HR Business Partner Director, Academics

About the role

This opportunity offers the chance to serve as a strategic consultant and thought partner to leaders across the organization, helping shape workforce strategies, organizational design, succession planning, talent development, and change management initiatives. You'll leverage business acumen, HR expertise, and data-driven insights to develop integrated solutions that address complex business challenges while fostering a culture of engagement, accountability, and continuous improvement. You'll collaborate across Human Resources Centers of Excellence, HR Operations, and business leadership teams to ensure people strategies align with organizational priorities and drive meaningful results.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a trusted Human Resources business partner and consultant to leaders on business and people-related matters.
• Translate organizational culture, values, and brand expectations into impactful HR solutions and service delivery.
• Guide short- and long-term workforce planning, succession planning, talent development, and organizational effectiveness strategies.
• Partner with leaders to design and implement organizational restructures and workforce transformation initiatives.
• Analyze workforce trends, organizational metrics, and business data to identify opportunities and develop effective HR programs and solutions.
• Research, develop, and implement innovative people strategies that support business objectives and organizational priorities.
• Provide performance management coaching and guidance to leaders, including career development, corrective action, employee relations, and leadership effectiveness.
• Coach leaders on behaviors and decisions that reinforce organizational culture and drive engagement.
• Build strong partnerships with executives and operational leaders while appropriately challenging assumptions and influencing decision-making.
• Maintain expertise in employment policies, procedures, regulatory requirements, and employment law to mitigate organizational risk and ensure compliance.
• Design and deliver leadership development, capability-building, and learning initiatives aligned with strategic priorities.
• Partner across Human Resources functions to implement integrated talent, leadership, workforce, and organizational solutions.
• Act as a change champion by supporting leaders and teams through complex business transformations.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Organizational Development, or related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive Human Resources experience with demonstrated success supporting organizational strategy, workforce planning, organizational development, employee relations, and leadership consulting.
• Minimum of 3 years of leadership or management experience directing comprehensive Human Resources functions within a complex organization.
• Advanced consulting skills with demonstrated ability to design and implement strategies that address complex business challenges.
• Experience supporting change management, succession planning, workforce planning, leadership development, and organizational design initiatives.
• Deep knowledge of Human Resources disciplines including performance management, employee relations, compensation, employment law, diversity and inclusion, and regulatory compliance.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to leverage data, benchmarks, workforce metrics, and research to guide business decisions.
• Excellent communication, presentation, facilitation, and interpersonal skills.
• Prowledge in building trusted relationships, influencing leaders, negotiating solutions, and driving business outcomes.
• Strong business, financial, and healthcare industry acumen with an understanding of how workforce decisions impact organizational performance.
• Ability to manage multiple competing priorities while maintaining responsiveness and exceptional service delivery.
• Self-directed, adaptable, and proactive with the ability to anticipate client needs and develop strategic solutions.

Qualifications

• Preferred SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, or SPHR certification.
• Strongly preferred experience working within an academic healthcare environment (e.g., academic medical center, School of Medicine, faculty practice plan, or teaching hospital).
• Experience advising senior executives and leading large-scale organizational change initiatives.
• Demonstrated success implementing enterprise-wide talent and organizational effectiveness programs.
• Expertise utilizing HR analytics and workforce data to influence strategic decision-making.

Skills

• Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams.
• Knowledge of employment laws and regulations.
• Data analysis and interpretation skills.
• Leadership and management experience.
• Change management and organizational development expertise.

Benefits

Join us in shaping the future of our people strategy at Advocate Health, where you can live fully at and away from work. We offer a comprehensive suite of Total Rewards, including:

• Competitive compensation and premium pay options.
• Annual performance-based salary increases.
• Defined contribution retirement plans with employer match.
• Flexible spending accounts for eligible health care and dependent care expenses.
• Family benefits such as adoption assistance and paid parental leave.
• Comprehensive health and welfare benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance.
• Wellness programs and resources to support your overall well-being.
• Community involvement and volunteer opportunities.

Pay

$75.40 - $120.65 per hour based on experience and qualifications.

Schedule

Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM, with a hybrid work arrangement (3 days onsite / 2 days remote).