THE POSITION

You will be Fast Forward’s first dedicated People leader, with the opportunity to build the People function from the ground up and shape the organization during a period of growth. This is a high-impact role where you will oversee the entire employee lifecycle, design the systems, policies, and practices that support a positive company culture, strengthen staff and leadership, and make a lasting impact on our team and culture. This is a unique opportunity to bring your People leadership skills to an organization accelerating tech solutions for social good.

As Head of People, you will be both a strategic partner and a hands-on operator. You will work closely with Fast Forward’s leadership team to align people strategy with organizational goals, while also leading the day-to-day practices that keep our staff supported, aligned, and engaged.

This position is based in San Francisco, CA; it is a full-time, in-office role (no remote work).

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

People Strategy & Culture

• Develop and lead a people strategy that strengthens organizational performance, aligns with Fast Forward’s goals, and cultivates a culture rooted in our values.
• Partner with the executive team to assess talent needs, shape organizational design, and ensure the structure supports both current priorities and future growth.
• Serve as a trusted resource for staff, offering guidance, support, and clarity.
• Champion diversity, equity, and inclusion across the employee experience.
• Collaborate with the Office Manager to design initiatives that build engagement and connection.

Performance & Leadership Development

• Provide coaching and guidance to strengthen management and staff capability.
• Design and oversee professional development efforts that build skills and support long-term growth.
• Lead performance management cycles, ensuring clarity in expectations, goal-setting, and feedback.
• Sustain career development frameworks that give staff clarity and growth opportunities.

Portfolio Support and Training

• Provide guidance to tech nonprofits in Fast Forward’s portfolio around People Ops, HR strategy, and talent development.
• Assist our portfolio in scaling talent and organizational design.
• Create content to educate tech nonprofits on best practices in HR and People Ops.

People Operations & Compliance

• Manage and support our Recruiter, ensuring our hiring practices are equitable, consistent, and aligned with Fast Forward’s values.
• Lead a clear, consistent onboarding experience that sets new hires up for success from day one.
• Oversee payroll, benefits, compensation, and HR systems (currently managed in Gusto).
• Partner with the leadership team on compensation decisions.
• Maintain compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and implement required training.
• Maintain accurate, compliant documentation and HR records.
• Advise managers on employee relations to keep practices fair and consistent.

WHO WE'RE LOOKING FOR

• 8+ years of HR/People Ops leadership experience, with proven success owning or leading the People function.
• Experience running recruiting, including full-cycle hiring, interviewer training, and building consistent, equitable hiring practices.
• Enthusiastic about Fast Forward’s mission and the power of tech for good.
• Strong track record of building and scaling people systems that balance compliance, clarity, and culture.
• Skilled manager and coach who can support leaders, guide decision-making, and strengthen team performance.
• Experience with payroll, benefits, compensation, and employee relations.
• Commitment to equity-centered People practices that foster inclusion, engagement, and belonging.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to navigate sensitive conversations and build trust across the organization.
• Strategic thinker who can design long-term people and talent strategies while staying hands-on with day-to-day execution.

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

• Unlimited paid time off (PTO)
• 401k retirement plan & employer matching
• Office is located in a beautiful national park - The Presidio - with free transit to/from downtown San Francisco!
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Most importantly, input on the office snack order

COMPENSATION

Salary: $160,00 - $170,000  - negotiable depending on experience