Sr. People Partner Specialist

The Instructions

Please take your time to prepare a thorough application. Rest assured, every application will be considered carefully, and candidates who make our shortlist will be contacted for further discussions.

Please note that submitting early does not confer any advantage, nor does reaching out directly, being referred, or having personal connections within the company. 

The Company

At Nylas, we specialize in making it easier for developers to add email, calendar, and contact management features into their applications. We provide tools called APIs, which streamline the integration of these functionalities, ensuring they are secure and effective. This enables better, safer, and more reliable communication within apps.

Supporting over 100,000 developers and collaborating with more than 900 companies globally, Nylas plays a pivotal role in how digital communication tools are built and utilized. Our technology spans various sectors, from healthcare to education, simplifying the complex process of app development related to communications. By reducing the barriers in communication technology, we empower developers to innovate and enhance user interaction across platforms.

The Team

We are a group of hardworking, curious and engaging individuals who are striving to help others reach their full potential. We are constantly pushing ourselves and one another to learn and grow. We are always striving to act and perform like a high-performing team. 

We see the People department as a group of seasoned consultants guiding the business through challenges and changes while nurturing a positive culture. We serve as champions for employees here at Nylas. Our focus is on coaching and advising, ensuring everyone can thrive and contribute effectively, while enjoying each other’s company along the way.

• Sr. Manager, People Operations: Rachel Ibarra

• Sr. Manager, People Partnerships: Katie Bloomstrom

• Head of People: Ryan Gormley

The Role

We are seeking a Sr. People Partner Specialist to advance our People function into a model of world-class excellence, delivering consultative solutions to our business needs. The ideal candidate is deeply passionate about enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of people, programs, and strategies. We are looking for someone who not only adds value but also multiplies it across the team—someone eager to challenge the status quo and introduce new ideas and skills that transcend traditional job definitions.

Reporting to the Head of People, this role offers a significant opportunity to impact every aspect of the Human Experience at Nylas, from Learning & Development and People Operations to Employee Engagement and Talent Acquisition. You will engage with a broad spectrum of functions including benefits, recruiting, compensation, performance management, learning and development, employer branding, and immigration. The ideal candidate embraces grit, gumption, trust, and accountability; thrives in ambiguity; challenges conventional approaches; and views themselves as a builder within the company. 

What You’ll Do

First 30 Days

• Establish relationships with the People department, people managers, and the leadership team to foster collaboration and communication.

• Assess current operations and future objectives, identifying gaps and priorities essential for achieving business goals.

• Take ownership of an existing People program, such as the quarterly Pulse Surveys or the monthly People Leader Huddle, ensuring its effectiveness and alignment with company objectives.

• Generate and propose innovative ideas supported by thorough research to enhance organizational practices.

First 60 days

• Acquire a comprehensive understanding of the established programs, systems, and processes critical to the People function.

• Engage proactively with the People department to grasp business objectives and tackle emerging challenges effectively.

• Master key programs across the talent management portfolio, including performance management, compensation, promotions, engagement surveys, and career development.

• Assume responsibility for two essential functions within the People department, such as benefits administration and the oversight of learning and development initiatives.

First 90 days

• Lead the transition of 2-3 major company-wide programs from concept to execution, ensuring smooth implementation and measurable results.

• Implement a new ATS.

• Leverage expertise in talent management to develop, design, and implement innovative talent management programs and processes.

• Manage cross-functional projects and programs with precision, effectively escalating risks, tracking decisions, empowering decision-makers, identifying interdependencies, and coordinating project plans and stakeholder engagement.

• Respond to employee inquiries regarding compensation, benefits, performance management, and employee relations, ensuring clarity and support across the organization.

What You Must Bring

• At least 8 years of progressive experience in People roles within high-growth technology companies, demonstrating a depth of knowledge and skill in this specialized field.

• Proficiency in essential tech tools such as Slack, GSuite, and Apple Mac, with a strong emphasis on how these tools contribute to rapid onboarding and ongoing success.

• Experience working in a fully remote environment, with a preference for remote work.

• Exceptional critical thinking and analytical skills, essential for navigating complex business scenarios and delivering meaningful solutions.

• Superior communication skills, with an emphasis on the ability to speak, write, and generate high-quality ideas.

• A strong advocate for AI, showing a daily commitment to learning and applying artificial intelligence to enhance problem-solving and creative processes.

• Innate creativity, consistently seeking new ideas, solutions, and data to drive improvements and innovate within the organization.

• A relentless pursuit of learning, with a problem-solving orientation that thrives in complex, ambiguous, and fast-paced environments.

• Proficiency in deriving insights from data, supporting decision-making processes, and clearly articulating complex ideas to various stakeholders.

• Ability to manage a high-volume, fast-paced workload while adeptly balancing strategic and tactical responsibilities, including pivoting between administrative tasks (e.g., verifications of employment, arranging interviews) and strategic work (e.g., implementing a new ATS).

• Willingness to excel at recognizing unspoken expectations, navigating ambiguity, and making informed decisions even when all details aren’t spelled out.

• Resilience in handling ambiguity, tight deadlines, and competing priorities in a dynamic work environment.

• Ability to excel independently, driving projects forward without detailed guidance.

• Readiness to tackle any task, demonstrating a hands-on approach and a commitment to engaging in both strategic initiatives and foundational tasks.

• Confidence in challenging existing processes and proposing better alternatives.

You shouldn’t apply if you:

• Have less than 8 years of experience in People roles. This position requires extensive experience and a deep understanding of People functions.

• Have not led or independently managed company-wide programs and projects. We are looking for someone who has demonstrated ownership and leadership in significant initiatives.

• Are seeking a management role that involves supervising a team. This position is for an individual contributor who will be working independently rather than managing others.

• Struggle with prioritizing and managing a high-volume workload. This role demands someone who can effectively handle multiple priorities without getting lost in the minutiae.

• Are not interested in using or learning about AI. Proficiency in AI and a willingness to integrate it into daily tasks are critical for success in this role.

• Prefer a highly structured, predictable work environment. This role operates in a dynamic, fast-paced setting where flexibility and adaptability are key.

• Do not excel in ambiguous situations. The ideal candidate should be comfortable navigating uncertainty and making decisions with incomplete information.

Perks/Benefits

• Healthcare: 90% premium coverage for medical, dental and vision for you and your family

• Unlimited Paid Time Off (PTO): we take this very seriously as we care about the well-being of our employees

• 401k with 3% employer contribution

• Education Stipend: $1,000 USD annual education & development benefit

• Cell Phone: $50 USD per month stipend towards cell phone reimbursement

• Fully Paid Parental Leave: 12 weeks parental leave (maternity & paternity)

Interview Process

• Round 1: 60 minute Google Meet discussion with the Head of People, Ryan Gormley.

• Round 2: 60 minute Google Meet discussion with the Sr. Manager, People Partnerships: Katie Bloomstrom.

• Round 3: 60 minute Google Meet discussion with the Sr. Manager, People Operations: Rachel Ibarra.

• Round 4: Four (4) Google Meet discussions with various Nylas leaders (max 3 hours).

During the various discussions, candidates selected to meet with us are strongly encouraged to not only discuss their knowledge, skills, experience, and abilities but also to showcase examples of their current or previous work. We expect you to clearly outline the "what," "why," and "how" behind your contributions.

The estimated base salary range for this position is $110,000 to $140,000. Actual compensation will be determined based on individual qualifications, which are objectively assessed during the interview process. Factors influencing salary include knowledge, skills, experience, and abilities.