Human Resources Director
Working Title: Human Resources Director
Classification: HR Manager 3 - Generalist, Job Code 9363GT
Appointment: Full-time, Academic Professional & Administrative, Exempt
Salary Range: $135,000 - 175,000; DOQ
Office location: Coffey Hall, St. Paul Campus, with occasional hybrid options
Reports to: Dean and Director of Extension
About the Department:
The University of Minnesota Extension (Extension) is the University’s primary outreach arm, providing high-quality, research-based education and information to Minnesota communities. Extension collaborates with University units and external partners to address critical state issues through applied research and educational programs delivered by its four departments: Community Development; Agricultural and Natural Resource Systems; Youth Development; and Family, Health, and Wellbeing. Learn more at www.extension.umn.edu.
About the Position:
The Human Resources Director provides strategic leadership for Extension’s HR programs and services, partnering with administration, department, and unit leaders to develop a comprehensive HR framework. Collaborating with the University’s Office of Human Resources, the director ensures alignment with University policies and oversees all HR functions, including talent acquisition, performance management, employee relations, classification, compensation, and compliance. Reporting to the Dean and Director of Extension, the HR Director is a key member of the leadership team.
Responsibilities:
Strategic Leadership-40%
- Lead the assessment, development, and implementation of short-term and long-term HR strategies and goals, including anticipating emerging issues and trends.
- Develop and implement HR strategies to increase recruitment, retention and equity of diverse employees within Extension. Promote and enable a culture that enhances diversity, equity, and inclusion.
- Plan, create, implement, provide training on, and communicate University, Extension HR and Federal benefits policies and procedures within Extension.
- Be part of the Extension’s administration collaboration team and the operations team to discuss system-wide issues, and plan, develop and implement actions to address them
- Collaborate with Extension's Chief Financial Officer to manage procedures that affect both units such as payroll actions, position budgeting, and salary increase processes.
- Provide leadership and staff development opportunities that are people centered to enhance the education and experiences of new and current Extension employees.
- Guide the development, analysis and interpretation of HR data to ensure effective decision making
- Manage the HR departmental budget including setting priorities, ensuring responsiveness to the overall organization, and overseeing implementation of Central and Extension HR initiatives.
- Build and maintain networks and relationships within Extension, the University, National Extension collegiate partners, and various consultative committees.
- Work with the Office of Human Resources and serve on University-wide committees and task forces to ensure Extension’s alignment with University-wide policies, programs, and strategic initiatives.
Workforce Planning, Compensation, Performance Management and Engagement - 40%
- Develop and implement policies and practices related to compensation, internal and external equity, and special pay situations
- Oversee or conduct investigations into employee/supervisor complaints and advise leadership on response to complaints and resolution of conflict, performance issues, or disputes.
- Provide leadership and on-going advice, risk assessment, training, and individual counsel to managers and administrators to help resolve employment issues.
- Consult with Extension leaders on organizational changes, workforce pressures, and succession planning
- Collaborate with Extension leadership, departments and units to develop and implement supervisory training and employee development programs incorporating resources available through the other University offices.
- Develop, implement and evaluate effective recruitment, hiring, onboarding and existing processes that ensure a diverse and inclusive workforce.
- Ensure implementation of action plans related to the employee engagement survey results.
Supervision- 10%
- Lead a service-oriented HR team to include recruitment, development, and evaluation of the team
- Collaborate with Extension leaders and the HR team to maximize effective and efficient HR processes and systems.
- Ensure that HR staff have the resources, training, and knowledge needed to deliver professional HR services and consultation in areas particular to the University, Extension, and Federal employee benefits.
Compliance- 10%
- Ensure that HR and related management practices comply with law, policy, contracts, and rules related to Human Resources and Federal employee benefits. Ensure that HR team members maintain knowledge of applicable employment laws and HR policies
- Advise and consult on HR risk management and take appropriate actions to minimize risk . including providing timely and effective investigations, as well as consultation and advice to managers, leaders, and other HR professionals.
- Provide escalation for consultation and investigation of HR issues that are particularly complex or sensitive, including mandated reporting to the Equal Opportunity & Title IV Office, and partnership with the Office of Human Resources, Office of the General Counsel, Office of Institutional Compliance, and Office of Conflict Resolution, as necessary.
Qualifications:
Required Qualifications:
- BA/BS in Human Resources or related field, plus 10 years of related professional HR experience
- Working knowledge of employment laws, rules and regulations affecting human resources.
- Strategic planning and change management experience
- Three years experience supervising HR professionals
- Demonstrated experience advancing diversity, equity and inclusion, with experience working respectfully and effectively with individuals with diverse identities and with under-served groups
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Experience interpreting collective bargaining agreements.
- Success working and leading in a complex, multi-layered and collaborative environment.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Advanced degree in HR or related field and/or HR certifications
- Significant experience leading a team of HR professionals through change to include development, consulting, and payroll management
- Demonstrated leadership ability and an ability to influence others directly and indirectly.
- Exceptional interpersonal skills, using sound judgment, and the ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing across all levels of the organization.
- Extensive experience and knowledge of HR practices and associated laws.
- Experience in higher education and/or public sector employment setting where employees are geographically dispersed.
- Experience working with labor agreements to execute corrective action and grievance processes
- Skills and /or training in change management and conflict resolution.
Competencies:
- Manages Complexity
- Strategic Thinking
- Ensures Accountability
- Balances Interested Parties
- Drives Engagement and Values Differences
For your application to be considered, you must include a resume and cover letter.
First consideration will be given to applicants who apply by Sunday, January 5, 2025. Link to apply: https://hr.myu.umn.edu/jobs/ext/366012
- Must be able to work regularly at a dedicated/assigned Extension office. When working remotely, must be reachable by phone, with the number published in the Extension directory.
- Frequent Twin Cities campus travel and occasional instate and national travel is necessary to perform the responsibilities of this position.
- Must have valid driver’s license and applicable insurance. Mileage and sustenance reimbursement provided according to the University policy.
- Ability to maintain a flexible work schedule, including occasional evening or weekend work. Will have 1-2 overnight stays per year for conferences and off campus Extension meetings.
This position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship.
