Director Of Human Resources

About Alvernia University

Alvernia University was founded in 1958 by the Bernardine Sisters of the Third Order of St. Francis. Through its main campus in Reading and locations in Philadelphia and Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania, the university serves 3,000 students of diverse backgrounds from around the country.

Alvernia offers a unique blend of rigorous liberal arts core education for the development of the mind, strong technical training in many high-demand majors, experiential learning through study abroad and internship experiences, and engagement with the community through our Franciscan-based community service model. We call our model of transformational education the Alvernia Advantage, and we believe this style of education transforms students into ethical leaders with moral courage.

Alvernia University ranks in the top 100 among 2021 Best Regional Universities in the North by U.S. News & World Report, and we are recognized as a College of Distinction for our commitment to engaged experiential education.

Job Summary:

The Director of Human Resources serves as a strategic partner with the University leadership, faculty and staff on all human resource ("HR") matters in support of the University's Catholic mission. This role involves the development and integration of HR programs, facilitation of training, performance management, Title IX coordination, and overall operational management of the HR department. The Director ensures that HR practices align with the university's mission and strategic goals, fostering a positive and inclusive work environment. Director develops and implements policies and best practices necessary to maintain a positive, supportive and fair working environment that attracts, develops, supports and retains a qualified, high performing and diverse workforce. Director is a critical member of the University's team and is expected to deliver high level service and solutions orientated programs that create an environment which values, supports and encourages a high-performance culture in all areas that support the University's community.

Essential Functions:

Mission:

• Promote Franciscan ideals and adherence to the Mission of the University as demonstrated by the University Ideal Characteristics. As we are an equal opportunity employer committed to Franciscan values, all employees share responsibility for advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in the performance of their roles while demonstrating: service orientation, respect for all, intellectual curiosity, solution focus and innovation, and mutual accountability.

Performance Management:

• Develop and manage a robust performance management system that aligns employee performance with the university's strategic goals.

• Guide supervisors and managers in setting performance expectations, conducting evaluations, and providing constructive feedback.

• Implement performance improvement plans and provide support for underperforming employees to help them meet expectations.

Recruitment and Workforce Development:

• Facilitate training programs for faculty and staff, including onboarding, professional development, and compliance training.

• Identify training needs across the university and develop targeted programs to address skill gaps and promote career growth.

• Oversee the creation and delivery of workshops, seminars, and other educational activities that enhance employee competencies and knowledge.

HR Program Development and Integration:

• Design, develop, and implement comprehensive HR programs that support the university's strategic objectives.

• Integrate HR programs with university operations, ensuring consistency and alignment with institutional goals.

• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of HR programs, making adjustments as necessary to improve outcomes.

Policy Development and Enforcement:

• Develop, review, and update HR policies and procedures to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local laws, as well as university standards.

• Communicate policies to the university community and ensure consistent enforcement.

• Address employee concerns and grievances, conducting investigations and taking appropriate corrective actions when necessary.

Title IX Coordination:

• Serve as the university's Title IX Coordinator, overseeing compliance with Title IX regulations.

• Develop and implement policies and procedures related to Title IX, including reporting, investigation, and resolution of complaints.

• Provide training and education on Title IX issues to faculty, staff, and students, promoting a campus environment free from discrimination and harassment.

Operational Management and Oversight:

• Lead and manage the HR team, providing direction, support, and professional development opportunities.

• Oversee HR operations, including recruitment, benefits administration, employee relations, and records management.

• Ensure efficient and effective HR service delivery to all university departments and stakeholders.

• Prepare and manage the HR department budget, ensuring responsible use of resources.

• Step in and assist the HR team where there are needs, ensuring smooth operation and handling urgent matters as they arise.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Leads a team of human resources staff and determines appropriate organizational structure that may or may not include direct reports to deliver measurable results.

• Provides expertise and consulting for all HR projects.

• Serves as the Title IX-EEO Officer of the University relating to complaints of Sexual Misconduct related to faculty and staff.

• Maintains all HIPAA compliance documentation and serves as the HIPAA contact person.

• Selects and manages the services provided by consultants and coordinate the use of insurance brokers, insurance carriers, pension administrators and other outside sources to guarantee fair and equitable pricing and services.

• Maintain good public relations status and represents the University on boards.

• Volunteer within the various civic and welfare organizations and business community.

• Oversees all employee compensation, health and benefit programs.

• Maintains knowledge of industry trends and employment legislation and ensures University compliance.

• Conducts a continuing study of all Human Resources policies, programs, and practices to keep Senior Staff informed of new developments.

• Maintains broad knowledge and experience in employment law, EEOC and EADA, compensation, organizational planning, employee relations, safety, and training and development.

• Develops and institutes changes to programs, procedures, and guidelines to help align the workforce with the strategic goals of the University.

• Oversees communication to all employees of changes related to polices, compensation, benefits and employment. Assists in the solutions and appropriate adjustments to complaints received from management personnel and employees.

• Assist Senior Leadership in the annual review, preparation and administration of University's compensation program. Implements and annually updates compensation program; rewrites job descriptions as necessary; conducts annual salary surveys through the use of CUPA, IPEDS, AAUP, and develops merit pool (salary budget); analyze compensation; monitors performance evaluation program and revises as necessary.

Qualification/Education:

• Commitment to the mission statement, core values and goals of Alvernia University.

• An undergraduate degree in human resources/business management or related field as determined by management. Advanced degree preferred, specifically in Human Resources management, Organizational Development, Training and Development or other related discipline.

• Preferred 7-10 years experience in HR and progressive management roles with a minimum of 5 years in a leadership role.

• Preferred 3-5 years of experience in higher education

• Strong knowledge of HR principles, practices, and legal regulations.

• Experience with Title IX compliance and related training and investigation procedures.

• Strong data visualization and storytelling skills

• Well-developed administrative and organizational skills

• Clear communicator; strong interpersonal and coaching skills.

• Proficiency in HR software and Microsoft Office Suite.

• Resourceful, self-starter with strong interpersonal and collaboration skills

• Ability to manage multiple projects and balance priorities

• A high level of confidentiality is expected.

Physical Requirements:

• Attendance is required in order to perform the duties of this job which may also include remote work.

• Occasional evening and weekend work may be required as job duties demand.

• Some travel via air or by use of vehicle to other University locations as required.

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.

• Must be able to lift 15 pounds at times.