Executive Director of UDRI Human Resources
Job No: 503426
Work Type: Staff Full Time (1500 hours or greater)
Location: Dayton, OH
Category: Research Institute Staff
Department: UDRI Business Support - 250130
Pay Grade: MA2 - Exempt
Advertised: March 25, 2026
Applications close:
Position Summary:
The Executive Director of UDRI Human Resources (HR) serves as the senior leader responsible for setting and executing the UDRI's talent strategy in alignment with its business objectives. In collaboration with the University's HR team, this role provides leadership to the UDRI HR team, and oversight of talent acquisition, workforce planning, employee relations, total rewards, compliance, leadership development, and culture, ensuring UDRI can attract, retain, and develop a high-performing workforce. The Executive Director of UDRI Human Resources partners with executive leadership to drive organizational effectiveness, manage risk, and build scalable HR infrastructure that supports growth and operational excellence.
This role involves conducting thorough data analysis and leveraging insights from employee feedback to craft engagement initiatives that foster a positive and collaborative work environment and cultivate an exceptional organizational culture. The Director will lead efforts to ensure an inclusive and positive work environment. Additionally, the Director oversees training and development programs to enhance employee growth, development, and retention. Collaboration with UD HR and UDRI Strategic Communications and Branding team is essential to maintain a compelling employer brand that attracts and retains top talent. The Director's leadership ensures that UDRI remains a thriving and cohesive workplace community.
Minimum Qualifications:
• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources or related field
• 10 years of progressive HR experience, including leadership across multiple HR disciplines
• Five years of experience leading and managing teams
• Expertise across HR functional areas, including knowledge of federal/state HR regulations and experience mitigating risk
• Strong knowledge of employment law, HR governance, and policy frameworks
• Experience with succession planning, performance systems, and leadership development
• Experience leading the strategy, design, administration, and compliance of employer-sponsored benefit programs, including health, welfare, and retirement plans
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Operate with a high-level of integrity and understanding of and commitment to maintaining strict confidentiality of sensitive information
• Experience working collaboratively across cross-functional teams, building trusted partnerships to achieve organizational objectives for a variety of constituents
• Experience leading organizational change and culture initiatives
• HR certification such as SHRM-SCP or SPHR
• Due to the requirements of our research contracts with the U.S. federal government, candidates for this position must be a U.S. person (i.e., a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, lawful permanent resident, asylee, or refugee)
• Valid driver's license, with a low risk driving record, and insurable by the University
Preferred Qualifications:
While not everyone may possess all of the preferred qualifications, the ideal candidate will bring many of the following:
• Master's degree in Human Resources or related field
• Experience working in a multi-state employer environment
• AA/EEO compliance credentials
• Experience working in a government contracting environment or with a cleared workforce
Special Instructions to Applicants:
To apply please submit a cover letter addressing each minimum qualification and any applicable preferred qualifications that you meet.
