Director of Human Resources

Job Title: Director of Human Resources

Classification: Exempt

Reports To: CFO and VP for Administration

Job Summary/Objective: The Director of Human Resources is the senior HR officer responsible for facilitating effective employment and engagement of the colleges human capital. The Director of Human Resources will create and implement plans that assure acquisition and retention of high-caliber talent, including execution of innovative total compensation strategies. The Director of Human Resources is an experienced, emotionally intelligent change agent and thought leader, with a keen sense of people management strategies. The Director is hands on with responsibility for compensation, benefits,  and payroll administration; but also serves as a strategic partner to leaders across the campus. The Director of Human Resources will develop and adjust the employee Handbook and other  HR policies to integrate the Colleges goals with its legal, regulatory, and ethical responsibilities. The Director of Human Resources must also demonstrate progressive leadership by nurturing a culture of honesty, valuing differences, and collaboration among all members of the Sweet Briar community.

Sweet Briar is a liberal arts college for women with a long history of forging female leaders. Sweet Briar College is repeatedly named by the US News and World Report as one of the most innovative liberal arts colleges in the nation. Sweet Briar College is growing rapidly, attracting students who are drawn to it for its excellent liberal arts program, coupled with distinctive programs in women leadership, engineering, sustainability, arts and its legendary equestrian program. Its finances are robust, and validated by balanced budget and positive bond ratings.

Located in the foothills of Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains approximately 12 miles north of Lynchburg and 54 miles south of Charlottesville. Its campus is one of the nation’s most spectacular, replete with nature sanctuaries, lakes, forests, trails, and most recently, vineyards, apiary and greenhouses.

The College boasts a modern core curriculum focused on women's leadership in the 21st century and undergraduate programs in the arts, sciences and humanities, as well as a Master of Arts in Teaching. It is one of only two women’s colleges in the United States with an ABET-accredited engineering degree. The women’s leadership core curriculum is innovative and energizing.

When students graduate, they are persuasive communicators who know how to think on their feet and bring people together. No matter what they study or where they go, Sweet Briar women are prepared to lead. The campus community is a family of faculty, staff, coaches, and alumnae who support and encourage students and each other. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 8 to 1, students lead research, ask questions and forge supportive relationships with faculty that can last for decades.

Position Type/Expected Work Hours: Full time, Monday-Friday 8:30 – 5:00 pm. May work extended or non-standard hours based on project or business needs. Ability to work occasional nights and weekends required.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• HR Generalist/Payroll Specialist
• HR Office Assistant

Essential Responsibilities:

• Provide leadership in establishing and maintaining a College culture that fosters honest communications, collaboration, and collegiality
• Develop and implement effective recruiting and retention strategies consistent with budgetary guidelines
• Responsible for robust and effective onboarding program for all new hires
• Design and implement compensation programs that support retention of top talent, and oversee salary administration
• Oversee and establish training, leadership, and professional development framework through training opportunities.
• Serve as the Deputy Title IX Coordinator
• Oversee payroll, compensation plans, benefits, recruitment, training and development, and the student employment program
• Manage employee relations issues within all staff departments, and collaborate with the Academic Dean on faculty issues as appropriate; aiding with the successful retention of high-caliber faculty
• Assist supervisors in conducting regular performance management reviews and developing Performance Improvement Plans (PIP)
• In consultation with senior leadership, establish plans for management succession; develop and manage the success of Individual Development Programs (IDP) for recognized high potential employees
• Develop and oversee comprehensive and innovative benefit plans that support retention of top talent, including health and welfare plans, various pension and retirement plans
• Assure that all HR policies are compliant with applicable legal, state and other regulatory requirements and monitor practices to maintain compliance
• Develop and implement fair, consistent HR Policies throughout the College including updating policies and employee handbooks, that are consistent with and support the College culture and values
• Ensure accurate and compliant maintenance of all human resources records including employee documents and payroll-related support records
• Direct investigations of reports of employee misconduct or policy infractions; provide recommendations and leadership for effective resolutions
• Prepare, analyze, and report HR benchmarks to evaluate the success of HR practices
• Complete required reporting for IPEDS, SACS, and CUPA
• Respond to Office of Civil Rights, EEOC, and any employee relations related entities

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelors degree in Business, preferably with a human resource management concentration, or related degree required;
• Minimum of 7 years of professional human resources experience, including 5 years of progressive HR leadership experience
• Broad knowledge in all aspects of human resource general management, including compensation/benefits, recruiting, employee relations, personnel administration and legal compliance
• Strong payroll processing and compliance knowledge; prior experience with Paycom highly desirable
• Exceptional oral and written communications skills that are effective across campus
• Sound business and financial knowledge; astute budgeting skills and financial reporting
• High level of systems proficiency including Microsoft Office products, Payroll/HRIS systems required
• Leadership qualities that support collaborative culture
• Excellent judgment and high integrity with experience in leading change
• Positive and approachable interpersonal style, able to earn trust among colleagues and senior leadership
• Manage with a commitment to the long-term sustainability of the College

Preferred Qualifications:

• MHRM, MBA, or MPA preferred
• Additional HR/Benefits certifications are beneficial but not required: SPHR or SHRM-SCP Certification desired but no required and/ or Certified Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS) and/or Certified Payroll Professional (CPP)
• Prior experience with ELUCIAN (BANNER) System is a plus

Work Environment: Office environment, primarily indoors.

Physical Demands: Extensive computer use required; extended periods of sitting/standing may be required.

Travel: Less than 10% for travel and/or conference attendance or training

Other Duties: This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, Sweet Briar College is committed to enhancing our community and encourages applications from qualified individuals with varied backgrounds, experiences and ideas who would increase the diversity of the College.

The salary range for this position is $85,000.00- $95,000.00 per year. This is commensurate with education and experience and will be determined in accordance with institutional guidelines.