Salary : $73,600.00 - $98,300.00 Annually
Location : 800 Mickelson Dr, Rapid City, SD
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 2026-23
Department: Human Resources
Opening Date: 07/17/2026
Closing Date: 7/31/2026 11:00 PM Mountain

Position Description
Under the direction of the Dean of People and Culture, the Director of People Operations is responsible for the effective administration of human resources programs, services, and systems that support employees throughout the employment lifecycle. This position oversees recruitment, onboarding, employee records, benefits administration, performance management processes, policy administration, credentialing, and compliance activities. The Director ensures compliance with applicable laws, regulations, accreditation requirements, and institutional policies while providing responsive, professional, and solution-focused support to employees and supervisors.

Position Essential Duties

• Administer and continuously improve human resources processes and programs, including recruitment, onboarding, employee records, benefits administration, performance management, and separation processes.
• Coordinate and oversee recruitment, interviewing, selection, and hiring processes to attract and retain qualified employees.
• Ensure compliance with federal and state employment laws, accreditation requirements, and institutional policies and procedures.
• Maintain oversight of employee records, HR systems, credentialing documentation, background checks, and personnel files.
• Serve as the primary administrator of HR information systems and employee data, ensuring accuracy, confidentiality, and data integrity.
• Advise supervisors on the consistent application of HR policies, performance management practices, employee relations matters, corrective action procedures, and grievance matters.
• Conduct and coordinate workplace investigations in accordance with college policy and applicable laws while maintaining confidentiality, fairness, and thorough documentation.
• Build and maintain positive working relationships across the college while serving as a trusted resource for employees and supervisors regarding workplace concerns, policies, and employment practices.
• Develop, review, and recommend updates to HR policies, procedures, position descriptions, employee handbooks, and related documentation.
• Provide timely, accurate, and professional communication to employees and supervisors regarding HR policies, procedures, benefits, employment actions, and organizational requirements.
• Develop, coordinate, and continuously improve onboarding processes that provide all employee groups with a consistent, welcoming, and compliant introduction to the College, its culture, and employment expectations.
• Support compensation and classification processes, including position reviews, market analyses, and pay administration activities.
• Prepare, maintain, and submit required federal, state, accreditation, and institutional reports.
• Coordinate and support supervisor training related to HR policies, employment practices, performance management, compliance, and other operational human resources topics.
• Coordinate employee benefits administration and serve as a liaison with benefit providers and internal stakeholders.
• Chair and participate in institutional committees, providing leadership and human resources expertise to support employee engagement, compensation, wellness, policy development, and other strategic organizational initiatives.
• Recommend operational improvements that increase efficiency, consistency, compliance, and customer service within HR operations.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources Management preferred
• Minimum of 4-6 years' experience in a progressively responsible Human Resources position
• Higher Education experience preferred
• SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP preferred
• Knowledge of employment laws and other government compliance regulations
• Knowledge of OSHA and Workers' Compensation regulations and applications
• Experience with HRMS/HRIS systems
• Microsoft Office proficiency including Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of federal and state employment laws, regulations, and HR best practices.
• Knowledge of recruitment, onboarding, benefits administration, performance management, and employee records administration.
• Ability to interpret and apply policies, procedures, laws, and regulations consistently and fairly.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment when handling sensitive information.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong customer service orientation and ability to build positive working relationships.
• Exceptional written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to facilitate professional and productive conversations regarding workplace concerns and employee relations matters.
• Experience preparing reports, analyzing data, and maintaining accurate records.
• Proficiency with HRIS systems, applicant tracking systems, Microsoft Office applications, and database management tools.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to build trust and credibility with employees, supervisors, and leadership through professionalism, consistency, responsiveness, and sound judgment.
• Utilize AI-enabled tools, when appropriate, to support and enhance daily HR functions.

Western Dakota Technical College offers a wide range of excellent benefits. We provide generous PTO and sick leave, competitive health benefits, and eligibility with the South Dakota Retirement system. about our organization offerings.