The Director of Human Resources serves as both a strategic partner and hands-on leader responsible for building and sustaining an effective, compliant, and service-oriented HR function that supports the University's mission, values, and goals. This position provides leadership in all areas of human resources management, including recruitment, employee relations, benefits and compensation, HR compliance, professional development, and policy administration. The Director works collaboratively with senior leadership, supervisors, and employees to foster a positive workplace culture, ensure operational excellence, and strengthen organizational capacity across all departments.
Essential Functions:
Strategic and Operational Leadership
Develop and implement an HR strategic plan aligned with the University's overall objectives. Serve as a trusted advisor to the President, executive team, and supervisors on workforce planning, employee engagement, and organizational effectiveness. Balance strategic priorities with day-to-day HR operations, ensuring timely and accurate delivery of HR services and support. Talent Acquisition and Onboarding
Oversee the full recruitment and selection process for faculty and staff positions, ensuring transparency, equity, and compliance. Collaborate with hiring managers to define staffing needs, develop accurate job descriptions, and ensure efficient hiring timelines. Manage onboarding, orientation, and transition programs that support employee engagement and retention. Employee Relations and Performance Management
Provide guidance and coaching to supervisors on employee relations, performance issues, and corrective action steps. Conduct or oversee investigations and ensure fair, consistent resolution of workplace concerns. Develop and deliver training for managers and employees on performance management, communication, and workplace expectations. Promote a culture of accountability, professionalism, and respect. HR Policies, Compliance, and Reporting
Develop, maintain, and communicate HR policies, procedures, and the employee handbook in compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws (e.g., Title VII, ADA, FMLA, FLSA, MHRA, VESSA). Serve as the primary contact for HR audits, legal inquiries, and compliance reviews. Monitor legislative changes impacting employment and recommend updates as needed. Maintain accurate HR records and prepare reports for leadership and regulatory bodies. Benefits, Compensation, and HR Systems
Oversee and administer employee benefits and leave programs in partnership with Finance and external vendors. Evaluate and recommend competitive compensation structures and adjustments to attract and retain talent. Oversee HRIS data integrity, employee file management, and system optimization. Identify process improvements to enhance efficiency and service delivery. Organizational and Employee Development
Lead initiatives that strengthen leadership capacity, professional growth, and employee engagement in partnership with the President's Executive Cabinet, Academic Affairs, and department leaders. Support succession planning and career development programs across departments. Champion the University's values and serve as a visible, approachable leader within the campus community. Supervisory Responsibility:
Supervise HR staff, including work assignment, coaching, and performance evaluation in accordance with institutional policies. Ensure HR staff are prepared and supported to serve faculty, staff, and leadership within a higher-education environment. Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and accountable HR team culture. Competencies:
Strategic Leadership and Analysis Organizational Development Relationship Management Judgment and Discretion Communication and Influence Language Skills:
Ability to read, analyze and interpret general higher education periodicals, professional journals, legal documents or government regulations. Ability to write reports and business correspondence. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from leaders, employees, students and the general public. Education, Experience and Training:
Bachelor's Degree (B.A. / B.S.) (M.S. Degree preferred) from a four-year college or university; along with at least 6 years of progressively years of responsible HR experience, including a minimum of three (3) year in leadership role; related experience and or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience Certificates, Licenses or Registrations:
PHR Certification / SHRM-CP. S-PHR /SHRM-SCP Certification preferred. Computer Skills:
Proficiency in HRIS systems (e.g. ADP or similar ad Microsoft Office Suite).
Essential Functions:
Strategic and Operational Leadership
Develop and implement an HR strategic plan aligned with the University's overall objectives. Serve as a trusted advisor to the President, executive team, and supervisors on workforce planning, employee engagement, and organizational effectiveness. Balance strategic priorities with day-to-day HR operations, ensuring timely and accurate delivery of HR services and support. Talent Acquisition and Onboarding
Oversee the full recruitment and selection process for faculty and staff positions, ensuring transparency, equity, and compliance. Collaborate with hiring managers to define staffing needs, develop accurate job descriptions, and ensure efficient hiring timelines. Manage onboarding, orientation, and transition programs that support employee engagement and retention. Employee Relations and Performance Management
Provide guidance and coaching to supervisors on employee relations, performance issues, and corrective action steps. Conduct or oversee investigations and ensure fair, consistent resolution of workplace concerns. Develop and deliver training for managers and employees on performance management, communication, and workplace expectations. Promote a culture of accountability, professionalism, and respect. HR Policies, Compliance, and Reporting
Develop, maintain, and communicate HR policies, procedures, and the employee handbook in compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws (e.g., Title VII, ADA, FMLA, FLSA, MHRA, VESSA). Serve as the primary contact for HR audits, legal inquiries, and compliance reviews. Monitor legislative changes impacting employment and recommend updates as needed. Maintain accurate HR records and prepare reports for leadership and regulatory bodies. Benefits, Compensation, and HR Systems
Oversee and administer employee benefits and leave programs in partnership with Finance and external vendors. Evaluate and recommend competitive compensation structures and adjustments to attract and retain talent. Oversee HRIS data integrity, employee file management, and system optimization. Identify process improvements to enhance efficiency and service delivery. Organizational and Employee Development
Lead initiatives that strengthen leadership capacity, professional growth, and employee engagement in partnership with the President's Executive Cabinet, Academic Affairs, and department leaders. Support succession planning and career development programs across departments. Champion the University's values and serve as a visible, approachable leader within the campus community. Supervisory Responsibility:
Supervise HR staff, including work assignment, coaching, and performance evaluation in accordance with institutional policies. Ensure HR staff are prepared and supported to serve faculty, staff, and leadership within a higher-education environment. Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and accountable HR team culture. Competencies:
Strategic Leadership and Analysis Organizational Development Relationship Management Judgment and Discretion Communication and Influence Language Skills:
Ability to read, analyze and interpret general higher education periodicals, professional journals, legal documents or government regulations. Ability to write reports and business correspondence. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from leaders, employees, students and the general public. Education, Experience and Training:
Bachelor's Degree (B.A. / B.S.) (M.S. Degree preferred) from a four-year college or university; along with at least 6 years of progressively years of responsible HR experience, including a minimum of three (3) year in leadership role; related experience and or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience Certificates, Licenses or Registrations:
PHR Certification / SHRM-CP. S-PHR /SHRM-SCP Certification preferred. Computer Skills:
Proficiency in HRIS systems (e.g. ADP or similar ad Microsoft Office Suite).