Associate Director of Human Resources

Associate Director of Human ResourcesThe Associate Director of Human Resources serves as the deputy to the Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) and provides strategic oversight of the University's HR Operations, Benefits, and Compensation functions. This position plays a central leadership role in aligning HR practices with institutional goals, ensuring regulatory compliance, and fostering a culture of service, collaboration, and accountability. The Associate Director works closely with the CHRO and HR leadership team to guide policy development, supervise key HR managers, and ensure that all HR programs and services are administered consistently, efficiently, and in accordance with University policy and applicable law. This position functions as the primary escalation point for complex HR issues and supports the development of an inclusive and responsive workplace culture.Salary: $82,003-$86,320; 37.5/hoursEssential FunctionsServe as deputy to the CHRO, providing leadership and strategic direction for the Human Resources DepartmentPartner with the CHRO in the development and execution of strategic HR initiatives aligned with institutional prioritiesOversee departmental performance metrics, identifying opportunities for improvement and implementing best practicesEnsure that HR policies, programs, and services are designed to enhance organizational effectiveness and employee experienceCollaborate with University leadership to ensure HR strategies support workforce planning, employee retention, and institutional growthSupervisionProvide direct supervision, coaching, and leadership to the HR Manager and the HR management staffEnsure communication, collaboration, and consistency across HR Operations, Benefits, Compensation, and PayrollConduct regular leadership meetings with HR management staff to review priorities, performance, and emerging issuesProvide mentorship and development opportunities for HR staff, ensuring accountability and continuous professional growthServe as the escalation point for complex employee relations cases, leave disputes, or compliance concerns raised by HR leadershipHR OperationsProvide oversight of HR Operations as managed by the HR Manager, ensuring processes related to recruitment, onboarding, and employee engagement are efficient, equitable, and compliantEnsure that HR policies and procedures are consistently implemented across departments and aligned with University objectivesOversee position control, classification, and compensation recommendations from HR OperationsSupport consistency in performance management practices and provide guidance on supervisor training and documentation standardsReview and approve recommendations from HR leadership regarding position changes, employee classifications, and pay adjustmentsBenefits and Compensation OversightAdminister employee benefits programs, including health insurance, retirement plans, and other employee perksAdministers various leave programs (FMLA, PFL, Short Term Disability, Long Term Disability, and Workers Compensation) for all University employeesProvide leadership and strategic direction to the Benefits and Compensation function, ensuring programs remain compliant, equitable, and aligned with institutional goalsPartner with the CHRO to evaluate, design, and implement competitive total rewards strategies that attract and retain talentOversee the annual benefits renewal process, including vendor evaluations and cost analysesEnsure compensation structures are consistently applied and reflective of market and internal equity standardsServe as an escalation point for complex benefits and compensation issues requiring leadership reviewTalent Acquisition and Workforce PlanningOversee recruitment strategies, workforce planning, and succession management activities executed by the HR ManagerPartner with the CHRO and HR leadership to ensure hiring processes reflect best practices, promote diversity, and meet institutional needsReview hiring metrics, time-to-fill, and applicant flow data to identify trends and ensure equity in the recruitment processEvaluate staffing models and recommend adjustments to support operational efficiency and budget alignmentSupport senior leadership in strategic workforce planning and organizational development initiativesCompliance and ReportingEnsure University-wide compliance with federal and state employment laws, including FLSA, FMLA, ADA, and EEOOversee the preparation and submission of required federal and state reports, including IPEDS, EE0-1, and Affirmative Action documentationReview outcomes of annual compliance training administered by the Benefits and Training Specialist and integrated into HR Operations by the HR ManagerMaintain and update HR policies to align with legal requirements and best practicesPrepare and submit required reports and documentation to internal and external agenciesHRIS GovernanceOversees the HRIS (Human Resources Information System) and other HR technology solutions to streamline HR processes and improve efficiency. Acts as functional area expert for Human ResourcesProvides strategic oversight for HRIS governance, ensuring data integrity and system functionality support institutional goalsPartners with the HR Manager to maintain workflow alignment, audit readiness, and integration across HR, Benefits, and Payroll systemsDefines standards for HR data accuracy, reporting cadence, and access controls in collaboration with IT and the Payroll SupervisorReviews and approves configuration changes, upgrades, and security roles to ensure compliance with regulatory and institutional policiesOversees HR data reporting to senior leadership, ensuring consistency with workforce analytics and compliance requirementsData AnalyticsOversee the development of HR metrics and dashboards to support data-driven decision-makingAnalyze trends in recruitment, retention, compensation, and turnover to inform strategic planningCollaborate with HR leadership to ensure data accuracy and integrity across HRIS, benefits, and payroll systemsPresent HR reports and insights to the CHRO and University leadership as requestedEmployee Learning & DevelopmentCoordinate training and development programs to enhance employee skills and knowledgeImplement initiatives to promote employee engagement, retention, and professional growthCollaborate with other departments to support organizational initiatives and promote a positive work cultureProvide strategic oversight of employee learning and development programs coordinated by HR Operations and the HR SpecialistEnsure training initiatives-including search committee, compliance, and leadership development programs-meet institutional and legal standardsEvaluate the effectiveness of HR training programs and recommend enhancements to address evolving workforce needsSupport leadership development initiatives and promote a culture of continuous learningInternational EmployeesServes as the Alternate Responsible Officer for SEVIS for our Exchange Visitor Program. Must be thoroughly familiar with the Exchange Visitor Program regulations, relevant immigration laws, and all federal and state regulations and laws pertaining to the administration of their exchange visitor program(s), including the Department of State's and the Department of Homeland Security's policies, manuals, instructions, and guidance on SEVIS and all other operations relevant to the Exchange Visitor ProgramCoordinates H-1B Visa Processing with our external legal firmEmployee Support: Serves as the main point of contact for employees on H-lB visas, providing guidance and assistance throughout the visa application process, as well as addressing any concerns or questions related to immigration statusOther Duties & ResponsibilitiesDemonstrates professionalism, discretion, and respect in all interactionsSupports and assists in creating intersections and pathways for faculty, staff and students that will assist in transforming people's livesSupports and assists in creating an evolving culture of connection, mentoring and rich engagement opportunities for faculty, staff, and studentsMaintains a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging, and a high degree of cultural competence and respect for a wide range of identities and experiences, therefore welcoming and supporting all faculty, staff and students and expanding access to the AU experienceMaintains a safe working environment within and around their facilities and associated equipment and supplies including, but not limited to, obtaining Safety Data Sheet (SDS) information pertaining to any hazards associated with their work environmentParticipates in all required assigned training, including safety training and will comply with safety rules, regulations, and protocolsEffective written and oral communication skillsContributes to the overall success of the University by performing other duties as assignedQualifications-Education & Experience, Knowledge, Skills & AbilitiesBachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field; Master's degree or HR certification (e.g., SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, SPHR) preferredMinimum of five years of progressive experience in human resources including significant responsibility for HR operations, employee relations, and compliance in a complex organization