International Rescue Committee People & Culture Manager Job 2026 in California
Job Overview
- Organisation: International Rescue Committee (IRC)
- Job Title: People & Culture Manager
- Locations: Sacramento or Turlock, California, USA
- Job Type: Full-time
- Work Arrangement: Hybrid, with at least three days in the office
- Salary: $84,872–$91,137 per year
- Job Requisition ID: JR00004537
- Application Deadline: Not specified in the supplied vacancy details
About the International Rescue Committee
The International Rescue Committee is a humanitarian organisation that helps people affected by conflict, disasters, and other crises. Founded in 1933, the organisation operates in more than 40 countries and 29 cities across the United States.
The IRC provides support in areas including health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and community development. Its work aims to help people rebuild their lives, regain independence, and strengthen their communities.
The organisation also seeks to maintain an inclusive, accountable, and supportive workplace for its employees.
About the People & Culture Manager Position
The People & Culture Manager will oversee human resources activities for an assigned group of IRC offices or departments. The role combines operational HR management with strategic advice to managers and organisational leaders.
Working closely with the People & Culture Director and Labour Relations team, the successful candidate will help implement HR policies, maintain compliance with employment laws, and ensure that applicable collective bargaining agreements are followed.
The manager will also contribute to leadership discussions, workplace problem-solving, employee engagement, and talent development.
The position can be based in either Sacramento or Turlock, with regular travel between the two locations expected.
Key Responsibilities
The People & Culture Manager will oversee several areas of human resources management.
1. Employee relations and workplace investigations
The manager will assess employee concerns, recommend appropriate action, and support the resolution of sensitive workplace matters. Experience leading workplace investigations is required.
2. HR policy and employment law compliance
The successful candidate will provide guidance on HR policies, employment procedures, and applicable federal, state, and local labour laws. They will help ensure consistent application of organisational standards.
3. Labour relations
The role includes implementing relevant collective bargaining agreements and maintaining constructive relationships with union representatives.
4. Employee support and engagement
The manager will assist with escalated questions relating to payroll, benefits, HR information systems, leave of absence, and other employee matters. They will also lead initiatives to improve staff engagement and promote an inclusive working environment.
5. Recruitment and talent development
Responsibilities include overseeing new employee onboarding, supporting talent-management activities, delivering selected training sessions, and developing local talent-development strategies.
6. HR administration
The manager will maintain electronic personnel records and prepare documentation for Workday transactions, including recruitment, staff transfers, supervisory changes, and employee separations.
7. Leadership and collaboration
The position forms part of the local leadership team. The manager will collaborate with HR colleagues across the IRC network, share best practices, support organisational consistency, and may supervise a small team.
Qualifications and Experience
Applicants should have a bachelor’s degree, preferably in Human Resources or Business Administration, or equivalent experience. A master’s degree in Human Resources Management is an advantage.
The organisation requires at least five years of progressively responsible human resources experience.
Additional requirements and preferences include:
- Demonstrated experience leading workplace investigations and resolving employee relations matters.
- Advanced knowledge of at least one HR discipline, such as employee relations, compensation and benefits, performance management, learning and development, organisational development, or labour relations.
- A strong understanding of federal and state employment laws.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- The ability to maintain confidentiality and build positive professional relationships.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
- The ability to work independently, prioritise responsibilities, and adapt to changing circumstances.
Professional HR certifications such as PHR or SHRM-CP are preferred. Experience in a unionised workplace is strongly preferred, while experience in a large, matrixed organisation is an advantage. Familiarity with Workday and applicant tracking systems is also beneficial.
Salary and Employee Benefits
The advertised annual salary range is $84,872 to $91,137. The final offer will depend on factors such as the work location, the candidate’s experience and skills, labour-market conditions, and internal equity.
The IRC offers a comprehensive employee benefits package that includes:
- Paid sick leave.
- Paid US public holidays.
- Approximately 20–25 days of paid time off, depending on role and tenure.
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance options.
- Flexible spending accounts for eligible expenses.
- A 403(b) retirement savings plan with employer contributions.
- Disability and life insurance.
- An Employee Assistance Program providing confidential counselling and support for employees and their families.
Specific eligibility and contribution arrangements may depend on the applicable plan terms.
Work Location and Conditions
The successful candidate will work in a hybrid arrangement, with a minimum of three days per week in the office. The position is available in Sacramento or Turlock, California, and requires regular travel between the two locations.
Occasional evening or weekend work may be necessary. Candidates should be comfortable working in a multicultural environment and handling confidential employee information with discretion.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit their applications through the International Rescue Committee’s official recruitment website.
Review the complete job description and application requirements before submitting your application. The supplied vacancy details do not state a closing date, so candidates should check the official listing for the current recruitment status.
Final Thoughts
The IRC People & Culture Manager position offers an opportunity for an experienced HR professional to contribute to a major humanitarian organisation while supporting employee wellbeing, organisational effectiveness, and compliance.
Candidates with at least five years of HR experience, workplace investigation expertise, strong employment-law knowledge, and labour-relations experience may find this opportunity particularly relevant.
