Director of Human Resources, UT Southern (Pulaski, TN) - University of Tennessee System : Job Details

About UT Southern

UT Southern is the newest campus to join the University of Tennessee System, resulting from UT's acquisition of Martin Methodist College in 2021. The nearly 1,100 students enrolling at UT Southern enjoy a private, small-college experience at an affordable, public-university cost. Among the many advantages are low student-teacher ratios, high classroom personalization, and the resources of a land-grant university system. More than 30 academic programs of study are available through the divisions of business, education, humanities, mathematics and sciences, nursing, and social sciences.With a historic campus located in Pulaski, Tennessee, in the beautiful hills of southern Middle Tennessee, The University of Tennessee Southern is convenient to both Nashville (70 miles to the north) and Huntsville, Alabama (40 miles to the south).

The Opportunity

The University of Tennessee Southern enthusiastically invites applications for a newly created Director of Human Resources in the Office of Chief Financial Officer. Reporting directly to the Chief Financial Officer, the Director is expected to provide strategic vision, leadership, and expertise in all facets of human resources.

As Director of Human Resources for UT Southern, the position provides advice, guidance, and/or direction to primarily internal staff on HR issues related to compensation, employee relations, professional development, recruitment, and other HR-related matters for UT Southern. In addition to guiding decision-making on issues related to faculty and staff workforces, the Director is responsible for ensuring that employment practices are lawful, and that the application of human resources initiatives remain in alignment with UT System policy. Works closely with the UT Southern chancellor and senior leaders on all HR matters.

Primary duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

Director of Human Resources

* Responsible for knowing and applying HR policies throughout the campus.

* Coordinates and provides support for all campus searches.

* Serves as the main contact for HR functions for UT Southern.

* Develops compensation packages for new hires and directs/guides agencies on compensation for new hires in collaboration with System HR.

* Provides advice and counsel to members of the UT Southern leadership teams on hiring, recruitment, and probationary periods.

* Planning, organizing, and reporting pertinent data (e.g., staffing, attrition, etc.).

* Maintains strong working relationships with UT System HR, the Office of General Counsel, and various functional partners including, but not limited to Compensation, Talent Management, Employee Relations, and Executive and Organization Development.

* Provides guidance, knowledge transfer, and recommends development/coaching opportunities.

* Continues professional development to stay current on HR Best Practices through HR organizations (CUPA-HR, SHRM, etc.)

* Serves as UT Southern Human Resources representative at UT System HRO meetings, work groups; & occasional other UT meetings.

Leadership and Consultation

* Consults with the chancellor, CHRO, and members of the senior leadership team to provide expertise and resolution for complex, sensitive HR matters for both faculty and staff.

* Works in close collaboration with campus constituents to ensure understanding of needs and opportunities.

* Designs and implements applicable HR tactics and programs to address evolving employee needs and ensures maximum impact.

* Proactively advises senior leaders regarding potential HR concerns and recommends process and procedural adjustments.

* Champions employee engagement efforts and proactively advises senior leaders regarding potential concerns and recommends opportunities for continuous improvement.

* Ensures appropriate communications and information cascades pertinent to changes and updates in HR practices, policies, and procedures.

Functional Human Resource Duties

* Process human resource transactions in IRIS/DASH

* Provides full-cycle recruiting for staff and faculty positions, including posting, sourcing, consulting, and developing diverse applicant pools.

* Performs general HR duties as needed

* Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

* Bachelor's degree in HR or related field or equivalent experience.

* Minimum of 5 years of demonstrated leadership experience in human resources, including expertise in key areas such as employee relations, professional development, compensation, performance management, employee engagement, succession planning, and change management, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

* Demonstrated experience consulting and advising senior-level leaders in broad areas of human resources.

* Demonstrated commitment to an inclusive and collaborative leadership style that is strong in teamwork.

* Demonstrated experience dealing with highly sensitive and confidential HR issues and scenarios.

* Demonstrated history of successful collaboration with multiple constituencies

Preferred Qualifications

* Master's Degree in HR or a related field

* SPHR, SHRM-SCP, etc. certification

* Experience in higher education is highly desirable.

* Experience in a multi-campus university system or multi-location organization is preferred.

* Demonstrated ability to achieve results through partnership and influence as opposed to direct leadership.

Application Process

For full consideration, candidates should apply electronically using the link below, including a cover letter addressing their interest in and qualifications for the role, a resume, and a list of professional references. Applications will be reviewed immediately and continue until the position is filled.