people and prospective hires can do the job.

At the heart of SANS is a community of practitioners, from auditors and network administrators to CISOs, who share their lessons learned and collaborate on solutions to the challenges they face. These experts, working across corporations, government agencies, and universities, come together to support and strengthen the global information security community.

Why SANS?

At SANS, our culture is defined by three pillars: Mission, Brand, and People.

• Our Mission is to hire people who understand the importance fighting against cybersecurity threats.
• Our Brand reflects a commitment to delivering the highest quality training.
• Our People are grounded in a culture of fairness, honesty, customer focus, and a pragmatic approach.

What You'll Achieve at SANS

We are seeking a Director of HR, North America to join our Human Resources team. This role plays a key part in

for serving as the HR leader senior HR business partner for the North America region and corporate functions, providing strategic and hands-on HR leadership aligned to business priorities and organizational goals.

Reporting directly to the Chief Human Resources Officer, this leader will manage a team of three HR Business Partners who support the North America region and corporate functions. The Director will partner closely with business leaders to guide talent strategy, organizational effectiveness, employee relations, change management, leadership coaching, and workforce planning. This individual will also collaborate with regional HR Directors in EMEA and APAC on employee relations matters and people issues that span multiple regions.

The role will work closely with HR Operations to build and execute operational activities and key people processes. In partnership with the Manager, Global Talent Management, this leader will provide business input, share best practices, and identify business implications related to talent programs, processes, and policies. The ideal candidate is a strategic business partner who brings sound judgment, business acumen, and a pragmatic approach to solving complex people challenges.

As a Director of HR, North America, you will:

• Serve as the strategic HR leader for the North America region and corporate functions, aligning people strategies with business goals and organizational priorities.
• Lead, coach, and develop a team of HR Business Partners, ensuring high-quality support to leaders and employees across the region.
• Partner with senior leaders to provide counsel on organizational design, workforce planning, succession planning, talent development, team effectiveness, and change management.
• Act as a trusted advisor to leaders on employee relations matters, performance management, policy interpretation, risk mitigation, and complex workplace issues.
• Collaborate with regional HR Directors in EMEA and APAC to address employee relations matters, policy considerations, and people strategies that span multiple regions.
• Partner with HR Operations to build and execute operational activities, people processes, and compliance-related requirements.
• Work closely with the Manager, Global Talent Management to provide business input on talent processes, programs, and policies, while sharing best practices and identifying business implications.
• Use data, trends, and business insight to identify people-related risks and opportunities and recommend practical solutions.
• Support leaders through organizational change and business transformation while helping maintain employee engagement and alignment.
• Champion a consistent employee experience grounded in SANS culture and values while balancing regional and business needs.
• Ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local employment laws and HR policies across North America.
• Contribute to broader HR initiatives and projects as a member of the HR leadership team.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

What We're Looking For

Every SANS employee brings something unique. For this role, we're looking for candidates with:

• Bachelor's degree in human resources, business, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive Human Resources experience.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience managing HR Business Partners or similar HR professionals.
• Demonstrated experience serving as a strategic HR business partner to senior leaders.
• Strong employee relations experience, including managing complex and sensitive workplace matters.
• Experience advising leaders on performance management, organizational effectiveness, change management, and talent strategy.
• Strong understanding of employment law and HR practices in North America.
• Proven ability to balance strategic thinking with operational execution.
• Strong interpersonal, coaching, and influencing skills with the ability to build trust across all levels of the organization.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong judgment, discretion, and ability to handle confidential information appropriately.
• Ability to work effectively in a remote, geographically dispersed environment.
• Unrestricted authorization to work in the USA; visa sponsorship is not available.

Preferred qualifications include:

• Master's degree in human resources, business administration, or related field.
• SPHR, SHRM-SCP, or similar HR certification.
• Experience supporting both business functions and corporate/shared services functions.
• Experience working in a global organization with collaboration across multiple regions.
• Experience leading HR support in a remote work environment.
• Strong business acumen and ability to translate business strategy into people priorities.
• Experience in professional services, education, technology, or other fast-paced, mission-driven organizations.
• Demonstrated ability to lead through complexity with a pragmatic, solutions-oriented approach.
• Demonstrated ability to use technology and emerging AI tools to improve HR efficiency, manager support, decision-making, and employee experience, while applying sound judgment and maintaining compliance, confidentiality, and appropriate human oversight.

Benefits and Perks of Working at SANS

We're committed to fair and equitable compensation. The expected salary range for this position is $180-220k OTE (comprised of base salary + bonus), depending on geographic location, skills, and experience. At SANS, pay equity and transparency are priorities.

We offer a comprehensive benefits package that supports your total well-being so you can be and deliver your best. This means caring for you and your loved ones' physical, financial, and mental health, as well as providing the flexibility you need to thrive personally and professionally:

• Financial Benefits: Competitive base salary,bonus opportunities, and a 401(k) plan with company match.
• Health & Wellness: Robust medical, dental, and vision plans; company-provided short term disability; optional long-term disability, supplemental life and AD&D insurance for employees and dependents; voluntary benefits including accident insurance and identity theft protection; fitness and wellness programs; and a company paid employee assistance program (EAP).
• Time Off & Flexibility: Generous paid time off, including volunteer time.
• Learning & Development: Access to professional development and SANS training opportunities.

Flexibility and Balance at SANS

We support our colleagues with the tools and flexibility they need to thrive, both professionally and personally. As a primarily remote work environment, we are committed to maintaining strong connections, collaboration, and a vibrant culture across virtual teams. While most roles operate remotely, some positions may require occasional in-person presence depending on role-specific or business needs.

SANS is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer

SANS is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate based on race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, disability, or any other federal, state, or local protected class.

If, because of a medical condition or disability, you require a reasonable accommodation during the application process, or to perform the essential functions of a position, please contact SANS Human Resources.

US Job Seekers:Click here to view the "Know Your Rights" poster.

SANS complies with all applicable state and local laws regarding the consideration of applicants with arrest or conviction records. For positions governed by federal and/or state banking regulations, SANS will adhere to relevant requirements when evaluating candidates with criminal histories.

Employment eligibility in the United States is required. SANS does not provide visa sponsorship for this position.