Director - Human Resources

Salary Range
$105,000.00 depending on qualifications

Essential Functions
The Director of Human Resources provides strategic leadership and oversight of the University's human resources operations, ensuring alignment with institutional goals, compliance requirements, and workforce needs at The University of Texas Permian Basin. This role leads key functions including employee relations, payroll, benefits, wellness programs, recruitment, training and development, and human resources information systems. Serving as a trusted advisor to senior leadership, the Director supports workforce planning, organizational development, and policy implementation while fostering a supportive and effective work environment for faculty and staff.

1. Develop and implement a comprehensive human resources strategy to support the university's objectives.
2. Oversee employee relations programs to promote a positive and productive workplace environment.
3. Provide guidance on conflict resolution, performance management, and disciplinary actions in conjunction with the campus compliance department and UT System Office of General Counsel.
4. Ensure compliance with applicable labor laws and university policies.
5. Direct the administration of payroll operations to ensure accuracy, timeliness, and compliance.
6. Oversee the design, implementation, and management of comprehensive employee benefits packages.
7. Champion initiatives that support employee well-being, including mental health resources, fitness programs, and work-life balance initiatives.
8. Monitor the effectiveness of wellness programs and adjust strategies as needed.
9. Lead efforts to attract, hire, and retain top talent aligned with the university's values and mission.
10. Develop robust onboarding and orientation programs to integrate new employees effectively.
11. Collaborate with departments to identify staffing needs and workforce planning strategies.
12. Promote a culture of continuous learning by designing and implementing professional development programs.
13. Provide leadership training for managers and supervisors to build effective teams.
14. Assess training needs and measure program effectiveness.
15. Oversee human resources information systems (HRIS) reporting to ensure compliance and alignment with state and UT System laws and regulations.
16. Manage visa and immigration processes, including H-1B, O-1, J-1, F-1 OPT/STEM, and permanent residency applications.
17. Ensure compliance with immigration laws and regulations (e.g., I-9, E-Verify).
18. Develop and manage the HR department's budget, ensuring optimal use of resources.
19. Oversee vendor relationships and contracts related to HR services and systems.
20. Owns institutional benefits strategy, acts as the primary liaison with system offices and vendors and ensures compliance, reporting, controls, and program-level implementation

Required Qualifications

1. Master's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
2. Minimum of 10 years HR experience related to employee relations, benefits administration, payroll management, and HRIS, preferably in higher education or a similar setting.
3. Strong understanding of employment laws, regulations, and best practices.
4. Excellent communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills.

Preferred Qualifications

1. SPHR, SHRM-SCP, or similar HR certification.
2. Experience with change management and organizational development.
3. Familiarity with HR technologies and data analytics tools.

Additional Information

Required Application Materials

1. Cover Letter
2. Resume
3. List of References
4. Transcripts (Preferred)
5. Letters of Recommendation (Preferred)

Conditions of Employment

1. The job description is not a complete list of all responsibilities and duties performed by employees. Employees may perform other related duties as assigned by their immediate supervisor.
2. Employment is subject to an introductory period to monitor employee performance.
3. Once hired, the prospective employee must present documentation within three (3) days of the hire date to establish their identity and employment eligibility as required by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Applicants must be able to show proof of eligibility to work in the United States by time of hire. UTPB participates in e-Verify.
4. Employees must be able and willing to travel and perform duties away from campus as necessary and must be able to operate a licensed motor vehicle, have access to a dependable motor vehicle, and possess a valid state driver's license. Must have and maintain a satisfactory driver's record.
5. Employment is contingent upon a successful background check.
6. UT Permian Basin is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

Schedule
Generally, the normal work hours for the university are Monday through Thursday, 7:30 - 5:30 pm; Friday, 8:00 am - 12:00 pm with a one-hour lunch. The individual holding this position may need to be available early morning, evening, and on weekends to meet the needs of the department. Hours worked may differ with some departments.

Standard Working Conditions

1. Able to lift various materials up to 25 pounds on an occasional basis.
2. Able to bend, crouch, and reach continuously.
3. Physically able remain seated, frequently to continuously.
4. Able to remain standing up to 15% of the time.
5. Possesses dexterity abilities required to perform job duties including extensive keyboard work, operating office equipment, performing filing, and other job-related responsibilities that include extensive wrist and hand movement.
6. Standard working conditions may differ depending on department and occupation

University Benefits

1. UT Permian Basin offers an excellent compensation package including heath, retirement, & fringe benefits for eligible employees.
2. Coverage includes medical, prescriptions, life insurance, AD&D, and matching retirement provided by UTPB.
3. You may also be eligible to add dental, vision, family coverage, & flex-spending accounts, additional retirement, and a few other coverages as options too.
4. Fringe benefits include tuition reimbursement (after one year of service), wellness breaks, employee assistant program (EAP), and meal deals, among other perks and discounts!
5. Our benefits package, along with an ample leave policy, make for a great total compensation package.

About the University
The University of Texas Permian Basin is located in Odessa, Texas. It was authorized by the Texas Legislature in 1969 and founded in 1973. The Permian Basin is one of the fastest-growing, culturally vibrant, economically invigorated regions of the country - full of industry, culture, and wide-open spaces. At the academic heart of this area sits The University of Texas Permian Basin - which every year, delivers smart, savvy leaders across the U.S.

As a regional, comprehensive institution, The University of Texas Permian Basin serves a diverse community of students from the region, the state, and beyond. Through excellence in student-centered teaching, learning, research, and public service, the University cultivates engaged citizens and impacts lives while advancing the technology and public interests of West Texas.

Our vision is that the University of Texas Permian Basin will be an innovative, responsive university that thinks large and lives local. We will lead in advancing education, research, economic competitiveness, and cultural enrichment.