Human Resources Director

Summary

MSOE invites applications for a full-time Director of Human Resources to join our Human Resources Department! The Director of HR provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for all human resources functions at MSOE. Reporting to senior leadership, this position develops and executes people strategies that support the university's mission, strategic priorities, and organizational objectives. The Director serves as a trusted advisor to institutional leaders and oversees talent acquisition, employee relations, compensation and benefits, payroll administration, compliance, HR technology, workforce planning, employee engagement, learning and development, and organizational effectiveness. The Director fosters a culture of excellence, accountability, belonging, innovation, and service while ensuring compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and university policies.

Essential Job Functions

• Strategic Leadership and Organizational Development: Develop, implement, and continuously enhance human resources strategies, programs, and policies that align with the university's strategic plan and workforce needs. Serve as a strategic partner and advisor to university leadership on workforce planning, organizational design, succession planning, talent management, employee engagement, and change management. Lead and coordinate institution-wide HR initiatives and projects that improve organizational effectiveness and employee experience. Utilize workforce metrics, analytics, and benchmarking data to support informed decision-making and continuous improvement. Support university-wide strategic planning and implementation efforts.
• Talent Acquisition and Employee Lifecycle Management: Direct and oversee recruitment, screening, selection, onboarding, retention, and offboarding processes to ensure positive candidate and employee experiences. Partner with hiring managers and campus leaders to implement best practices in talent acquisition and workforce planning. Ensure compliance with employment laws, university policies, and affirmative action/equal employment opportunity requirements throughout the employment lifecycle. Develop strategies to strengthen employee retention, engagement, and organizational culture.
• Employee Relations and Culture: Foster a workplace culture grounded in collaboration, accountability, belonging, respect, and continuous improvement, ensuring all employees are treated equitably and can fully participate regardless of background. Provide consultation and guidance to supervisors and employees regarding performance management, conflict resolution, workplace concerns, and policy interpretation. Lead or oversee employee investigations and resolution of employment-related issues. Represent the university in personnel-related hearings, audits, claims, and investigations. Promote employee wellness, recognition, engagement, and professional development initiatives.
• Compensation, Benefits, and Total Rewards: Direct compensation administration, position classification, salary review processes, and market benchmarking activities. Oversee employee benefits, leave administration, workers' compensation, unemployment compensation, retirement plans, and wellness programs. Serve as MSOE's representative on the WAICU Benefits Consortium Board and participate in collaborative benefit initiatives. Co-chair the Retirement Plan Oversight Committee and ensure effective governance of retirement programs. Evaluate and recommend total rewards strategies that support recruitment, retention, and employee satisfaction.
• Compliance, Risk Management, and Governance: Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local employment laws, regulations, and reporting requirements. Maintain current knowledge of emerging HR trends, legal developments, and best practices affecting higher education. Develop, implement, and monitor HR policies, procedures, and internal controls. Work collaboratively with legal counsel on complex personnel matters and employment-related risk management. Oversee required reporting, audits, and regulatory compliance activities.
• HR Operations and Technology: Oversee HR operations, employee records management, payroll administration, HR systems, and process improvement initiatives. Leverage HR technology and automation to improve efficiency, employee service delivery, and data integrity. Ensure confidentiality, security, and appropriate management of employee information. Continuously evaluate and improve HR processes and service models.
• Leadership and Team Development: Lead, develop, mentor, and evaluate HR staff to ensure effective service delivery and professional growth. Create a team culture that emphasizes accountability, continuous learning, innovation, and customer service excellence. Manage departmental operations, resource allocation, and performance objectives.
• Other Duties and Responsibilities: Conduct onboarding with new employees and exit discussions with those leaving. Have knowledge of applicable state and federal legislation such as COBRA, HIPAA, FMLA, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, etc.

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Organizational Leadership, Higher Education Administration, or related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible human resources experience, including at least 3 years of experience leading or managing HR functions or teams.
• Comprehensive knowledge of employment law, employee relations, compensation and benefits administration, talent acquisition, and HR operations.
• Experience managing sensitive and confidential employee matters.
• Demonstrated success leading teams, projects, and organizational initiatives.
• Must possess excellent oral and written communication skills, be highly organized with a strong attention to detail and enjoy working with people.
• PC proficient in the use of payroll, timekeeping, applicant tracking systems as well as MS Office products including MS Excel for reporting and analysis, as well as Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, and Teams. Must possess the ability to adapt to new systems.
• Ability to establish and maintain collaborative relationships with internal departments and external partners.

Preferred:

• Master's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Organizational Leadership, Higher Education Administration, or related field.
• Professional certification such as SHRM-SCP, SHRM-CP, SPHR, or PHR.
• Human resources leadership experience within higher education or another mission-driven organization.
• Experience with affirmative action planning, workforce analytics, and HR information systems.
• Experience with Jenzabar, TCP Timekeeping System, and reporting or business intelligence tools.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, life, disability and vision insurance
• 13 paid holidays
• Paid Time Off
• Paid parental leave
• 403(b) retirement plan with company matching of up to 6% of employee earnings and immediate vesting
• Educational benefits available for employees and family members
• Access to state-of-the-art fitness center at no charge