Executive Director of Human Resources

SUMMARY

The Executive Director of Human Resources reports to the Vice President for Business Affairs and provides strategic leadership, oversight, and direction for all Human Resources functions. This position is responsible for the overall administration, coordination, and continuous improvement of HR policies, procedures, and programs. Will work closely with the Title IX Coordinator to ensure institutional equity and legal compliance at the University, the Executive Director's key responsibilities include policy development and implementation, compliance with federal and state regulations, budget development and management, payroll technologies, compensation systems, employee benefits, organizational structure, and employee recognition initiatives.

The Executive Director serves as a trusted advisor to senior leadership and plays a vital role in shaping organizational culture and operational effectiveness. This position requires a forward-thinking leader committed to fostering a high-performance, engaging work environment that supports employee success and organizational excellence.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Executive Director of Human Resources provides strategic leadership and administrative oversight across all human resources functions, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and compliance with applicable laws and regulations. Key responsibilities include:

• Strategic Leadership & Organizational Alignment
  • Serve as a strategic partner and advisor to senior leadership on workforce planning, employee relations, talent development, and organizational effectiveness.
  • Participate in institutional planning and represent HR on leadership teams, councils, and external committees.
  • Lead special projects as assigned by the Vice President of Business Affairs.
• Human Resources Administration & Operations
  • Lead and manage the HR department, ensuring efficient, professional, and courteous service delivery to faculty, staff, and stakeholders.
  • Evaluate and supervise HR staff, recommend training, and ensure the department maintains a high level of performance and responsiveness.
  • Oversee HRIS, records management, and data accuracy in accordance with regulatory and institutional standards.
• Policy Development & Regulatory Compliance
  • Develop, implement, and maintain HR policies and procedures aligned with best practices, organizational objectives, and federal/state laws such as FMLA, FLSA, ERISA, EEO, I-9/E-Verify, W-4, and other employment-related regulations.
  • Maintain and regularly update the Staff Handbook to reflect current laws, practices, and internal policies.
  • Collaborate with legal counsel and external agencies to interpret and ensure adherence to applicable policies and guidelines.
• Talent Acquisition, Classification & Compensation
  • Oversee recruitment, hiring, onboarding, and retention efforts to ensure equitable and effective talent acquisition processes.
  • Manage position classification, compensation analysis, salary administration, and compliance with the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).
  • Conduct market studies and salary reviews to ensure competitive compensation within budgetary constraints.
• Benefits & Payroll Administration
  • Administer and monitor comprehensive employee benefits programs, including health and life insurance, disability and unemployment coverage, retirement plans (403(b), 401(a)), Section 125 plans, and all leave programs.
  • Ensure timely and accurate processing of payroll and benefits-related information.
  • Maintain compliance with wage and tax laws, including those related to foreign national employees.
• Employee Relations & Engagement
  • Provide leadership in employee relations, including conflict resolution, investigations, and the facilitation of grievance and disciplinary procedures.
  • Foster a positive workplace culture through employee engagement initiatives, recognition programs, and professional development opportunities.
  • Work closely with the Title IX Coordinator, overseeing compliance with federal regulations, managing grievance procedures, and guiding investigations. Collaborates with the Compliance team to promote workplace safety and well-being, ensuring a supportive and legally compliant campus environment.
  • Develops and implements the University's equal opportunity and affirmative action plans, while ensuring compliance with all applicable local, state, and federal civil rights laws and regulations.
• Budget & Resource Management
  • Develop and manage the Human Resources departmental budget.
  • Assist the VP for Business Affairs in preparing the institutional budget as it relates to staffing, salary adjustments, benefits, and other personnel-related costs.
• Perform additional responsibilities and projects as directed to support the mission of SE and HR department.

ADDITIONAL PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES (FUNCTIONS, DUTIES)

• Professionalism and Dependability: The employee can be dependent upon to report to the assigned duty station at the scheduled time. Employees can be dependent upon completing work in a timely, accurate, and thorough manner and are conscientious about assignments.
• Communication and Contact: The employee communicates effectively and professionally both verbally and in writing with superiors, colleagues, and individuals inside and outside of the University.
• Relationships with Others: The employee works effectively and relates well with others including superiors, colleagues, and individuals inside and outside the University. The employee is professional in dealing with others and works to maintain a constructive working environment.
• Safety: Employee works safely, attends safety training offered/required, and follows appropriate safety rules and regulations. In relation to level of NIMs training completed, participant in incident management preparation and perform incident duties as assigned.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE

REQUIRED:

• Master's degree in human resources, business administration, or other related disciplines.
• Minimum of five years of progressive HR experience, including leadership responsibilities.
• Promote a respectful, fair, and inclusive work environment that supports the success and engagement of all employees in alignment with equal opportunity laws and institutional values.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and intermediate proficiency in mathematics and accounting principles.
• In-depth knowledge of employment laws, compliance requirements, and HR best practices.

PREFERRED:

• Post graduate course work in human resources, business administration, higher education, or other related field.
• HR certification(s) (e.g., SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, or SPHR).
• Five or more years related higher education experience and/or training, or equivalent combination of education and experience

WORK SETTING:

• Availability to address HR-related matters outside regular working hours as needed via in-person, phone, or email contact.
• Promote personal safety, safety procedures, and a safe work environment.

Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. The preferred start date is July 14, 2025. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until filled.

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