Director of Human Resources

Director Human Resources

The Director Human Resources serves as the senior strategic leader responsible for developing and executing a comprehensive human resources strategy that supports the mission, vision, values, and strategic priorities of Guilford College. As a member of the President's Executive Leadership Team, the Director of Human Resources provides leadership and oversight for all aspects of human resources, including talent acquisition, employee relations, compensation and benefits, organizational development, compliance, performance management, employee engagement, HR technology systems, workforce planning, and diversity and inclusion initiatives. The Director of Human Resources partners closely with senior leadership, faculty, staff, and shared governance groups to foster a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performing campus culture that supports employee success and institutional excellence and Title IX Coordinator.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Serve as a trusted advisor to the executive leadership team on all human capital matters.
• Develop and implement HR strategies aligned with institutional goals and long-term workforce planning initiatives.
• Lead organizational development and change management initiatives that support institutional transformation and operational effectiveness.
• Promote a culture of accountability, collaboration, transparency, and employee engagement.

Human Resources Operations

• Direct all HR functions including recruitment, onboarding, employee relations, benefits administration, compensation, classification, HRIS (Workday) management, compliance, training, and performance management.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations, including Title IX, FLSA, ADA, FMLA, EEOC, and related policies.
• Oversee development, implementation, and administration of HR policies, procedures, and employee programs.
• Lead investigations and resolution of employee relations matters with professionalism and confidentiality.

Talent Management and Employee Engagement

• Develop innovative strategies to attract, retain, and develop a diverse and talented workforce.
• Oversee leadership development, succession planning, employee recognition, and professional development initiatives.
• Foster a positive employee experience and support initiatives that enhance morale, wellness, and engagement.

Compensation and Benefits

• Provide strategic oversight of compensation structures, salary administration, market analysis, and benefits programs.
• Ensure compensation and benefits practices remain competitive, equitable, and fiscally responsible.
• Collaborate with finance leadership on budget planning related to personnel and benefits costs.

HR Technology and Data Analytics

• Provide oversight and strategic direction for HRIS (Workday) systems, workforce analytics, reporting, and process improvements.
• Utilize data-driven decision-making to support institutional planning and operational efficiency.
• Lead HR technology enhancements and digital transformation initiatives.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible HR leadership experience, including senior-level management experience.
• Demonstrated knowledge of employment law, HR best practices, organizational development, and strategic workforce planning.
• Strong leadership, communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills.
• Experience managing complex employee relations matters with discretion and professionalism.
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and employee engagement.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Higher Education Administration, Organizational Leadership, or related field.
• Senior HR leadership experience in higher education.
• Professional HR certification such as SHRM-SCP, SPHR, or equivalent.
• Experience leading HRIS (Workday) implementations and HR operational transformation initiatives.
• Experience working collaboratively within shared governance environments.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strategic and analytical thinking skills.
• Ability to build collaborative relationships across diverse stakeholder groups.
• Strong conflict resolution and negotiation abilities.
• High level of integrity, confidentiality, and sound judgment.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Work Environment

This position operates primarily in a professional office environment and may require occasional evening or weekend participation in campus events or meetings.

Compensation and Benefits

Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience and qualifications. Guilford College offers a comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, retirement benefits, paid leave, and professional development opportunities.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Guilford College is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive community and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other legally protected status.

At this time, Guilford College is currently able to hire employees who will perform work in North Carolina only. This limitation is based on current payroll tax registration, employment compliance, and administrative requirements.

Applicants must reside in, or be willing to work from, North Carolina at the time of hire and throughout employment, unless otherwise specifically authorized by the College. As part of the application and hiring process, candidates may be required to provide current address and work location information to ensure compliance with applicable payroll, tax, and employment laws.

Guilford College reserves the right to update work location eligibility requirements as business and regulatory needs change.

Guilford College does not discriminate on the basis of sex/gender, race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, genetic information, military status, veteran status, or any other protected category under applicable local, state or federal law, ordinance or regulation. See our full Statement of Non-Discrimination.