University HR Senior Director of Workforce Engagement

University of Georgia - Athens, GA

Full-time - Senior

Athens, GA

10,001+ employees

Educational Services

About the position

The Senior Director of Workforce Engagement at the University of Georgia plays a pivotal role in enhancing the institution's most valuable asset: its people. This position is responsible for overseeing a range of employee and organization-focused activities, including employee relations, performance management, leadership consultation, employee engagement, workplace performance, complaint resolution, mediation, and compliance with employment laws. Reporting directly to the Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer, the Senior Director is a key member of the University Human Resources Leadership Team, engaging with various internal and external stakeholders to foster a positive work environment across the university. In this role, the Senior Director will lead strategic initiatives that proactively impact the workplace, developing and implementing policies and programs that align with the university's mission. The position requires building and maintaining strong relationships with key stakeholders to drive collaboration and foster a workplace culture that promotes employee engagement and well-being. The Senior Director will also represent the University Human Resources (UHR) department on campus committees and initiatives, ensuring that the HR perspective is integrated into broader university strategies. The Senior Director will also oversee employee relations by leading the Workforce Engagement program, providing strategic guidance on complex faculty and staff matters, and ensuring the equitable application of policies. This includes educating leaders on employee relations and conducting investigations into conduct issues. Additionally, the role involves utilizing data analytics to diagnose workplace trends and issues, developing a case management system to support strategic initiatives, and identifying areas for improvement. Workforce planning is another critical aspect of the position, where the Senior Director will help units optimize their organizational design and staffing processes. As a member of the HR leadership team, the Senior Director will participate in meetings, support fellow leaders, and collaborate with other departments to achieve the strategic goals of the HR organization. This position is essential for maintaining a positive and productive work environment at the University of Georgia, ensuring that the institution continues to thrive for years to come.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and manage strategic initiatives that will proactively impact the workplace.
• Develop, design, and implement policies, processes, and programs that support the mission of the organization.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders across the organization and university to drive collaboration.
• Foster a positive workplace culture that promotes employee engagement, well-being, and a strong sense of community.
• Represent UHR as a strategic contributor on campus committees and initiatives.
• Lead and facilitate the Workforce Engagement program objectives, policies, and procedures.
• Act as an internal consultant providing strategic guidance for complex faculty and staff matters, ensuring equitable application of policies.
• Educate leaders and supervisors on employee relations matters and employment policy interpretation.
• Lead investigations into employee conduct issues, ensuring a fair and compliant process.
• Develop and implement corrective action plans to address performance concerns, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
• Oversee the utilization of case data to diagnose trends and issues in the workplace.
• Develop, implement, and maintain a case management system to support strategic initiatives and provide actionable insights.
• Identify areas of opportunity for improvement in workforce analytics.
• Help units optimize their organization through sound organizational design and staffing.
• Lead the team in developing processes and policies for effective organizational design and transition.
• Participate in meetings as a member of the University HR Leadership team and support other leadership team members.

Requirements

• A baccalaureate degree in a relevant field is required.
• At least 7 years of increasingly responsible experience in human resources is required.
• A minimum of 2 years of supervisory experience is required.
• Previous experience in employee relations or similar experience is preferred.
• Experience working in a higher education university environment is preferred.
• Knowledge of employee relations and employment policy, including conducting investigations and related training.
• Understanding of mediating differences, facilitating discussions, and coaching with creativity and judgment.
• Ability to manage workforce analytics and understand data implications for workforce opportunities.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, with the ability to interact professionally with various stakeholders.
• Attention to detail and strong organizational skills.
• Proficiency in planning, organizing, prioritizing multiple tasks, and meeting deadlines.
• Excellent customer service, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience in a leadership role within a university setting.
• Familiarity with state and federal personnel laws.

Benefits

• Health insurance coverage
• Retirement plan options (TRS or ORP)
• Full-time employment benefits eligibility
• Paid holidays
• Professional development opportunities