Position: Director of Human Resources
Department: Human Resources
Reports to: Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
Location: Huntsville, Alabama
Employment Type: Full-time | Exempt
Director of Human Resources, HudsonAlpha Institute for BiotechnologyThe OpportunityAs Director of Human Resources for HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, you'll be the architect of a strategic HR organization that attracts, develops, and retains the exceptional talent driving breakthroughs in genomics, food security, and sustainable economic growth.
This is more than administration. You'll build the systems, culture, and leadership capability that transform HudsonAlpha's people strategy into a competitive advantage - designing HR programs that are as innovative as the science they support. You'll serve as a trusted partner to senior leadership, fluent in the language of compliance, organizational development, talent strategy, and employee relations; helping a diverse, mission-driven workforce thrive and perform at its best.
What You'll DoLead Strategic Talent Management:- Serve as a strategic HR advisor to senior leadership, translating organizational goals into actionable HR strategies that support the long-term direction of the Institute
- Develop and execute a comprehensive HR strategic plan aligned with HudsonAlpha's mission and values
- Collaborate across Mission areas and support teams to deliver high-quality HR initiatives with measurable impact
- Lead cultural development initiatives that reinforce a high-performance, inclusive workplace rooted in Institute values
- Mentor and develop the HR team, ensuring the skills and resources needed to execute HR strategy effectively
- Provide end-to-end talent pipeline support by directing recruiting, hiring, and onboarding of all HudsonAlpha personnel
- Lead the annual performance and compensation review process, ensuring strategies are competitive, equitable, and aligned with Institute objectives
- Provide coaching, performance management guidance, and tools that build manager capability and drive a consistent performance culture
Ensure Compliance, Total Rewards & Operational Excellence:- Direct total rewards program design and administration, including the benefit renewal process and benefit audits
- Manage the HR budget to best support organizational strategies while identifying opportunities for operational efficiency
- Proactively develop and implement policies and procedures that ensure ethical consistency and legal compliance
- Keep leadership informed of regulatory changes and maintain a current, comprehensive employee handbook
- Investigate, manage, and resolve employee relations issues in a timely, legally compliant manner with appropriate documentation
- Ensure organizational compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations, including FLSA, FMLA, ADA, EEO, OSHA, and ERISA
- Partner with legal counsel on complex employee matters, policy interpretation, and regulatory compliance
About YouEducation & Experience:- Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution required; advanced degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field preferred
- SHRM-CP/PHR or SHRM-SCP/SPHR certification preferred
- At least 7 years of progressively responsible HR experience, including at least 3 years in a leadership role with demonstrated responsibility for HR strategy and regulatory compliance
Essential Skills & Competencies:- Strong communication skills, including the ability to present HR strategy and compliance matters clearly to senior leadership and the Board
- Strong interpersonal, negotiating, and conflict-resolution abilities
- Strategic planning and problem-solving skills with a demonstrated track record of executing comprehensive HR plans
- Demonstrated knowledge of federal, state, and local employment law and a history of maintaining organizational compliance
- Ability to assess, develop, and implement HR compliance frameworks, policies, and audit processes
- Strong ethical standards and the courage to stand behind them when tested
- Ability to support a diverse workforce through equitable, legally compliant HR practices
- Flexibility to adapt to shifting strategic, tactical, and operational priorities
Physical & Work Environment- Professional office environment with regular engagement across Institute departments and campus partners
- Flexible schedule accommodating the dynamic demands of a mission-driven research environment
- Periodic extended hours during key HR cycles including hiring surges, open enrollment, and performance review periods
Join UsHelp build the human infrastructure behind one of the nation's most innovative genomics institutes. Develop the talent. Strengthen the culture. Drive the mission forward.
Apply now and become part of what makes HudsonAlpha extraordinary. 
