Director, Human Resources

Transylvania University, located in the heart of downtown Lexington, Kentucky invites applications for the position of Director of Human Resources. Transylvania is a top-ranked private liberal arts college featuring a community-driven, personalized approach to a liberal arts education. Founded in 1780, it is Kentucky’s first college and the 16th oldest institution of higher learning in the country, with approximately 1,000 students.

The Director of Human Resources provides leadership and direction of the University’s Human Resources functions, ensuring alignment with university strategic and operating plans and in support of Transylvania University’s mission and vision. The Director of Human Resources is a leadership position that facilitates an organizational culture that promotes employee engagement and maximizes employee potential.

Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Identify legal and governmental requirements affecting human resources functions and ensure that institutional policies, procedures, and reporting practices support compliance with such requirements.

2. Conducts and oversees investigations of reported policy violations, discrimination, or harassment, and advises senior leadership and local management on appropriate resolution of employee relations issues.

3. Leads university talent management strategies, including faculty and staff recruitment, assessment, selection, and onboarding.

4. Oversees compensation including pay evaluation, market surveys, and salary reports to senior leaders.

5. Oversees payroll function. 

6. Oversees management and implementation of a comprehensive employee benefits plan offering, including a self-funded health insurance plan.

7. Develops and provides direction to employee personnel development.

8. Provides direction to an employee performance management program to ensure effectiveness, compliance, and equity within the organization.

9. Ensures operational efficiency, utilizing all HR systems capabilities to maximize the effectiveness of Human Resources business processes.

10. Supervises, manages, trains, and oversees a human resources support staff

Required Qualifications

1. Bachelor’s degree in human resource management, business administration or related field (Master’s Degree Preferred)

2. 7+ years of HR management experience, with at least 3 years in a leadership role, preferably in a higher education setting

3. Higher Education experience preferred

4. HR certification (PHR, SPHR, or SHRM-CP/SCP) strongly preferred

Required Knowledge

1. Strong knowledge of employment laws and regulations

2. Strategic understanding of HR functions, including talent management, training and development, personnel development, benefits, employee engagement, onboarding, performance management, and employee relations

3. Knowledge of payroll administration

4. Working knowledge of federal and state laws and regulations related to human resources

Required Experience and Skills

1. Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills

2. Ability to work collaboratively with university leadership, staff, and faculty

3. Proven track record in managing employee relations, performance management, and organizational development

4. Experience in handling difficult and complex employee relations and performance issues

5. Demonstrated experience with diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives

6. Strong analytical, critical thinking, project management, problem recognition, coaching, mediation, and resolution skills

7. Ability to effectively communicate and collaborate with a variety of people at all levels of an organization

8. Ability to work successfully in a highly collaborative environment requiring discretion and confidentiality

9. Experience overseeing payroll; experience in partnering with the finance department to seek guidance from the controller, as needed

10. Experience leading change initiatives with evidence of high emotional intelligence

Transylvania University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and recognizes the value of historically excluded and underrepresented backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences that enrich the university’s environment for colleagues and students alike. We are committed to enhancing the diversity of the university community and encourage all who are interested to apply.

To begin the application process, submit your cover letter to the attention of Lisa Custardo, Executive Vice President for Business Affairs & Chief Financial Officer, stating your qualifications and interest and clicking the "Apply For This Position" button below. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until an appointment is made.  Preference will be given to candidates who apply by November 15, 2024.

Last updated on Nov 2, 2024