Rutgers University

Assistant Director of HR Administration, Initiatives, and Programming

Rutgers University$94K — $144K *
Education, Government & Non-Profit
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree with five years of relevant HR experience.
  • Experience managing complex administrative operations and strategic projects.
  • Strong analytical skills and ability to synthesize data for decision-making.
  • Exceptional verbal and written communication skills for senior leadership materials.
  • Ability to navigate sensitive topics with discretion and emotional intelligence.
  • Proven ability to manage shifting priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

  • Brief the Senior Vice President for key meetings and events.
  • Conduct benchmarking research for HR initiatives and meetings.
  • Oversee daily operations and workflow of the Office of the SVP.
  • Lead HR projects ensuring effective timelines and implementation.
  • Manage strategic HR communications and branding, including social media.

Benefits

  • Medical, prescription drug, and dental coverage.
  • Paid vacation and various leave programs.
  • Competitive retirement benefits and voluntary savings options.
  • Employee and dependent educational benefits.
  • Life insurance coverage and employee discount programs.
Full Job Description
Position Details

Position Information

Recruitment/Posting Title
Assistant Director of HR Administration, Initiatives, and Programming

Job Category
Staff & Executive - Human Resources

Department
Senior VP Human Resources

Posting Summary

Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey is seeking an Assistant Director of HR Administration, Initiatives, and Programming for The Office of the Senior Vice President for Human Resources. This role functions as a key strategic and operational partner to the Senior Vice President of Human Resources (SVPHR) and the Assistant Vice President of Human Resources Administration, ensuring smooth execution of daily activities and the realization of HR goals and initiatives in support of the Rutgers mission. The ideal candidate is a proactive, analytical, collaborative, and highly organized leader who thrives in a dynamic environment where priorities shift rapidly and tasks often involve sensitive, high-stake issues.

Among the key duties of this position are the following:

Executive Support & Briefing Preparation
  • Briefs the SVPHR in advance of meetings and events, ensuring all relevant materials, background information, talking points, and presentations are accurate and well-organized.
  • Conducts internal and external benchmarking research in preparation for meetings drawing from emerging issues, industry trends, and peer institution practices.
  • Develops high-quality PowerPoint presentations, written briefs, talking points, and background documents for internal and external audiences.
  • Ensures systematic follow-up to meetings, decisions, and action items, tracking progress and coordinating across HR units and university stakeholders to ensure completion.
  • Collaborates with the Policy and Employment Practices team to provide guidance on policy development.


Administrative Leadership, Communications, & Office Operations
  • Supervises, manages, and mentors administrative staff and promote a service-oriented, professional, and confidential office environment.
  • Provides leadership, coaching, and work direction to ensure effective management of daily tasks.
  • Oversees the daily operations of the Office of the SVPHR, designing and maintaining systems that support efficient workflow, communication, and responsiveness.
  • Manages scheduling, coordination, prioritization, budgeting support, and operational planning for the SVP and the office.
  • Participates in budget discussions as appropriate and exercise delegated approval authority for office supplies, equipment, and training.
  • Reviews and approves overtime and docked pay for all UHR units.


Strategic Projects & Initiative Management
  • Leads and coordinates major HR projects and initiatives sponsored by the SVPHR, ensuring strong project design, timelines, accountability measures, and successful implementation.
  • Oversees the planning and execution of internal team-building events for UHR and events on behalf of the Office of the University President, including but not limited, to the annual faculty and staff service recognition ceremonies and the Presidential Employee Excellence Recognition program.
  • Manages the Human Resources brand and reputation, including oversight of websites, newsletters, and social media.
  • Partners with HR leaders, academic units, and cross-functional teams to support the development and execution of strategic priorities and ad hoc special projects.


Process Improvement and Data Analytics
  • Identifies opportunities to streamline business processes and implement strategies to improve workflow.
  • Coordinates with subject matter experts to identify briefing and training needs, and develops briefings, training materials, and presentations for HR Liaisons HR Council Members to improve understanding of UHR policies and procedures.
  • Compiles routine and ad-hoc reports, utilizing data tools to provide data-driven recommendations.
  • Develops data-informed insights, analyses, and recommendations to support decision-making by senior leadership.
  • Works with UHR leadership and stakeholder groups to develop formal feedback mechanisms and survey cadence.


Faculty Salary Equity Program Support
  • Manages all aspects of the faculty salary equity program, including data collection, analysis coordination, process oversight, and communication.
  • Supervises, manages, and mentors support staff to ensure timely and accurate execution of program deliverables.
  • Partners with Academic Affairs, school leadership, and other university offices to ensure a consistent and rigorous review process.
  • Prepares analyses, confidential reports, executive summaries, and presentations for leadership.


Labor Relations & Union Agreement Expertise
  • Maintains a strong working knowledge of university union agreements, policies, and relevant labor frameworks.
  • Ensures that analyses, briefings, and recommendations consider contractual obligations and labor-management best practices.
  • Serves as a resource to the SVPHR by identifying union-related considerations tied to emerging initiatives or operational decisions.


FLSA
Exempt

Grade
07

Salary Details

Minimum Salary
94492.000

Mid Range Salary
119604.000

Maximum Salary
144715.000

Offer Information

The final salary offer may be determined by several factors, including, but not limited to, the candidate's qualifications, experience, and expertise, and availability of department or grant funds to support the position. We also take into consideration market benchmarks, if and when appropriate, and internal equity to ensure fair compensation relative to the university's broader compensation structure. We are committed to offering competitive and flexible compensation packages to attract and retain top talent.

Benefits

Rutgers provides a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees. The specific benefits vary based on the position and may include:
  • Medical, prescription drug, and dental coverage
  • Paid vacation, holidays, and various leave programs
  • Competitive retirement benefits, including defined contribution plans and voluntary tax-deferred savings options
  • Employee and dependent educational benefits (when applicable)
  • Life insurance coverage
  • Employee discount programs


Position Status
Full Time

Working Hours

Standard Hours
37.50

Daily Work Shift

Work Arrangement

Consistent with the current application of Rutgers Policy 60.3.22 or the applicable provisions of relevant collective negotiations agreements, this position may be eligible for a hybrid work arrangement. Flexible work arrangements are not permanent, are subject to change or discontinuation, and contingent on the employee receiving approval in the FlexWork@RU Application System

Union Description
Administrators Confidential

Payroll Designation
PeopleSoft

Seniority Unit

Terms of Appointment
Staff - 12 month

Position Pension Eligibility
ABP

Qualifications

Minimum Education and Experience
  • Bachelor's degree and five (5) years of relevant experience.


Certifications/Licenses

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
  • Demonstrated experience managing complex administrative operations, and/or multifaceted strategic projects.
  • Strong analytical and quantitative skills, with the ability to interpret and synthesize data, benchmark and translate best practices to RU needs, and recommendation actions that align to UHR's articulated goals and strategic priorities.
  • Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with experience preparing materials for senior leadership.
  • Proven track record as a proactive, self-directed, and mission-aligned professional.
  • Ability to navigate sensitive issues with discretion, diplomacy, and emotional intelligence.
  • Ability to work collaboratively across diverse stakeholders, including senior leaders, faculty, union representatives, and staff.
  • Demonstrated ability to manage shifting priorities and deliver high-quality work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
  • Knowledge of union agreements and comfort applying contractual guidelines to projects and decision-making.


Preferred Qualifications
  • Advanced degree in business, public administration, human resources, higher education, data analytics, or a related field or equivalent experience.
  • Executive-level support experience.
  • Experience working in a unionized environment or with unionized workforces, particularly in higher education, public sector, or large-scale institutional settings.
  • Background in HR strategy, compensation analysis, salary equity reviews, faculty affairs, or institutional research.
  • Experience preparing executive communications or materials for senior leadership.
  • Familiarity with university policies, shared governance structures, and academic operations.


Equipment Utilized

Physical Demands and Work Environment

Special Conditions

Posting Details

Posting Number
26ST0463

Posting Open Date
03/11/2026

Special Instructions to Applicants

Regional Campus
Rutgers University-New Brunswick

Home Location Campus
Rutgers University - New Brunswick

City
New Brunswick

State
NJ

Location Details

Pre-employment Screenings

All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of all pre-employment screenings.

Immunization Requirements
Under Policy 100.3.1 Immunization Policy for Covered Individuals, if employment will commence during Flu Season, Rutgers University may require certain prospective employees to provide proof that they are vaccinated against Seasonal Influenza for the current Flu Season, unless the University has granted the individual a medical or religious exemption. Additional infection control and safety policies may apply. Prospective employees should speak with their hiring manager to determine which policies apply to the role or position for which they are applying. Failure to provide proof of vaccination for any required vaccines or obtain a medical or religious exemption from the University will result in rescission of a candidate's offer of employment or disciplinary action up to and including termination.

About Rutgers University

Rutgers University is a public research university that offers undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs. The university has three main campuses in New Brunswick, Newark, and Camden, New Jersey, as well as several satellite locations. Rutgers University was founded in 1766 and is the eighth-oldest college in the United States. The university is known for its strong programs in the sciences, humanities, and social sciences, as well as its commitment to public service and community engagement. Rutgers University is a member of the Big Ten Conference and has a strong athletic program.
Learn more about Rutgers University
Size
13,000 employees
Industry

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