DIRECTOR OF HUMAN RESOURCESThe University of St. Thomas, a Catholic liberal arts institution in Houston, Texas (UST), invites applications for the position of Director of Human Resources.
SUMMARYThe Director of Human Resources oversees the daily operations of the Human Resources Office and serves as UST's senior HR advisor. This position is responsible for managing the full employee lifecycle-from recruitment through retirement-ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations, advising administration on workforce strategy, and aligning human resources practices with institutional mission, goals, and budget.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIESTALENT ACQUISITION AND RETENTIONThe Director leads recruitment efforts by supporting hiring managers throughout the selection process, advertising job openings, coordinating interviews, conducting background checks, and managing onboarding to ensure a smooth transition for new employees. This role also involves collaborating with leadership to document succession plans, anticipate staffing needs, and develop strategies to address UST's priorities.
EMPLOYEE RELATIONS AND PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENTThe Director serves as an internal advisor to supervisors and staff on employee relations matters, providing support for performance appraisals, improvement plans, and disciplinary procedures. The Director also oversees the performance evaluation process and coordinates employee engagement and recognition activities.
COMPENSATION, BENEFITS, AND LEAVE ADMINISTRATIONThe Director manages the institution's compensation practices, including tuition reimbursement, annual pay increases, and updates to employment agreements. The Director coordinates open enrollment for employee benefits, oversees leave administration such as FMLA and Workers' Compensation, and processes unemployment claims in collaboration with state agencies.
HR COMPLIANCE AND POLICY OVERSIGHTThe Director ensures compliance with federal and state employment laws, including ADA, FLSA, FMLA, Title VII, and others. The role involves monitoring changes in regulations, maintaining up-to-date personnel policies, and ensuring accurate and secure employee recordkeeping. This position also assists with audit and reporting compliance.
TITLE IX COORDINATIONThe Director may serve as UST's lead (Coordinator or Investigator) for Title IX compliance for employees, coordinating investigations, responses, and resolutions of sexual harassment and misconduct complaints. This includes ensuring institutional adherence to training and reporting requirements under federal and state law.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENTThe Director assesses the professional development needs of employees and coordinates training opportunities that align with institutional goals. This includes scheduling and promoting workshops and learning experiences to support faculty and staff growth.
HR OPERATIONS AND BUDGET MANAGEMENTThe Director manages the daily operations of the HR office, including supervising staff and ensuring the delivery of effective services. This role includes oversight of the departmental budget and the implementation and maintenance of HR systems and technologies.
PROFESSIONAL AND QUALITY CUSTOMER SERVICEThe Director will demonstrate professionalism and provide quality customer service in accordance with UST's values; maintain positive working relationships and make decisions and solve problems; maintain confidentiality, positive communication, accurate records, and an organized, safe working environment; exhibit flexibility, willingness to learn, ability to change, and maintain current technology skills.
The above is intended to serve as a summary, not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities required of the position. UST may amend or change the responsibilities, duties, and requirements of this position at any time.
Qualifications, Experience, Skills- A bachelor's degree in human resources or a related field is required. Master's degree preferred.
- 5 + years of full-time professional experience in the HR field (required)
- 3 + years of experience in a Manager or Director role (required)
- University/ higher education experience (preferred)
- HRIS implementation and ADP WFN experience preferred
- Experience managing/ facilitating the resolution of Title IX and Title VII matters
- A deep understanding of and broad range of experience navigating federal and state employment laws (FLSA, ADA, ADEA, Worker's Compensation, FMLA)
- Proficient in MS Office products
- Strong presentation skills and demonstrated experience training staff/ faculty team members
- Superior interpersonal communication skills and ability to speak, collaborate, and exchange ideas with UST Community Members (students, staff, faculty) at all levels
- Due to the need for visibility on campus and a high level of engagement in this role, the incumbent is expected to work onsite during the UST's regular business hours: 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM, Monday - Friday.
- Title IX Investigator Certification Preferred, willingness to obtain certification within 60 days of employment required.
The University of Saint Thomas is committed to the religious, ethical, and intellectual traditions of Catholic higher education. As permitted by law, practicing Catholics who will advance the mission of the school are preferred for this position. However, the University invites all qualified applicants to apply.
