Director of Human Resources

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES: The director will assist the Executive Director of Personnel Services in the administration and operation of the Human Resources department. This position will serve as a contact on employee matters; assist in advising and counseling managers on supervisory and performance issues, alignment of goals and infrastructure, and other HR related matters. Oversee the hiring process for all staff, faculty and part time hiring.

Performs duties requiring a high degree of discretion and independent decision making for conformance with federal and state personnel regulations, collective bargaining agreements, application of personnel and affirmative action policies. Assist in developing and implementing effective recruitment strategies aligned with the University's strategic goals, which enable the University to attract and promote a diverse workforce.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Manage the day-to-day operation of the Human Resources Office ensuring efficient services and making recommendations to improve services.
• Ensure conformance with federal and state regulations, collective bargaining agreements, application of personnel and affirmative action policies and related work as required. (FMLA, ADA, Employee Relations, Affirmative Action, FLSA, etc.)
• Manage the implementation of the collective bargaining agreements.
• Handle confidential information used in employee evaluations and disciplinary actions.
• Provide research assistance on the resolution of unit member grievances.
• Manage all components of Human Resources/Compensation Managements Systems (HR/CMS) which includes data entry responsibilities associated with managing positions, new hire, terminations, leaves, sabbatical and workforce administration; work collaboratively with payroll staff regarding all personnel actions for benefited employees.
• Oversee and manage the complaint process as it relates to the EEO Plan, reviews, counsels, investigates, resolves and represents if charges are brought against the university with the MCAD, EEOC and OCR or other state and federal regulatory agencies.
• Oversee regulatory compliance with applicable laws, rules, regulations and statutes, including Titles VI and VII, Title IX of the HEA, Chapter 151 of the MGL, the ADA, Section 504, FLSA, FMLA, OBRA, COBRA, and the rules and regulations of the Commonwealth's Human Resource Division and other local, state and federal regulatory agencies.
• Manage the development and administration of the University's Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Diversity Plan; Serves on the Leadership for Change Task Force (Equity and Diversity).
• Oversees and supervises the administration of all fringe benefits programs including: health and dental insurance, life insurance, long term disability insurance, Dependent Care Program, retirement programs, and Tuition Remission Program, worker's compensation and unemployment compensation systems.
• Manage the recruitment, screening and evaluation of candidates for employment with particular emphasis on the recruitment of protected groups, recommending appropriate personnel actions to the Executive Director.
• Coordinate the communication offers of employment, prepare related materials, and answer questions regarding hiring policies and procedures. Assist with training hiring committees on university, state and federal regulations and policy.
• Coordinate professional development activities including planning, scheduling, implementation and facilitation of employee training/development programs.
• Conduct off boarding interviews with existing employees.
• Conduct AFSCME reclassification audits and hearings; and represent the University at external hearings.
• Oversee records management in the human resources office, sets up appropriate retention and destruction schedules in compliance with the Commonwealth's records management guidelines and trains human resources staff on appropriate procedures.
• Manage the collection of personnel data as required for reports, surveys, and or questionnaires utilizing HRCMS and Warehouse reporting systems. Including the completion of IPEDS and CUPA data on an annual basis as required.
• Designated as a Title IX Responsible Employee (RE) and Campus Security Authority (CSA); serves as an investigator for complaints received under the Equal Opportunity Plan.
• Performs other duties as assigned by the Executive Director of Personnel Services and the Vice President of Personnel Services/General Counsel.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• A minimum of five years with human resources management experience, preferably in a unionized academic environment.
• Knowledge of higher education, state and federal rules, regulations, principles, practices and procedures; extensive knowledge and experience with office management, policies and procedures desired.
• Experience with employee relations and workplace investigations.
• Demonstrated experience working with students, faculty, and staff of varying racial, ethnic, religious, gender, cultural, abilities, sexual orientation and socioeconomic backgrounds.
• Strong behavioral based interviewing, organizational and computer skills including experience with applicant tracking, databases or HR information systems; Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook.
• Must have exceptional interpersonal skills with a positive demeanor, excellent oral and written communication skills, good intuition and be able to adapt to changing priorities and difficult situations while displaying sound judgment.
• Ability to analyze and determine the applicability of data, to draw conclusions and to make appropriate recommendations.
• Ability to work under time pressures in a high transaction environment, while managing multiple priorities.
• Ability to work effectively with faculty, professional and nonprofessional staff and outside constituents.
• Ability to perform the duties of the position with or without reasonable accommodations.
• Satisfactorily pass a check conducted by the Criminal History Systems Board (CORI check), a SORI and a complete background check satisfactory to the university.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Juris Doctor degree

This is a full-time, benefited, exempt, professional non-union position. Salary range is $115,000 to $120,000 commensurate with education and experience.

Fitchburg State University offers a competitive benefits package that includes:

• 9 different pre-taxed, health insurance plan options
• a pension or 401(a), and supplemental plan retirement options
• life insurance up to 8x the annual salary
• long-term disability coverage
• dental insurance
• 20 vacation days accrued per year
• 15 sick days accrued per year
• 5 personal days per year
• paid holidays
• tuition remission for self, spouse, and dependent children and more...

Priority will be given to applications received prior to 3/20/25. Closing date: 3/25/25.

Fitchburg State University it is strongly recommended that all employees be vaccinated against COVID-19 before they begin employment.

Fitchburg State University is an equal opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. Members of traditionally underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply.