Assistant Director, Human Resources Operations

About the Role

Reports to the Executive Director of Human Resources and serves as a key leader in the administration of the University’s employee relations program. Provides strategic oversight of the University’s recruitment and selection processes, ensuring compliance with applicable federal and state laws, regulations, and institutional policies governing faculty and staff searches. Oversees the collection, analysis, and submission of data required for federal and state reporting. Directly supervises the Recruitment Team and the Human Resources Business Partner – Employee Relations. Leads the selection, implementation, and ongoing administration of the University’s Applicant Tracking System (ATS) and background check system and processes. Serves as the system administrator and primary subject matter expert, ensuring system integrity, optimizing functionality, and promoting effective utilization across the institution.

Responsibilities

• Employee Relations
  • Leads the University’s employee relations program, serving as a liaison with departments and enhancing the University’s environment through proactive strategies such as training programs, workshops, and individual meetings.
  • Analyzes problem situations and works creatively with employees and managers to find alternative methods of dispute resolution, including mediations and investigations.
  • Provides advice, assistance, and counsel to employees and managers in resolving work-related problems, concerns, and grievances.
  • Leads the internal investigation process, ensuring accurate documentation and timely intervention.
  • Tracks investigation progress and maintains employee relations files, including letters, communications, and investigation notes.
  • Collaborates with departments and supervisors regarding probationary and annual reviews to ensure proper documentation and training.
  • Consults with the Director of Institutional Compliance/Title IX Coordinator on related issues, policies, and needs, serving as the Title IX liaison.
  • Represents the University in the Commonwealth’s grievance process and ensures compliance with federal and state regulations.
• Reporting & Data
  • Serves as the lead on all VEC documentation and hearings, ensuring accurate and timely quarterly payments.
  • Responsible for data collection and submission for annual EO, IPEDS, and various VA state and federal required reports.
  • Collects monthly HR data, including recruitment, benefits, employee relations, and training and development.
  • Tracks employee relations issues and grievance activity to identify trends and ensure compliance with reporting needs.
  • Conducts employee exit surveys, tracks attrition trends, and reports findings to the Executive Director.
• Equal Opportunity Search Compliance
  • Reviews recruitment and selection practices to ensure compliance with equal opportunity and affirmative action policies.
  • Monitors and assesses hiring practices to identify and address potential biases or disparities.
  • Provides guidance and support to departments and search committees on best practices for hiring.
• Recruitment
  • Provides leadership and oversight of recruitment and selection processes, ensuring compliance with DHRM policies, federal laws, and University policies.
  • Establishes and maintains a budget for recruitment marketing in collaboration with the Executive Director of Human Resources.
  • Leads the development and execution of a comprehensive recruitment calendar in partnership with the recruitment team.
  • Serves as the primary point of contact for external workforce development programs, including DOD SkillBridge, and develops partnerships with community organizations.
• Operations
  • Hires, trains, supervises, evaluates, and recommends personnel actions for the Recruitment Team and HR Business Partner – Employee Relations.
  • Collects and analyzes data to recommend strategic process improvements to the Executive Director of Human Resources.
  • Serves as the designated representative for the Executive Director of Human Resources during their absence.
  • Ensures HR practices adhere to federal, state, and local employment laws (FLSA, FMLA, ADA, EEO, etc.).
  • Reviews and updates HR policies based on regulatory changes and organizational needs.
• Strategic Planning & Organizational Alignment
  • Serves as project manager for HR department projects and leads change-management efforts for new systems and processes.
  • Leads the selection, implementation, and administration of the University’s Applicant Tracking System (ATS) and background check system.
  • Partners with senior leadership to align HR practices with the University’s strategic plan.
• General Duties
  • Serves as the primary contact for all federal and state reporting, ensuring data accuracy and timely submission.
  • Coordinates fulfillment of public information requests in collaboration with the Executive Director, Public Information Officer, President, or VPs.
  • Assists with coordinating special events within the Human Resources Office.
  • Develops and maintains positive customer service relations with all constituencies, including students, faculty, staff, and guests.
  • Demonstrates a professional attitude and supports the University’s “Student’s First” value.
  • Reviews and communicates safety issues to ensure a safe and healthy workplace.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree, or a bachelor’s degree with significant experience that equates to an advanced degree.
• SHRM-SCP or SPHR certification (preferred).
• Demonstrated experience in human resources, employee relations, or equal employment.

Skills

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Working knowledge of employee relations, training, and development practices.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to organize and implement projects or program plans and develop policy.
• Independently complete research and analyze complex questions and issues.
• Demonstrated ability to handle confidential information with discretion.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex data and generate actionable insights.
• Considerable knowledge of personnel administration principles and applicable federal and state laws.
• Working knowledge of grievance rights, personnel policies, and judicial/administrative decisions related to employee rights.
• Ability to counsel employees effectively and mediate disputes with fairness and consistency.
• Strategic thinking with attention to operational detail.
• Ability to work outside of normal business hours to support critical operations and emergency response efforts.

This position is designated as a Campus Security Authority and a “designated position,” which may require working during emergency closings. It is also a “responsible employee” with the authority to redress sexual violence and the duty to report incidents of sexual violence or other student misconduct.