Director of Human Resources

Reporting to the Senior Vice President for Finance & Administration/CFO the Director of Human Resources is responsible for leading, planning and implementing all human resources programs and services for the University as well as managing the HR team. Together, this team will provide professional consultation and maintain strong business partnerships with all levels of the University insuring federal and state compliance while supporting the mission and core values of the University.
This role is responsible for providing professional consultation and business partnerships with all levels of management. This position is responsible for day-to-day work activities focusing on a variety of HR functions, including talent acquisition (recruitment and on-boarding), talent development, (performance management, training, and employee relations), total rewards (compensation, benefits) and compliance. This role also includes resolving employee/management concerns through an analysis of performance, counseling, and coaching sessions. The Director of Human Resources will develop and execute organizational strategies that support the mission of the University which can be performed remotely.

This position is on site in person.

Essential Functions:

Talent Acquisition

• Support those involved in personnel selection in discerning characteristics that are important to the position and the Mercy tradition upon which the mission of the university is built.
• Assist in supporting the University's Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Program by collaborating with Directors of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in proposing strategies to affect work force diversity.
• Advise and work with senior leadership on modifications to policies and practices as necessary.
• Lead the development of creative and contemporary recruitment strategies including marketing/advertising programs. Coordinate with hiring managers and recruiters regarding specialized recruitment initiatives.
• Protect the interest of the university in accordance with university personnel policies and applicable federal and state laws and regulations.
• Lead termination processes.
• Assist with faculty promotions and reappointments.
• Develop, execute and work with team on employee relations issues and conflict resolution, talent development, training and career advancement opportunities.
• Work closely with management to provide guidance in resolving and mediating employee relations matters. Investigate employee relations issues and provide sound guidance in resolving concerns.
• Guide and assist managers in the progression and issuance of performance, behavior and attendance discipline, including warnings and the follow-up and monitoring of employee evaluation as well as maintain appropriate employee disciplinary records.

• Serve as the lead administrator in developing and implementing a university compensation philosophy, which may include, but not be limited to, conducting salary studies, updating all job descriptions, ensuring alignment of job duties with university and departmental strategies and operational tactics.
• Act as the plan administrator to manage, organize, plan, and maintain all functions associated with the day-to-day administration of the university's employee benefits.
• Provide guidance to managers and staff on leave, FMLA, ADA, return-to-work, accommodation requests and university benefits, policies and practices. Oversee leave of absences for university faculty and staff, including workers compensation.
• Organize efficient and effective University-wide human resources pay structure; Introduce automated systems to promote efficiency and effectiveness; Partner with Payroll Manager to ensure employees are appropriately paid.

• Ensure policies, procedures and HR programs are consistently administered and aligned with the organizational goals of the University.
• Primary GCU contact and liaison with outside legal counsel on human resources related issues.
• Serve as the university's liaison with Title IX company as needed, and function as the lead human resources expert in all Title IX investigations and processes for all employee related matters.
• Recommend, test, train, document, implement and plan for HRIS system enhancements.
• Formulate and recommend human resources policies and processes, which ensure integration of the university's values and mission. Interpret and apply human resources policies throughout the university.

• Analyze compensation/benefit trends and review surveys to determine how the University's pay compares with that of other peer/aspirant Universities in the region.
• Provide salary data from various compensation sources; CUPA Data on Demand, AAUP. Complete surveys necessary to maintain membership.
• Monitors the effectiveness of existing compensation policies, guidelines and procedures and makes recommendations that are cost effective and consistent with compensation trends and University objectives.
• Compile, prepare and present compensation data and maintain salary structure.
• Keep apprised of federal, state and local compensation laws and regulations in order to ensure compliance.
• Administer employee benefits including health, prescription, vision, dental, life insurance, retirement, and flexible spending accounts.
• Review benefit payroll changes during the semi-monthly payroll preview process.
• Liaison to insurance brokers and insurance providers including disability, workers' compensation, and state agencies.
• Assist with contract negotiation, renewal, and 5500 filings.
• Compile and maintain information for annual compliance including retirement audit.
• Complete retirement and section 125 discrimination testing annually.
• Report and track workers' compensation claims and complete annual OSHA survey.
• Coordinate annual benefits open enrollment including materials and communication.
• Conduct new hire benefits orientation and complete online enrollments.
• Manage and maintain plan details and employee benefits records in HRIS system.
• Review and reconcile insurance provider invoices.
• Transmit employee retirement deductions to TIAA-CREF.
• Administer leave of absence requests.
• Prepare letters/forms for disability and workers' compensation claims and leave of absence requests.
• Address and resolve employee benefits questions/issues.
• Maintain broker contact to investigate discrepancies and provide information in non-routine situations.
• Maintain contracts, plan documents, summary plan descriptions, and related benefits information.
• Maintain employee benefits files; carrier election forms, temporary and long-term disability claims, workers' compensation claims, and leave of absence requests.
• Maintain knowledge of current legal regulations and government annual reporting requirements under the ACA.
• Process changes and termination of coverage, collection of premiums, and processing of premium payments through Student Accounts/Bursar.
• Organize employee wellness programs and seminars.
• Assist in responding to miscellaneous surveys and inquiries relating to benefits, as needed.
• Participate in University committees regarding benefits, safety, and wellness.
• Track and maintain spreadsheet for telecommuting agreements.
• Track and maintain spreadsheet for meal credits.
• Email Aramark meal credit notifications and advise correct number for each employee per semester.
• Track and maintain spreadsheet for employees working compressed work schedule (Including daily hours to be worked for hourly employees)
• Update payroll on pay schedule for hourly employees working compressed work schedule.
• Integrate the core values of respect, compassion, integrity, justice and service in all aspects of interaction.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Organizational development & effectiveness interventions.
• Lead the Human Resources Committee.
• Manage the annual audit process for HR reporting.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Previous experience working as a change agent in organizations required.
• Seven years of experience in human resources administration.
• Excellent coaching, mentoring and consultative skills required.
• Bachelor's degree.
• HRCI or SHRM certifications required.
• Keep apprised of federal, state and local employment laws and regulations in order to ensure compliance.
• Independently provide coordination and implementation for human resource office policies, procedures, and activities.
• Organize workflow and supervise employees.
• Interpret and communicate laws and University regulations, policies and procedures.
• A proven record of redesigning and streamlining processes for efficiency and effectiveness.
• Knowledge of federal and state regulations relating to employment, compensation, benefits, etc.
• Knowledge of best practices relating to the array of Human Resources competencies.
• Excellent presentation, interpersonal, listening, and communication/conflict resolution skills.
• Computer literate with skill in using HR information systems and management data analysis; and proficient in MS Office, including Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
• Ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community.
• Must be able to work as a service-oriented function.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and build trust with constituents.