Executive Director of UDRI Human Resources

Position Summary

Join UDRI’s executive leadership team and play a critical role in shaping the institute’s talent strategy and organizational effectiveness. This is an opportunity to lead transformational HR initiatives, build a high-performing and inclusive workforce, and drive a culture of excellence while supporting research that makes a real-world impact.

About the Role

The Executive Director of UDRI Human Resources (HR) serves as the senior leader responsible for setting and executing the UDRI’s talent strategy in alignment with its business objectives. In collaboration with the University’s HR team, this role provides leadership to the UDRI HR team, and oversight of talent acquisition, workforce planning, employee relations, total rewards, compliance, leadership development, and culture, ensuring UDRI can attract, retain, and develop a high-performing workforce.

Responsibilities

• Lead transformational HR initiatives, build a high-performing and inclusive workforce, and drive a culture of excellence
• Partner with executive leadership to drive organizational effectiveness, manage risk, and build scalable HR infrastructure that supports growth and operational excellence
• Conduct thorough data analysis and leverage insights from employee feedback to craft engagement initiatives that foster a positive and collaborative work environment and cultivate an exceptional organizational culture
• Ensure an inclusive and positive work environment
• Oversee training and development programs to enhance employee growth, development, and retention
• Collaborate with UD HR and UDRI Strategic Communications and Branding team to maintain a compelling employer brand that attracts and retains top talent
• Ensure UDRI remains a thriving and cohesive workplace community

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources or related field
• 10 years of progressive HR experience, including leadership across multiple HR disciplines
• Five years of experience leading and managing teams
• Expertise across HR functional areas, including knowledge of federal/state HR regulations and experience mitigating risk
• Strong knowledge of employment law, HR governance, and policy frameworks
• Experience with succession planning, performance systems, and leadership development
• Experience leading the strategy, design, administration, and compliance of employer-sponsored benefit programs, including health, welfare, and retirement plans
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Operate with a high-level of integrity and understanding of and commitment to maintaining strict confidentiality of sensitive information
• Experience working collaboratively across cross-functional teams, building trusted partnerships to achieve organizational objectives for a variety of constituents
• Experience leading organizational change and culture initiatives
• HR certification such as SHRM-SCP or SPHR

Qualifications

• Minimum Qualifications
• Master’s degree in Human Resources or related field
• Preferred Qualifications

Pay

Salary range: $120,000 - $150,000 per year

Schedule

Full-time, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM