Director of Human Resources

Position Summary

The Director of Human Resources is a strategic leader responsible for guiding and advancing all aspects of the University's human resources function. Reporting to the Vice President for Business and Finance, this role provides leadership and oversight for talent acquisition, employee relations, compensation, benefits, payroll, compliance, HR technology, and policy development.

This is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact within a mission-driven institution dedicated to educating students and strengthening our community. As Director of Human Resources, you will play a key role in shaping workplace culture, supporting employees, and developing HR strategies that contribute to the University's long-term success. This role leads a small HR team while remaining very much a hands-on, working-leader. If you are a collaborative, strategic HR professional who enjoys rolling up your sleeves with hands-on execution, we encourage you to apply.

Key Responsibilities

Human Resources Leadership

• Provide strategic leadership and day-to-day oversight of the Human Resources Department.
• Lead and mentor the HR team while overseeing benefits, recruitment, employee relations, compensation, payroll, HRIS/database management, and compliance.
• Develop departmental goals, manage the HR budget, and identify opportunities to improve processes and services.
• Resolve complex or sensitive employee issues requiring high-level judgment and discretion.

Employee Relations & Compliance

• Serve as a trusted advisor to employees and supervisors on employment policies, procedures, and workplace concerns.
• Partner with university leaders on employee relations, compensation, leave administration, and benefits matters.
• Collaborate with internal and external legal counsel to ensure compliance with employment laws and effective resolution of complex issues.
• Lead or support investigations involving discrimination, bias, ethics concerns, Title IX matters, and other policy violations.
• Manage reductions in force in accordance with legal requirements and university policy.
• Conduct exit interviews to identify trends and opportunities for organizational improvement.
• Administer required compliance training through the University's Learning Management System (LMS).

Benefits Administration

• Partner with the University's insurance broker to negotiate competitive and cost-effective employee benefit programs.
• Oversee the administration of all employee benefit plans.
• Manage the University's 403(b) retirement plan and coordinate the 403(b) Investment Committee.
• Lead the annual open enrollment process.
• Oversee tuition benefit administration for employees and eligible dependents.

Payroll & Compensation

• Provide oversight of semi-monthly payroll for exempt employees and bi-weekly payroll for hourly and student employees.
• Ensure accurate and timely payroll tax reporting and compliance with all federal and state regulations.
• Lead salary administration and compensation planning.
• Conduct job evaluations to maintain internal equity and market competitiveness.
• Ensure compliance with the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), including employee classification and wage and hour regulations.
• Utilize CUPA benchmarking data to support competitive compensation practices.
• Advise hiring managers on appropriate salary recommendations for new hires.

Talent Acquisition

• Oversee the University's full-cycle recruitment process, including requisitions, job postings, offer letters, onboarding, HRIS setup, and orientation.
• Maintain and enhance search committee recruitment guidelines and hiring best practices.
• Serve on search committees as needed.
• Partner with hiring managers to attract and retain exceptional talent.

Workers' Compensation & Unemployment

• Administer the University's workers' compensation program, including claims management and coordination with employees and supervisors.
• Ensure timely payment of workers' compensation premiums.
• Manag