Description

The Director of Human Resources is responsible for developing and executing human resource strategy in support of the overall business needs. The Director will provide leadership, expertise, and guidance to departments on all human resource, employee relations, performance management, benefits, and equity matters. The role will oversee recruitment, human resource, and organizational development staff.  The successful candidate will build relationships across all levels, and clearly communicate and interpret HR policies while maintaining confidentiality and handling sensitive situations with solid judgment and discretion.  This position reports to the VP of Administration and Finance.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead the Human Resource Department and ensure efficient processing of HR systems. Empowering the HR team to create best practices, sharing ideas and holding the team accountable for creating solutions that continue to unify the system around all elements of the function. 
• Develop, implement and manage a human resources strategic plan that incorporates HR programs to address and solve business needs and long-term objectives of the company 
• Manage and provide guidance on employee’s benefits programs, serving as the primary liaison with vendors and brokers who deliver these services. 
• Collaborate with key stakeholders and assist leadership with the development of staffing models that will provide the optimal resource needs for the company. 
• Contribute to the design and implementation of performance evaluation systems and job descriptions that contribute to the compensation structure and personnel requirements for the state. 
• Design and implement an effective communication and feedback system for human resources that strengthens employee engagement and is responsive to the overall informational needs of the workforce. 
• Identify trends and proactively recommend solutions to improve performance, retention, and the employee experience. 
• Manage and ensure timely updates to the employee handbook, HR policies and procedures. Perform reviews of policies to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations. 
• Coordinate the human resources technology systems – Human resource information system, talent acquisition system, and learning management system. Lead efforts to develop technology solutions for enhanced business processes and procedures. 
• Manage the onboarding and training opportunities for selected departments. 
• Provide guidance to management on personnel issues, interpretation of personnel policies, and employment laws and regulations. Where applicable, oversee employee disciplinary meetings, terminations and investigations. 
• Maintain accurate and thorough HR records.
• Oversee essential compensation and payroll functions for employees.  Maintain and evaluate market compensation data.
• Assist with the annual contracting processes with employees.
• Develop and monitor appropriate recruiting and hiring strategies. 
• Place empathy and customer service at the core of all HR activities. 
• Develop and maintain the HR departmental budget, taking care to align resources with departmental wide strategic objectives. 
• Ensure institutional compliance with state and federal employment laws and regulations

Requirements

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration or related field required. 
• Supervisory experience. 
• At least five (5) years of human resource management experience.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s Degree in related field.
• HR-related certification (PHR or SHRM-CP Certification).
• Human resource management experience in higher education.

RECOMMENDED SKILLS

• Demonstrated ability to work effectively, independently and as a member of a team, especially in a fast-paced, highly dynamic environment. 
• Extensive knowledge of federal and state employment and benefits laws related to, worker’s compensation, retirement contribution plans, and other relevant legislation. 
• Demonstrated ability to effectively manage relationships with external vendors and related parties.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with both internal and external constituents, including Kansas Board of Regents members, and audit firms. 
• Active Listening – Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times. 
• Critical Thinking – Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems. 
• Adaptability/Flexibility – Being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace. 
• Time Management & Organizing, Planning & Prioritizing Work – Managing one’s own time and the time of others and developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work. 
• Database user interface – Comfortable using technology and adapting quickly to learn new software. 
• Computer skills –  Proficient in cloud-based applications. 
• Proficient with e-mail and cloud-based document systems (e.g., Google applications). 
• Highly proficient with standard word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation software.