Director of Human Resources

Division of Human Resources

Job Description

Position Title: Director of Human Resources

Department:  Human Resources 

FLSA Category:  Exempt                       

Working Relationships:

• Reports to:  Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer
• Works Closely with: Vice President of Student Affairs, Director of Operations, Dean of Admissions & Financial Aid, Assistant VP of Financial Services, Director of Institutional Technology, Executive Director of Marketing, President, Provost/Vice President’s, Academic Deans & Directors
• Directly Supervises: Associate Director/Deputy Title IX Coordinator; Benefits Manager

Job Summary:  The Director of Human Resources is the chief human resources officer of the University.  They will play a pivotal role in addressing our strategic campus initiative to Nurture a Welcoming and Inclusive Campus.  The Director serves as an advocate regarding benefits, policies, and practices that would have a positive impact on employees, as well as an advisor and strategic partner to university administration.  The Director provides collaborative leadership through the management of a comprehensive human resource office, consistent with the University’s mission and goals in all human resource functions including talent acquisition, retention, compensation and salary administration, training & development, performance management, benefits administration, employee relations, policies and procedures, human resource information system and records management, and regulatory compliance.

This position has been designated as an “Essential” Employee under the Emergency Preparedness Plan in order to ensure that University operations continue uninterrupted during periods of public health or other emergencies, including those that require MillikinUniversity to close or restrict operations.    

VALUES

At Millikin, we value:

• Intellectual and creative inquiry
• Inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility
• Dignity and respect for all persons
• Integrity and responsibility
• Honest, open dialogue and reflection
• Advancement of the common good

Goals which support nurturing a welcoming and inclusive campus

As part of our University Strategic Plan for 2023-2027, Millikin has developed the following campus initiative:

We will take active steps to become a more inclusive and welcoming campus, ensuring that our campus culture and climate are fully aligned with our core values of inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility. We will seek to attract and retain diverse talent across campus and create a sense of belonging for all who are a part of our community.

The Director of Human Resources will be instrumental in developing strategies and tactics in support of this initiative, in addition to assessing progress and outcomes which demonstrate that Millikin is becoming a more welcoming and inclusive campus.  This will include:

1. Revision to human resources related policies and procedures which promote inclusive excellence across campus, including but not limited to those which improve recruitment, retention, and investment in faculty and staff from historically marginalized backgrounds.

2. Development of assessment tools, benchmarks, and goals to improve the campus culture and employee satisfaction of faculty and staff.

3. Leading professional development programming for employees to grow their understanding of and ability to apply our core values of inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility in their roles.

Human Resources Responsibilities:

1. Collaborate with senior leadership to shape HR strategy that supports the success and retention of quality faculty and staff.

2.       Recommend, implement, and oversee administration of all university sponsored insurance and benefit programs to establish competitive programs, rates and ensure compliance with legal requirements.  Actively maintain vendor relationships with brokers and ensure benefit offerings support employee recruitment and retention.

3.       Oversees the administration of human resource programs including, but not limited to talent acquisition, retention, compensation and salary administration, training & development, performance management, benefits administration, employee relations, disciplinary matters; disputes and investigations; performance management, worker’s compensation, policies and procedures, human resource information system and records management, and regulatory compliance.

4.       Monitor and ensure compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.  Monitors potential legal exposure to the University on employment related matters and modifies policies and practices to maintain compliance; advises employees and supervisors regarding performance and disciplinary issues and recommends a plan of action to ensure policies are followed and terminations are handled appropriately.

5.       Serves as an advocate for employees by listening and becoming aware of employees needs and concerns, sharing this information with University leadership, and offering options for leadership to consider in addressing employees needs and concerns.

6.        Process and monitor the documentation and application process for visa and permanent residency status for non-immigrant employees to ensure continuous compliance with status and work authorization. Utilize external legal counsel for immigration matters when appropriate and serve as a liaison between employee and counsel. Notify USCIS upon termination of employment.

7.       Develop and provide training opportunities for faculty, staff and administration.

8.       Manage and control the departmental budget.

9.       Facilitate professional development, training and certification activities for HR staff.

Other Duties:

1.        Participation in professional organizations or other professional development        opportunities to remain competent and current on best human resources practices.

2.       Other duties as assigned by the Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer.

Title IX Responsibilities:

Summary:  University’s receiving federal financial assistance must designate at least one professional employee as the Title IX Coordinator to oversee compliance efforts and investigate any complaint of sex discrimination.  Reporting to the President, the Title IX Coordinator is responsible for monitoring and overseeing the overall implementation for the University and coordinating compliance with Title IX in all areas covered by the regulations.   Duties include, but are not limited to: 

1. Overseeing the University’s policies and procedures on sexual discrimination, harassment, and assault to ensure complaints are handled in a prompt and equitable manner through consistent practices and standards;
2. Providing or coordinating training with deputy coordinators to educate students, faculty and staff about available supportive measures, reporting options, and the University’s process for responding to formal complaints under Title IX;
3. Conducting investigations or overseeing investigations upon notice of potential acts of sexual harassment or assault;
4. In consultation with the Deputy Coordinators and the Director of Public Safety, determine interim measures after a complaint of sexual assault is received;
5. Coordinate and/or assist deputy coordinators with investigations with law enforcement when necessary;
6. Overseeing complaints to identify and address any patterns or systemic problems.
7. Attend training related to sex discrimination and Title IX in order to stay complaint and abreast of new developments.

Minimum Position Qualifications:

Education:  Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resources Management, Business Administration, or related field (or equivalent combination of education and work experience in related field); Master’s degree preferred.

Experience:  Minimum five years’ progressive human resource experience, including a minimum of three years in a leadership capacity; Previous experience in leading inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility initiatives; Previous experience conducting investigations alleging discrimination or misconduct; Previous experience in creating systems and controls to ensure compliance with human resources related regulations.  Experience in higher education is preferred.

Skills/Certifications/Licenses:

Specialized Knowledge and Skills:

• Sound working knowledge of a range of HR areas, including employment law, practices, policies, Title IX and other pertinent state and federal regulations related to higher education;
• Strong organizational, interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal;
• Demonstrated ability to work and communicate effectively with all constituencies of a diverse university community;
• Capability of effective priority setting and ability to manage several projects simultaneously while working under pressure to meet deadlines;
• Excellent attention to detail, strong problem-solving skills, and the ability to deal with confidential and sensitive information, requiring a significant level of diplomacy and trust;
• Ability to act independently, take initiative and exercise sound judgment.
• Relevant professional HR certification with SHRM or similar is preferred

Work Environment:

Manual Dexterity:   

• Dexterity to operate a keyboard

Physical Effort: 

• Typically sitting at a desk
• Hearing and visual acuity within normal range
• Occasionally lifting 25 lbs. or less

Working Conditions: 

• Typical working conditions found in most administrative work areas

Hazards: None