"Director of HR Systems, Data, & AI Strategy"

Job Details

Department: Human Resources

Classification: Administrative Faculty

Job Category: Administrative or Professional Faculty

Job Type: Full-Time

Work Schedule: Full-time (1.0 FTE, 40 hrs/wk)

Location: Fairfax, VA

Workplace Type: Hybrid Eligible

Sponsorship Eligibility: Not eligible for visa sponsorship

Salary: Salary commensurate with education and experience

Criminal Background Check: Yes

About the Department:

The Human Resources division supports the university by designing and implementing people-centered policies, systems, and programs that enhance the employee experience and improve operational effectiveness. The unit promotes a culture of data-driven decision-making, continuous improvement, and strategic enablement.

About the Position:

The Director, HR Systems, Data, & AI Strategy leads the strategic planning, implementation, governance, and continuous improvement of enterprise human resource information systems (HRIS) and HR data management functions. This position ensures the effective and secure use of HR technologies to support talent management, compliance, and business operations.

This role oversees two core teams:
HRIS Team: Responsible for system strategy, administration, configuration, integrations, reporting, and enhancements.
HR Data Management Team: Responsible for all personnel data entry into internal and external systems, benefits deductions and data entry audits, and ensuring compliance with strict parameters for HR data usage and access.

The Director also leads HR’s audit and reconciliation functions, ensuring data accuracy, completeness, and compliance across all HR systems. Additionally, they guide the implementation of an HR AI strategy, identifying opportunities to use AI to enhance HR service delivery, working in partnership with other HR areas to design, pilot, and deploy solutions.

This position serves as a primary liaison to IT, institutional data governance bodies, and external technology vendors.

Responsibilities:

HRIS Strategy and Systems Management

• Leads the design, implementation, and optimization of scalable enterprise HR systems, including HCM and related HR technology platforms, to ensure alignment with business needs in workforce administration, talent acquisition, performance management, learning, and compensation;
• Serves as product owner for ERP and third-party solutions, including vendor management and lifecycle planning;
• Manages system configuration, upgrades, integrations, and workflow enhancements in partnership with IT and HR stakeholders;
• Acts as the HR Risk and Security Officer for HR systems, ensuring compliance with institutional, state, and federal data security standards;
• Oversees access management protocols, monitors system security risks, and collaborates with IT security teams to mitigate vulnerabilities; and
• Establishes policies and controls that protect sensitive personnel data and maintain audit readiness.

Team Leadership and Supervision

• Supervises and develops staff in HRIS and HR Data Management teams, as well as audit/reconciliation functions;
• Defines objectives, monitors progress, and provides coaching and professional development; and
• Fosters a culture of service excellence, collaboration, and innovation within the team.

Data Management, Governance, and Integrity

• Ensures accuracy, completeness, and timeliness of people data entry into internal and external systems;
• Oversees audits and reconciliations for benefits deductions, payroll data, and system records; and
• Enforces data governance policies, access controls, and usage guidelines to safeguard HR data.

AI Strategy and Technology Innovation

• Partners with HR functional leaders to identify AI-enabled opportunities to enhance service delivery, automate routine processes, and improve employee experience; and
• Oversees the implementation and integration of AI tools for enhanced HR service delivery, support, and other applicable functions.

Reporting, Analytics, and Insights

• Leads design and automation of standard and ad hoc HR reports and dashboards; and
• Uses workforce analytics to support strategic decision-making, compliance, and predictive insights.

Training, Support, and Change Management

• Provides training and support to HR and university users on HR systems and data governance;
• Leads change management initiatives for system rollouts and enhancements; and
• Assesses system performance and resolves end-user challenges with a service mindset.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Information Systems, Business Administration, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience;
• Significant progressively responsible HRIS experience, including system administration, reporting, and project leadership (typically seven or more years);
• Experience managing confidential data, audits, and complex reporting requirements;
• Experience leading cross-functional initiatives and teams;
• Knowledge of ERP/HRIS systems functionality and configuration (e.g., Banner, Workday, Oracle);
• Skill in data governance, audit, and reconciliation processes, and data quality assurance;
• Ability to lead multi-team operations, balancing technology, data management, and compliance;
• Ability to lead cross-functional AI and technology adoption initiatives;
• Skill in project management and lifecycle systems implementation;
• Ability to analyze complex business processes and translate them into effective technology solutions;
• Demonstrated skill in SQL reporting, data integration, and advanced Excel techniques;
• Ability to supervise technical and professional teams, manage priorities, and deliver complex projects; and
• Strong communication skills and ability to present technical information to non-technical stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in related field;
• Certification in systems or project management (e.g., Workday Pro, PMP, SHRM-SCP);
• Extensive professional experience in HR technology and data governance leadership roles within higher education or large, complex organizations (typically ten or more years);
• Experience implementing or upgrading ERP systems in large organizations;
• Experience with vendor negotiation, data governance frameworks, and compliance regulations (e.g., GDPR, VITA standards);
• Experience implementing or managing AI-enabled tools in an HR or service environment;
• Knowledge of higher education or large public sector HR systems;
• Familiarity with data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI); and
• Project management experience.

Instructions to Applicants:

For full consideration, applicants must apply for the Director of HR Systems, Data, & AI Strategy at https://jobs.gmu.edu/. Complete and submit the online application to include three professional references with contact information, and provide a Cover Letter/Letter of Intent and Resume for review.

Posting Open Date: November 3, 2025

For Full Consideration, Apply by: November 17, 2025

Open Until Filled: Yes

Mason Ad Statement

Mason is currently the largest and most diverse university in Virginia with students and faculty from all 50 states and over 135 countries studying in over 200 degree programs at campuses in Arlington, Fairfax and Prince William, as well as at learning locations across the commonwealth. Rooted in Mason’s diversity is a campus culture that is both rewarding and exciting, work that is meaningful, and opportunities to both collaborate and create.

If you are interested in joining the Mason family take a look at our current opportunities and catch some Mason spirit at jobs.gmu.edu/!

George Mason University, Where Innovation is Tradition.

Equity Statement

George Mason University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, committed to promoting inclusion and equity in its community. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or veteran status, or any characteristic protected by law.

Campus Safety Information

Mason’s Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is available at http://police.gmu.edu/annual-security-report/