Job Description

Special Instructions to Applicants: All interested applicants should attach a cover letter and resume in the Supporting Documents section of the application, preferably in PDF format to avoid any formatting issues.

Position Summary:
Reporting to the Executive Director, Business Operations, the Director, Talent Management provides strategic leadership, vision, and execution for talent-related initiatives across the Development and Alumni Relations (DAR) division. This role is responsible for designing and implementing programs that enhance recruitment, performance management, professional development, and retention to support a high-performing and engaged workforce. The Director leads a team responsible for talent acquisition and development, partners closely with division leadership, and serves as a trusted advisor on organizational effectiveness, workforce planning, and employee engagement strategies.

Ideal Candidate Statement:

The ideal candidate brings a balance of strategy and execution, strong business acumen, and the ability to influence at all levels while fostering a collaborative and inclusive work environment.

Workplace Requirements:
This position is offered as a hybrid role, combining both in-office and remote work to provide flexibility and support collaboration. Per Rice policy 440, work arrangements may be subject to change.

*Exempt (salaried) positions under FLSA are not eligible for overtime.

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor's Degree
• 4+ years of progressively responsible experience in talent management, organizational development, or human resources
• Demonstrated success leading programs or teams that improve employee performance, engagement, and retention

Skills:

• Demonstrated leadership, supervisory, planning, and change management skills
• Proven expertise in talent management strategies, including recruitment, performance management, employee development, and retention
• Strong leadership and people management skills, with experience coaching and developing teams
• Exceptional communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to influence and advise stakeholders at all levels
• High emotional intelligence, with the ability to navigate complex interpersonal dynamics and exercise sound judgment in sensitive situations
• Strategic mindset with the ability to assess organizational needs and translate them into actionable talent solutions
• Experience designing and facilitating training and leadership development programs, including the use of assessment tools
• Experience leveraging, evaluating, implementing, and driving adoption of HR technologies and workflow tools to improve efficiency, operations, and reporting
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to use data to inform decision-making
• Excellent organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and initiatives simultaneously

Preferences:

• Advanced degree in Human Resources, Organizational Development, or a related field
• SHRM, HRCI, or another relevant certification
• Experience in higher education or development/fundraising environments

Essential Functions:

• Leads the division's talent management strategy in alignment with organizational priorities and goals
• Develops and manages a high-performing talent management team through coaching, accountability, and continuous improvement
• Partners with leadership to assess workforce needs and implement organizational effectiveness and workforce planning strategies
• Develops and executes recruitment strategies to attract, hire, and retain top talent
• Builds and maintains talent pipelines to meet current and future workforce needs
• Advises hiring managers on selection, interviewing, and hiring best practices while ensuring compliance with university policies
• Designs and delivers learning, development, leadership, and team-effectiveness programs
• Utilizes assessment tools and development resources to enhance individual and team performance
• Leads employee engagement and retention initiatives that support an inclusive and high-performing workplace culture
• Guides leaders on performance management, coaching, feedback, accountability, and employee development
• Evaluates organizational structures, career pathways, and talent practices to support growth and mobility
• Oversees process improvements, technology adoption, and system enhancements that increase operational efficiency
• Uses data, metrics, and engagement feedback to evaluate effectiveness and drive continuous improvement
• Serves as a trusted advisor on employee relations, team dynamics, leadership effectiveness, and complex people matters

Additional Functions:

• Ensures accurate and timely personnel actions for new hires and existing employees
• Maintains awareness of industry trends and best practices
• Supports broader division initiatives and strategic priorities
• Ensures alignment with university HR policies and practices
• Is accountable for the professional development and performance of direct reports
• Maintains contact with various administrators across campus, staying up to date on university initiatives and their potential impact on the division

Rice University HR | Benefits: https://knowledgecafe.rice.edu/benefits

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