Application Guide
How to Apply for Senior HR Generalist, Talent & Employee Experience
at Friends of the Earth
🏢 About Friends of the Earth
Friends of the Earth is a hard-hitting, progressive environmental organization with over 50 years of advocacy for global environmental justice and sustainable reforms. As part of Friends of the Earth International, a federation in more than 70 countries, it works at the nexus of environmental protection, economic policy, and social justice. Employees are drawn to its unwavering commitment to speaking truth to power and achieving tangible victories for the planet and its people.
About This Role
The Senior HR Generalist, Talent & Employee Experience, is a key member of the HR Department within the Administration Division. This role manages programs across talent acquisition, employee experience, performance management, learning and development, and HR operations, partnering with leaders to maintain equitable people practices. It directly supports the organization's mission by fostering a positive employee experience that enables staff to drive environmental and social change.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might involve meeting with hiring managers to strategize on open roles, reviewing applicant tracking system data, and facilitating a workshop on inclusive hiring practices. You could also spend time designing a new employee engagement initiative, analyzing performance review feedback, or updating HR policies to ensure compliance and equity. Collaboration with the Administration Division on cross-functional projects is common, all while supporting a remote workforce dedicated to environmental advocacy.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Friends of the Earth Is Looking For
- 5+ years of progressive HR experience, with a strong focus on talent acquisition and employee experience, preferably in nonprofit or mission-driven organizations.
- Demonstrated ability to manage full-cycle recruitment, including sourcing, interviewing, and onboarding, while ensuring equitable and inclusive practices.
- Experience designing and implementing performance management and professional development programs that align with organizational priorities.
- Proficiency in HRIS systems and data analysis to inform HR operations and decision-making, with a commitment to continuous improvement.
📝 Tips for Applying to Friends of the Earth
Highlight your experience in nonprofit or advocacy settings, emphasizing how you've supported mission-driven teams and equitable HR practices.
Use specific examples of how you've improved employee experience, such as launching engagement initiatives or streamlining HR operations, to demonstrate impact.
Show your commitment to environmental and social justice by connecting your HR work to Friends of the Earth's mission in your cover letter and resume.
Tailor your resume to include keywords from the job description, such as 'talent acquisition,' 'performance management,' 'learning and development,' and 'HR operations.'
If you have experience with remote HR practices, emphasize your ability to manage distributed teams and maintain effective communication across time zones.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
In your cover letter, emphasize your passion for environmental and social justice and how it aligns with Friends of the Earth's mission. Highlight specific achievements in talent acquisition and employee experience, particularly in nonprofit or advocacy contexts. Discuss your approach to equitable HR practices and how you've supported diverse, remote teams. Finally, express your enthusiasm for contributing to a progressive organization that values bold action and systemic change.
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Explore Friends of the Earth's recent campaigns and victories to understand their current priorities and how HR supports them.
- → Learn about Friends of the Earth International's structure and the global issues they address to grasp the broader context of the organization.
- → Review the Administration Division's role and how HR integrates with Operations, Compliance, and Finance to support organizational goals.
- → Research the organization's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and look for any public statements or reports on their HR practices.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Avoid generic language about HR without connecting it to environmental or social justice, as this role requires a deep alignment with the mission.
- Do not overlook the remote aspect; failing to address how you manage remote HR functions could signal a lack of fit.
- Avoid focusing solely on corporate HR experience without demonstrating adaptability to a nonprofit, advocacy-oriented environment.
📅 Application Timeline
This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.
Typical hiring timeline:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!
Ready to Apply?
Good luck with your application to Friends of the Earth!