501 East 38th Street
Erie, PA 16546
814-824-2000
800-825-1926

mercyhurst.edu

Director of Human Resources

Location: Erie
Department: Human Resources
Reports To: Senior Vice President for Administration and COO
Full/Part Time: full-time/exempt
Closes: open until filled

POSITION SUMMARY

Plan, direct, and coordinate human resource management activities of Mercyhurst University to
maximize the strategic use of human resources and maintain critical human resources functions.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Establishes Human Resource Department goals, activities, objectives, and policies; hires and

supervises HR staff; aligns the staff competencies and talents, as well as the budget and
activities of the department with institutional goals.

• Design, develop, recommend, and implement strategies to support, improve and strengthen the

Human Resources Department and services.

• Manage onboarding of employees. Consults with managers and supervisors to provide support

for recruitment, interviewing and selection of candidates. Specifically responsible for the on
boarding and processing of GA and GEs.

• Manage exiting of employees. Conduct and track exit interviews and identify reasons for

termination for retention reviews.

• Consults with all levels of faculty and staff to provide effective HR support, including

interpretation and communication of policies and procedures.

• Assists senior administration in complying with labor laws, regulations, and EEO policies.
• Advises senior administration on trends or sensitive employee matters that may occur; partners

including problem resolution, progressive discipline and annual performance appraisals and
career development opportunities.

• Oversee HR staff in management of benefits-related matters. Oversee maintenance of

relationship with carriers, enrollment, and monthly bills.

• Oversee faculty and staff employment practices, employee relations, benefits administration,

employee database management, payroll review, regulatory compliance, and relevant
institution-wide opportunities for training and professional development.

• Oversee and manage maintenance of and changes to HR database and systems, records, and

files.

• Analyze data and produce reports, documents, and surveys. Maintain the integrity in systems

by running queries and analyzing data. Research and resolve problems, unexpected results, or
process flaws, perform scheduled activities, recommend solutions, or alternate methods to
meet requirement.

• Analyze and modify compensation and benefits policies to establish and maintain competitive

programs and ensure compliance with legal requirements.

• Participate in employee orientation sessions throughout the year to foster positive attitude

toward organizational objectives.

• Develop, update, and distribute university human resources policies, benefits plans, handbooks,

and procedures.

• Represent organization at personnel-related hearings and investigations, including the submittal

of information requested by Unemployment Compensation and other agencies.

• Administer compensation, benefits and performance management systems, and safety and

employee outreach programs.

• Ensure employees have current information about policies, job duties, working conditions,

wages, opportunities for promotion, and employee benefits.

• Maintain records and analyze statistical data and reports to identify and determine causes of

personnel- related data, personnel problems, departures and develop recommendations for
improvement of organization's personnel policies, practices, and retention.

• Prepare and monitor department operational budget and assist with development and

monitoring of annual benefits budget.

• Oversee the evaluation, classification and rating of occupations and job positions and

development of job descriptions.

• Coordinate processing of work status adjustment for foreign nationals seeking employment with

the institution including verification of employment eligibility; change of status process;
initiation of permanent residence process; and other immigration and homeland security
compliance mandates.

• Develop and administer special projects in areas such as retirement plan changes and options,

pay equity, etc.

• Coordinate employee performance review process and ensure current job descriptions are

maintained in files.

• Review and update report outputs that generate from the HR office.
• Other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Master's degree or equivalent preferred.
• Certificate in Human Resources or SPHR Certification preferred.
• Documented experience on-boarding and exiting employees required.
• Minimum of five years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of

education and experience required.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of federal and state employment laws and regulations, and OSHA and workers

compensation reporting laws and requirements.

• Ability to make decisions, exhibit sound and accurate judgement and makes timely decisions.
• Ability to work independently.
• Ability to delegate work assignments, set expectations and monitor delegated activities.
• Strong and effective verbal and written communication.
• Strong computer skills.
• Strong listening and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to collaborate and recommend options and related sensitively to internal and external

Database software; Internet software; Proficient in Microsoft Office including Microsoft Excel
Spreadsheet software and Microsoft Word Processing software.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled or until
the date indicated above. Send cover letter, resume and 3 work-related references to:

Human Resources
Mercyhurst University
501 East 38th Street

Erie, PA 16546
hrinfo@mercyhurst.edu

Mercyhurst University values diversity and is committed to the goal of achieving equal
opportunity for all. For that reason, Mercyhurst abides by federal, state, and local law in
admissions, employment and all services and programs provided.

Mercyhurst does not unlawfully discriminate based on race, color, religion, creed, sex,
citizenship status, ancestry, national or ethnic origin, age, familial status, sexual orientation,
gender identity or expression, physical or mental disability, military or veteran status or any
other legally protected characteristic or because of any individual’s legally protected activities.

Mercyhurst complies with federal, state, and local legislation and regulations regarding
nondiscrimination. This policy applies to faculty, administration and staff, applicants for
employment, students and applicants for educational programs and activities.

Candidates must be currently eligible to work in the United States