Director HR, Research

Job Overview

GW is proud to be among the select group of universities that hold membership in the Association of American Universities (AAU), which represents institutions that are on the leading edge of innovation, scholarship, and solutions that contribute to scientific progress, economic development, security, and well-being.

Human Resource Management & Development (HRMD) is comprised of several departments that advocate for faculty, staff, and other members of the GW community. We strive to consistently provide discreet, valuable, and personalized service that is timely and responsive. HRMD helps GW to maintain a diverse workforce of the highest caliber and to support employees in their roles within the university.

Because research is integral to the university’s mission, HRMD continues to prioritize efforts that support our viability as a Research 1-University.

The Director HR, Research acts as the senior HR advisor for leadership (typically Deans) and engages routinely with those leaders as well as other principals involved in creating and maintaining a work environment conducive to furthering GW’s research mission.

This role oversees all employee life cycle actions related to Research (either directly, through subordinate staff, or in collaboration with HR colleagues) as they relate to recruitment and retention, diversity and inclusion, employee relations, and organizational development.

The primary duties include but are not limited to:

• Advise leadership on strategic human capital issues and ensure that appropriate and timely HR resources are available to support the client base as needed.
• Strategize with leaders on organizational structure, initiatives, communications, and anticipated employee reactions to initiatives and actions.
• Monitor data, track trends, and help develop HR initiatives and programs to address concerns and add value to the organization.
• Partner with HR Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) and leadership to plan and carry out activities relating to HRMD.
• Provide coaching and counseling on Employee Relations (ER) related matters within school/division, review ER documentation to advise on appropriate next steps.
• Explain compensation related structure and practices to managers and employees, and train clients on compensation topics.
• Partner with Office of Vice President for Research (OVPR) to understand the process for pre-post award and identify opportunities for early collaboration and process improvement.
• Work closely with Principal Investigators (PIs) and Talent Acquisition (TA) to develop effective and market-sensitive recruitment strategies.
• Work closely with International Services Office (ISO) and departmental staff to facilitate timely onboarding and track status of international candidates.
• Assess and provide training and development opportunities while championing talent exploration to foster new experiences that support both short- and long-term career development.
• Manage the annual performance management and merit process in the school/division.

This position reports directly to the Managing Director, HR Business Partners.

Performs other related duties as assigned. The omission of specific duties does not preclude the supervisor from assigning duties that are logically related to the position.

Minimum Qualifications:

Qualified candidates will hold a Bachelor’s degree in an appropriate area of specialization plus 7 years of relevant professional experience, or a Master’s degree or higher in a relevant area of study plus 5 years of relevant professional experience. Degree must be conferred by the start date of the position. Degree requirements may be substituted with an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

Additional Required Licenses/Certifications/Posting Specific Minimum Qualifications:

Preferred Qualifications:

• A skilled HR professional with expertise in HR policies, benefits, recruitment, salary administration, EEO/AA planning, and relocation. Experienced in recruitment, compensation, diversity, employee relations, and organizational development, with a strong record of proactive service and effectively managing diverse client needs.
• Previous experience working within higher education is highly preferred.
• Experience working within a research environment is highly desirable.
• Ability to understand team and organizational dynamics to effectively diagnose and deliver solutions to enhance research.
• Demonstrated ability to make data-based, analytical, and strategic decisions.
• Knowledge of federal and state laws as they relate to HR issues, plus exploration and production business acumen is preferred in this position.
• Knowledge of international hiring and Visa application process.
• Previous supervisory experience is highly desirable.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills and proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and demonstrated organizational and decision-making skills in meeting tight deadlines.

GW offers a comprehensive benefit package that includes medical, dental, vision, life & disability insurance, time off & leave, retirement savings, tuition, well-being, and various voluntary benefits. For program details and eligibility, please visit GW Benefits Programs.

Job Details:

Campus Location: Foggy Bottom, Washington, D.C.

College/School/Department: Human Resource Management and Development (HRM&D)

Family: Human Resources

Sub-Family: HR Service Delivery

Level: Level 3

Full-Time/Part-Time: Full-Time

Hours Per Week: 40+

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 8am -5pm

Will this job require the employee to work on site? Yes

Employee Onsite Status: Hybrid

Telework: Yes

Required Background Check: Criminal History Screening, Education/Degree/Certifications Verification, Social Security Number Trace, and Sex Offender Registry Search

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Interviews will commence in January, following our Winter Break closure.
Employer will not sponsor for employment Visa status.

Internal Applicants Only? No

Posting Number: S013471

Job Open Date: 12/09/2024

Job Close Date: N/A

Background Screening: Successful Completion of a Background Screening will be required as a condition of hire.

EEO Statement:

The university is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer that does not unlawfully discriminate in any of its programs or activities on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or on any other basis prohibited by applicable law.

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * Are you currently employed with The George Washington University?
  • No
  • Yes
• * For current GW employees, have you completed your Introductory Employment Period (IEP)?
  • Yes, IEP complete
  • No, still in IEP
  • N/A - not a current GW employee
• * What is your expected salary range?

  (Open Ended Question)

Documents needed to Apply

Required Documents:

• Resume
• Cover Letter

Optional Documents:

Human Resource Management & Development
2013 H Street, NW, 3rd Floor
Washington, DC 20006