Director of Human Resources

DETAILS Employment Category: Full-time, unclassified administrative staff FLSA Classification: Exempt Salary Range: $85,000-$95,000 annually Administrative Report: Vice Chancellor for Administration and Finance Executive Advisory Relationship: Chancellor on substantive human resources matters Supervisory Responsibility: Office of Human Resources professional and support staff Travel: Limited local or regional travel may be required POSITION OVERVIEW The Director of Human Resources provides strategic and operational leadership for all human resources functions at Southern University at New Orleans. The Director reports administratively to the Vice Chancellor for Administration and Finance and maintains an executive advisory relationship with the Chancellor on substantive human resources matters. The position advises senior leadership, supervisors, and employees; ensures consistent and equitable employment practices; and leads services that attract, develop, support, and retain a highly qualified workforce. The Director is responsible for talent acquisition, classification and compensation, benefits administration, employee and labor relations, performance management, professional development, workplace investigations, policy development, regulatory compliance, leave and accommodation administration, workers' compensation, human resources information systems, records, reporting, and customer service. The Director supervises Human Resources staff and coordinates campus practices with Southern University System requirements and applicable federal, state, and local law. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions. Strategic Leadership and Executive Advising Develop and implement human resources strategies, priorities, policies, procedures, and service standards aligned with University and Southern University System goals. Advise the Chancellor, Vice Chancellors, Deans, and other senior leaders on workforce planning, organizational effectiveness, employee relations, compliance, risk, and sensitive personnel matters. Translate employment requirements and institutional priorities into practical, sustainable human resources processes and management guidance. Provide leadership for organizational change, workforce development, employee engagement, succession planning, and continuous improvement of human resources services. Employment Compensation and Workforce Administration Lead talent acquisition, position management, onboarding, retention, classification, compensation analysis, job analysis, and employment services. Ensure personnel actions are accurate, properly authorized, timely, and consistent with University, System, Civil Service, grant, budget, and legal requirements. Oversee administration and communication of employee benefits, retirement programs, tuition benefits, wellness resources, and professional development opportunities. Maintain accurate employee records and oversee required submissions and reporting to the Southern University System, Louisiana Board of Regents, state agencies, and federal agencies. Direct human resources information systems, records management, data integrity, audits, workflow automation, and confidential information practices, including Ellucian Banner HR processes. Employee Relations Investigations and Conflict Resolution Advise supervisors and employees regarding performance management, coaching, progressive discipline, grievances, workplace expectations, and corrective action. Conduct or oversee prompt, impartial, and well-documented workplace investigations and recommend appropriate action based on the evidence, applicable policy, and delegated authority. Coordinate employee-related matters involving discrimination, harassment, retaliation, Title IX, and other protected-status concerns with the appropriate University compliance officials. Facilitate conflict resolution, mediation, and problem solving while protecting confidentiality, due process, consistency, and institutional interests. Identify workplace trends and recommend training, policy, supervisory, or organizational interventions to reduce risk and improve employee relations. Compliance Leave and Employee Support Ensure compliance with applicable federal and state employment and labor laws, Southern University System policies, University procedures, and Louisiana Civil Service requirements when applicable. Administer or oversee Family and Medical Leave Act requests, Americans with Disabilities Act accommodations and interactive processes, workers' compensation matters, and related return-to-work coordination. Develop, maintain, communicate, and train employees and supervisors on human resources policies, procedures, job aids, and compliance requirements. Monitor mandatory training, employment eligibility documentation, personnel records, and other compliance obligations and implement corrective measures when deficiencies are identified. Maintain responsive, respectful, and professional service for applicants, employees, supervisors, vendors, and University partners. Performance Development and Human Resources Operations Lead performance-management processes and promote meaningful evaluation, development planning, supervisory accountability, and employee growth. Assess campus training needs and coordinate professional development, compliance education, supervisor training, and employee orientation programs. Establish operational metrics, service expectations, internal controls, budget priorities, and reporting practices for the Office of Human Resources. Prepare executive briefings, reports, recommendations, and documentation for University and System leadership, auditors, governmental agencies, and other authorized parties. Perform other related duties consistent with the position and institutional needs. AUTHORITY AND SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES The Director exercises delegated authority over Human Resources operations, staff, workflows, records, service delivery, compliance activities, and approved budgets. The Director formally supervises Human Resources professional and support staff and is responsible for work assignment, performance management, training, professional development, hiring recommendations, and corrective action consistent with University policy and delegated authority. REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in human resource management, business administration, public administration, organizational leadership, or a related field. At least five years of progressively responsible human resources management experience involving multiple functional areas, including employee relations, talent acquisition, classification or compensation, benefits, performance management, policy administration, investigations, records, or compliance. Demonstrated knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local employment requirements and equal opportunity principles. Demonstrated ability to communicate and work effectively with the varied constituencies of a diverse university community. PREFERRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE Master's degree in human resource management, business administration, public administration, organizational leadership, employment law, or a related field. Current SHRM Senior Certified Professional certification. Human resources leadership experience in higher education is strongly preferred. Experience using Ellucian Banner human resources and payroll functionality is strongly preferred. Progressively responsible supervisory experience, including staff development and performance management. Experience developing, implementing, and communicating human resources policies and procedures. Substantial conflict-resolution, mediation, grievance, or complex employee-relations experience. Strong working knowledge of the Family and Medical Leave Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, workers' compensation, and related leave and accommodation requirements. Strong knowledge of employee workplace investigations, including matters involving Title IX, discrimination, harassment, retaliation, and other protected-status concerns. Superior written, verbal, interpersonal, presentation, and executive communication skills. Demonstrated experience advising and working effectively with senior leadership on complex or sensitive matters. Experience with Louisiana Civil Service or public-sector human resources administration. KNOWLEDGE SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES Strategic leadership, sound judgment, discretion, diplomacy, integrity, and the ability to maintain the highest level of confidentiality. Ability to interpret employment requirements, policy, and evidence; assess risk; resolve complex problems; and make clear, defensible recommendations. Ability to build trust and productive partnerships with senior leaders, supervisors, employees, faculty, staff, System officials, and external partners. Strong organizational, analytical, project-management, change-management, and customer-service skills in a fast-paced environment. Proficiency with Microsoft Office, human resources information systems, case-management systems, reporting tools, and standard workplace technology. WORK ENVIRONMENT PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND TRAVEL Work is performed primarily in a professional office and campus environment with frequent interaction with employees, applicants, supervisors, senior leaders, System personnel, and external agencies. The position requires the ability to sit, stand, and walk as needed; climb stairs; communicate verbally and in writing; perform sustained computer and keyboard work; and lift or carry materials weighing up to 10 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation. Evening or weekend work may occasionally be required for urgent employee matters, investigations, deadlines, training, or University events. Routine travel is not expected. Limited local or regional travel may be required for Southern University System meetings, governmental or regulatory matters, professional development, conferences, or other University business. BENEFITS Eligible employees may participate in health-insurance benefits offered through the Louisiana Office of Group Benefits and retirement benefits through the applicable state retirement system. Dental and vision coverage is available through UNUM. Eligible positions may also receive paid leave, University-observed holidays, and tuition-waiver benefits in accordance with applicable eligibility requirements, plan documents, and Southern University System and University policies. HOW TO APPLY Applicants should submit all required application materials through the Southern University at New Orleans employment application process. Applications must clearly demonstrate that the applicant meets the required education and experience qualifications. EQUAL OPPORTUNITY AND NON DISCRIMINATION Southern University at New Orleans is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment based on any status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law in employment and University-administered programs and activities. AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT STATEMENT Southern University at New Orleans complies with applicable federal and state disability laws and provides reasonable accommodations for qualified applicants and employees. Individuals needing an accommodation should contact the Office of Human Resources. STATE AS A MODEL EMPLOYER Louisiana is a State as a Model Employer that supports the recruitment, hiring, and retention of individuals with disabilities.