Parul Khandelwal

Global Director HR , Non Profit india

Gurgaon, Haryana

Strategic HR and Organizational Development Leader with 18+ years of experience across corporate and social-impact sectors. Expert in people strategy, talent acquisition, culture transformation, DEI, and HR technology. Proven track record of leading 2,000+ global teams across India, US, and South Asia. Open to senior HR leadership or consulting roles across India.

Contact Parul Khandelwal
Area of Expertise:
  • Administration, HR, Management, Accounting/Finance
  • Capacity Building, Training, Advocacy
Professional Experience:

With 18+ years of experience across India, South Asia, and the US, I am a purpose-driven HR leader recognized for designing people systems that scale responsibly, align with business strategy, and foster inclusive, high-trust cultures. My work spans the full spectrum of HR — from strategy and organization design to digital transformation, leadership development, and culture architecture.

In my current role as Global Director – HR at People’s Courage International (PCI), I lead HR strategy, organization development, DEI, learning, and employee experience for a workforce of over 2,000 across India, the US, and South Asia. As part of the Global Leadership Team, I drive HR technology transformation, sustainability, and workforce planning across multiple legal entities. I also anchor safeguarding, POSH, and compliance frameworks, ensuring ethical, inclusive, and future-ready growth.

Previously, as Director – HR at the American India Foundation (AIF), I led the people strategy for a $100M organization with a 2,000-member workforce across five program verticals. I partnered with India and US leadership to drive fairness, organizational restructuring, and HR tech adoption. During the FCRA-related transition, I led the migration of 1,000+ employees within 30 days — achieving zero livelihood loss and complete compliance — while sustaining AIF’s “Great Place to Work” recognition for three consecutive years.

Before AIF, I served as Associate Director – HR at J-PAL South Asia (MIT Affiliate), where I headed regional HR strategy, aligning South Asia’s practices with global standards. I designed the “Young Fellows” leadership program, built DEI and mental health frameworks, and introduced data-driven people analytics for transparent decision-making. My work there strengthened capability building and organizational resilience in a highly research-driven and globally networked environment.

Earlier in my career, as General Manager – HR & Administration at Daffodil Software, I led an agile culture transformation, improving HR effectiveness by 25% and retention by 20%. I also spearheaded employer branding and CSR initiatives impacting over 11,000 beneficiaries. At Lakshya Digital (a Keywords Studios company), I spent eight years establishing the HR function from the ground up, expanding operations into Singapore and the US, and maintaining attrition below 8%. I played a key role in the company’s integration during its merger with Keywords Group and introduced talent academies that reduced hiring costs by 40%.

I began my career in the IT and education sectors (VGL Softech and Dolphins Group), where I built foundational expertise in HR operations, recruitment, and employee relations.

A lifelong learner, I hold a Master’s in HR Management, a PG Diploma in Business Management, and executive certifications from XLRI (Future CHROs), IIM Ahmedabad (HR Analytics), and Thomas Assessments.

I believe that lasting success comes from integrating systems, strategy, and soul — creating workplaces where people thrive, leaders grow, and organizations endure.

Education:

1. Executive Diploma in Future CHRO - XLRI.
2. Masters in HR Management - University of Rajasthan.
3. PG Diploma in Business Management - Bhartiya Vidya Bhawan.
4. Bachelor of Science – University of Rajasthan.

Affiliations and Achievements:

1. Certification in HR Data and Analytics - IIM Ahmedabad.
2. Certified in Emotional Intelligence at work (WIP).
3. Certified in Thomas Assessments.
4. Certified Happiness Coach.

Available for:

  • Consulting assignments
  • Job opportunities
  • Being headhunted – make me an offer

Years of Experience:

15-20 years

Highest Qualification:

Masters

Languages:

English, Hindi, Italian

Nationality:

Indian

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