Human Resources Division Head

Human Resources Division Head

The Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI), operated by the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA), is NASA's science operations center for missions including the Hubble and James Webb Space Telescopes. STScI leads observation planning, data analysis, public engagement, and data archiving for flagship missions. Our staff spans astronomy, engineering, education, IT, communications, and administrationworking together to bring space science to the world. STScI is seeking a Human Resources Division Head.

Our world-class astronomical research center is based on the Johns Hopkins University Homewood campus in Baltimore, Maryland. This role is eligible for hybrid work and will require three days of on-site presence in our Baltimore office. You must reside in or be willing to relocate to our local market (MD, DE, VA, PA, DC & WV).

The HR Division Head serves as a senior leader responsible for aligning HR strategy with STScI's institutional vision and goals, overseeing STScI HR services, and driving forward-thinking change management across the organization. This role reports directly to the AURA VP of HR, with a dotted line to the STScI Center Director.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Strategic HR Leadership

Align HR strategy and vision with the future direction of the organization

Enable multi-year enterprise workforce planning aligned to the organization's long-term needs

Helps create a culture of high performance across the center, through effective HR programs

Serve as a strategic thought leader, influencer, and change agent responsible for implementing people-oriented initiatives and cultural change

Work with the Center Director and senior leadership team to plan and execute HR initiatives that benefit employees and the organization

Develop and monitor key HR performance metrics

Collaborate with other AURA HR leaders to identify and implement shared best practices, tools, and templates

HR Operations & Compliance

Develop, track, and communicate key HR data and reports to Center Director, AURA VP of HR, and other key stakeholders.

Oversee all HR services including full life-cycle recruitment, benefits and compensation structures, performance management, talent and leadership development, compliance, and HCM systems

Navigate compliance complexities and operational requirements of an academically oriented, not-for-profit government contractor

Support career ladder development, succession planning, and use of metrics to assess HR service delivery and employee satisfaction

Actively seek opportunities to enhance the effectiveness of HR technology and resources, ensuring alignment with organizational needs and objectives

Employee Relations & Culture

Promote a positive, open work environment where employees are respected and engaged

Establish trust by championing staff needs while achieving organizational goals

Use problem-solving, conflict resolution, and influence to facilitate organizational change

Maintain a highly collaborative and empowered HR team

Collaboration, Consultation, & Stakeholder Engagement

Provide consultation and guidance to employees, managers, the leadership team, and the Director as needed

Engage leaders and employees across the organization

Collaborate with HR leaders across AURA, the Institute Director, and other senior leaders to implement AURA and center objectives

Education

Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Management, or a related field

Preferred: Master's degree in Human Resources, Business Management, or a related field & SPHR and/or SHRM-SCP certification

Experience

15+ years of HR experience, including 5 or more at a VP level (or comparable)

Track record of effectively using change management, collaboration, and influence to advance HR programs across an organization

Demonstrated experience leading multi-year enterprise workforce planning focused on ensuring workforce competencies support the organization's current and future needs.

Proven experience building strong, high-performing, collaborative teams

Demonstrated success delivering innovative and customer-centric strategic and transactional HR services and solutions across key HR functions (e.g., recruiting, compensation, benefits, generalists)

Experience with strategy development and management principles and practices

HR experience in an academic and/or technical/scientific setting, preferably working for a federally funded government contractor

Demonstrated Skills and Abilities

Proven ability to maintain effective relationships at all levels by building trust and credibility as an ethical, honest, and dependable leader.

Strong organization skills that ensure complex projects are completed on time

Effectively communicate succinct updates and overviews to key stakeholders (oral and written)

Strategic planning and HR program development at an organizational level

Delivering HR services by actively listening, measuring, analyzing, problem-solving, and reporting

Collaboration, Consensus-building, negotiation, and influencing without direct authority

Team leadership, development, and empowerment

Customer service mindset (towards leaders and employees)

Change Management

Discretion and confidentiality

Good Judgment and Integrity

Balancing urgent with important

Simultaneously championing employee needs and organizational objectives

Navigating complex compliance and operational environments

The annual salary range for this title is $180,000 - $230,000. The posted salary range represents a general guideline; however, STScI considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers, such as internal pay equity, the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate's experience, education, and skill, and current market conditions.

Candidates are asked to submit one PDF that includes a resume & cover letter in the resume section. The cover letter should address why the candidate's interest and experiences are well suited for the role. Complete applications received by July 31st will receive full consideration. Reference #: HRC0016191

We offer an excellent and comprehensive benefits package, generous retirement, work life balance and a stimulating and diverse work environment.