Human Resources Manager

Position Overview

The Human Resources Manager will oversee the day-to-day operations of the Human Resources department and is responsible for overseeing a full spectrum of human resources functions, including talent acquisition, compensation, employee relations, and administrative processing. As well as serving as a resource to staff, administration, and faculty on human resources policies, procedures, and practices. The ideal candidate will be a strong communicator, proactive problem-solver, and passionate about creating an inclusive and supportive workplace.

Primary Responsibilities:

Manage the day-to-day operations of the Human Resources department ensuring exemplary customer service is provided to faculty, administration, staff, and student workers. In collaboration with Senior Human Resources Staff, develop and revise guidelines, policies, regulations, and procedures as needed to reflect legal changes and industry best practices.

Manage the work of the Human Resources Coordinator ensuring a high level of customer service is delivered to all internal and external guests and employment transactions are processed accurately and efficiently. 

Manage job evaluation processes to determine appropriate job classifications and salary levels. Manage job postings to ensure positions are posted promptly on Merrimack’s website and corresponding job boards. Work with hiring managers to ensure searches are progressing efficiently. Collaborate with hiring managers to ensure onboarding plans are in place for new employees. In collaboration with the Vice President of Human Resources, develop, implement, and maintain the College’s compensation program. Develop compensation policies and guidelines to ensure fairness, consistency, and compliance with relevant laws and regulations.

Perform detailed compensation analysis, including market benchmarking, internal pay equity assessments, and positions evaluations. Conduct annual salary reviews, analyze compensation data, and provide recommendations for adjustment to maintain competitiveness and internal equity.

In collaboration with the Vice President of Human Resources and Office of General Counsel when appropriate, investigate, counsel, mediate and recommend actions and appropriate decisions with respect to employee relations issues and concerns to ensure a healthy work environment for all employees. Share monthly roster changes with Fiscal to ensure budgets are updated. Identify ongoing position control reporting needs that will support regular communication with the Chief Financial Officer, Office of the President, and Senior Leadership in a timely manner.

Reconcile and process all Human Resources invoices to ensure the department is operating within budget.

Facilitate Human Resources related training. Maintain a working knowledge of other Human Resources functions in order to act as an additional resource as necessary.

Administer Tuition Remission and Tuition Exchange programs in collaboration with Admissions and the Bursar's office. May participate in information sessions as necessary to interested employees.

Perform other work related duties as required by the Manager.

Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field.

Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing, including group presentations. Excellent interpersonal communication, and conflict-resolution skills.

Strong knowledge of compensation principles, market analysis, and HR best practices.

Demonstrated understanding of job evaluation and job analysis systems.

Demonstrated ability to juggle multiple projects with various deadlines.

Demonstrated organizational and problem-solving abilities with attention to detail.

Demonstrated ability to handle highly confidential and sensitive information with appropriate care.

Demonstrated analytical skills including complex data analysis, manipulation and reporting

Hands-on experience and comfort with HRIS and Excel with the ability to use functions such as pivot tables, vlookups, etc.

5+ years of progressive experience in human resources, with at least 3 years focused on compensation management.

HRCI or SHRM certification preferred

Application Materials Should Include:

Cover letter stating motivation and interest in the position, citing experience relevant to the qualifications and including experience with, and commitment to, our Catholic Augustinian mission, our values, and our desire to be a more diverse, equitable and inclusive institution of higher learning.

Resume

This position is subject to the successful completion of a criminal background check.

Vaccinations and Work Location 

This is an on-campus position as employees are essential in order to provide a fully on-campus, residential college experience for our students and the community.

The COVID-19 vaccine and booster for which an individual may be eligible are highly recommended for students, faculty and staff. Merrimack College does not require proof of COVID vaccination for enrollment, employment or to be a guest on our campus. 

Statement on Our Mission

Merrimack College is a Catholic Augustinian institution of higher education committed to building a culturally and racially diverse community. Our mission is to enlighten minds, engage hearts and empower lives and is inspired by our Catholic faith and the Augustinian tradition of seeking truth through inquiry and dialogue.

Merrimack College seeks candidates who understand, respect and can contribute to Merrimack’s Catholic and Augustinian mission and values and advance our work in the area of diversity, equity and inclusion. We strongly encourage applications from members of underrepresented groups. All candidates should describe in their application previous experience related to equity, diversity, and inclusion, as well as how they will engage in fostering a culture that supports our Catholic and Augustinian mission and our values of diversity, equity and inclusion.

About Merrimack College

The only Catholic, Augustinian institution of higher education in New England, Merrimack College is a private, independent, coeducational institution with more than 4,000 undergraduate and 1,700 graduate students from 43 states and 42 countries. The College features more than 160 career-focused undergraduate, professional and graduate programs, all taught by exceptional faculty who are passionate about their subject and student success. The College has five schools: arts and sciences, engineering and computational sciences, nursing and health sciences, education and social policy and the Girard school of business. The College’s suburban 220-acre campus is just north of Boston in North Andover, Massachusetts. Merrimack is a Master’s Colleges and Universities/Larger Programs (M1) institution in the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. Merrimack is one of the fastest growing educational institutions in the country and has steadily climbed up in the U.S. News & World Report’s ranking of Best Colleges, ranking 37th in the Regional Universities North category in 2025. Merrimack is a NCAA Division I athletic institution.

Merrimack College is an Equal Opportunity Employer.