Job Description

The mission of California Lutheran University is to educate leaders for a global society who are strong in character and judgment, confident in their identity and vocation, and committed to service and justice. Founded in 1959 in beautiful Ventura County, the university has an enrollment of about 4,000 undergraduate and graduate students who come from across the nation and around the world from a diversity of backgrounds, cultures and faiths. As a federally recognized Hispanic-Serving Institution, Cal Lutheran is looking for candidates with a dedication to and success in working in diverse communities. The university is committed to an inclusive learning and work environment that values individual differences and respects each persons dignity.

Basic Function:
Reporting to the General Counsel, or the University President or their designee if that position is vacant, the Director of Human Resources is responsible for developing and executing a comprehensive human resources (HR) program that is aligned with the overall business plan and strategic direction of the University. As such, the incumbent directs all HR programs and services for the University; leads a staff of HR professionals and support personnel; guides HR policy direction; stays abreast of and manages compliance issues; and utilizes appropriate technology and data to ensure process accuracy and efficiency.

The Director of HR builds partnerships across the University to drive a culture of collaboration, accountability, and respect; all of which align with the University's mission and values

Representative Duties:

• Lead and manage a people-focused office of Human Resources Recruit, train, supervise, and retain the Human Resources staff, ensuring they utilize best practices and exude excellent customer service in a number of areas: talent acquisition, performance management, compensation, benefits administration, HR policies, employee relations, learning and development, HRIS, personnel operations, and legal compliance, etc.
  • Provide strategic leadership and direction to the HR team to ensure goals, programs, activities, and personnel practices are consistent with and contribute to the Universitys goals and strategies.

  • Oversee the daily workflow of the department.

  • Manage the HR budget.

  • Lead, build, and maintain a strong collaborative, innovative, informed and dedicated HR team.

  • Create and update HR Department standard operating procedures (SOPs).

  • Direct and oversee continuous review and audit of policies and procedures related to functional areas of responsibility.

  
  
  
  
• Develop, revise, and interpret personnel policies and procedures aligned with Federal, State(s), and local employment laws and regulations; review and modify policies and practices to maintain compliance.
• Oversee Employee Benefits and Workers Compensation, health and welfare, retirement, leave policies and their application.
• Oversee and, as necessary, conduct investigations.
• Advise the University cabinet and other University leaders on HR best practices that shape a positive, inclusive work culture:
  • Serve as the key human resources subject matter expert, working closely with the University cabinet to ensure that the Universitys commitment to DEIJ is embedded in all HR programs, processes, and policies.

  • Provide expert guidance to the University cabinet, managers, and departmental leads on issues associated with the following: performance management and progressive discipline, organizational reconfiguration and personnel changes, employee. recruitment, compensation, and benefits, and individual and team development.

  • Remain current on all regulatory and legal changes regarding HR compliance, ensuring that cabinet and other managers are aware of new or changing laws, rules, and regulations as it pertains to Human Resources.

  • Ensure compliance with relevant University HR policies and procedures, and federal, state, and local laws, rules, and, regulations.

  • Work closely with the General Counsel and the cabinet to avoid, address, and/or resolve sensitive personnel matters.
• Lead and drive assigned "people" initiatives in the Universitys strategic plan:
  • Serve as the "owner" of these initiatives.

  • Establish initiative milestones in concert with various teams.

  • Design and implement action steps to achieve established objectives.
• Analyze market trends to ensure the University remains competitive in attracting and retaining talent, overseeing recruitment, selection, and on-boarding.
• Oversee the design and administration of competitive and equitable compensation and benefits programs.
• Coordinate HR services and organizational development programs of the University in collaboration with Vice Presidents, senior staff, University administrators, and appropriate shared governance groups.
• Advise the President and cabinet on the creation, implementation, and facilitation of approved shared governance programs, affinity groups, and other sanctioned University organizations in accordance with applicable policies and bylaws.
• Develop and interpret policies and procedures for recruitment and retention of a highly qualified and diverse faculty and staff. Develop and implement recruitment strategies. Identify, communicate, and implement processes for screening and interviewing applicants and evaluating and developing employees.
• Develop comprehensive and integrated communication activities, including web presence, newsletters, special notices, and informational documents for employees, retirees, future employees, and the general public.
• Facilitate evaluation process; coordinate with departments and oversee administrator contract renewal process.
• Develop and implement a staff development program to include: employee orientation programs, employee training programs, mandated training (e.g., sexual harassment, Title V for hiring committees), leadership development, and training programs (such as performance management, coaching, diversity, work/life balance) to address University goals and needs.
• Assess staffing and develop University staffing plans and models in collaboration with cabinet.
• Direct administration of the employment, and employee relations function and provide oversight to recruitment, hiring processes, workforce diversity, position classification, salary administration, official personnel records, performance improvement, performance evaluations, disciplinary matters, and related contract issues. Provide leadership in the areas of diversity, equity, inclusion and justice in accordance with the Universitys structure and DEIJ Strategic Plan.
• In coordination with the Provost, ensure that all faculty hiring, evaluation, promotion, and any other staffing matters referenced herein abide by all relevant employment bylaws, policies, and practices are designed and implemented in accordance with overall University bylaws, policies, and practices, relevant labor laws, and approved budget allocations.
• Oversee issues related to areas of responsibilities (e.g., employment contracts, separation incentive plans, reduction in workforce, disciplinary actions, sexual harassment, incident reporting, and grievance resolutions).
• Direct the oversight of the Incident Response System and Team.
• Ensure internal policies are followed and complaints are adjudicated promptly.
• Directs the oversight of the development and implementation of departmental standard operations procedures (SOPs) and succession plans across the University.
• Ensures University mission is incorporated into HR orientation, programming, training, and coaching.
• In coordination with the Vice President for Administration and Finance, confer and negotiate with outside vendors/brokers on employee benefits, trainings and development programs, and HRIS platforms, and ensure all of them meet approved budget allocations
• Serve as the University spokesperson on human resource and employee relations issues:
  • Share human resources expertise by sitting on various internal and external committees.

  • Negotiate and resolve sensitive and controversial issues.

  • Respond to and resolve difficult and sensitive inquiries and complaints.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

Knowledge Of:

• All HR functions including benefits, classification/ compensation, talent acquisition, human resource information systems, employee relations, leave programs, onboarding, off-boarding, organization and talent development, and performance management, employee recognition, etc.
• Employment-related laws and regulations, including but not limited to ERISA, COBRA, FMLA and Cal DOL, EDD, and OSHA
• HR Management strategies, communication techniques and/or best practices that ensure high productivity and quality work in the field.
• Program and employee assessments and evaluations; unit performance measures; organizational communications and data; contemporary non-profit business drivers.
• Organizational and system-wide personnel policies and applicable laws and regulations.
• Project management that is directly aligned with University-wide initiatives and priorities
• Outstanding analytical skills with the ability to apply data to program and operational design to drive organizational change.
• Advanced written, analytical, organizational, communication, and presentation/speaking skills.

Ability To:

• Model ways that departments can build and sustain high-functioning, inclusive work environments where:
  • Staff are well informed of policies, procedures, and expectations;

  • Staff are recognized for quality work and teamwork;

  • Staff and supervisors hold themselves and each other accountable;

  • Diversity is celebrated and valued.

  
  
  
  
• Be proactive and strategic in the planning, development, and implementation of human resources programs and services across the organization:
  • Solicit ideas and feedback in the concept phase to increase workforce buy-in;

  • Seek support from diverse individuals and groups.
• Exercise excellent judgment and discretion in establishing, building, and maintaining effective working relationships with colleagues on and off campus.
• Identify problematic situations and act as a pragmatic and creative problem solver while complying with relevant laws and regulations.
• Negotiate and advocate in a manner that advances the mission of the University; use influencing strategies to gain genuine agreements.
• Manage multiple projects, prioritize tasks as necessary, and meet deadlines.
• Delegate work assignments, set expectations, and ensure the completion of delegated activities.
• Build strong collaborative teams.
• Lead in a diverse environment.
• Maintain confidential information with discretion.
• Utilize HR Information systems, Microsoft Office Suite or other similar software programs.
• Possess and demonstrate strong interpersonal, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Communicate complex issues and manage employee conflict resolution.
• Work with highly confidential information

Minimum Qualifications:
Any combination equivalent to: bachelors degree in Human Resources, Organizational Development, Business, or related field and ten (10) years of progressively responsible leadership experience in multiple human resources functional areas.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Masters degree in Human Resources, Organizational Development, Business, or related field
• SPHR/SHRM-SCP
• Previous human resources leadership experience in higher education or related
• Demonstrated leadership in a diverse environment.
• Track record of using political acumen and sound judgment while maintaining high personal and professional integrity.
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, inclusiveness, and justice.

Licenses and Other Requirements:
N.A.

Physical Abilities:
Detect to understand appropriate written correspondence; operate a computer and other office productivity machinery, such as a calculator, copy machine, and computer printer; communicate to exchange information in person, in writing, on the telephone and by email; stationary position for extended periods of time; move or transport light objects; position self to store and/or retrieve files

Working Environment:
Busy office environment; frequent interruptions; multiple programs in large, complex, and diverse organization. The University has multiple locations and some employees work in a remote/hybrid model.

Hiring Range $130,000-$150,000
Posting Number: Staff003692022
Open Date: 08/16/2024
Close Date: 9/8/2024

Application Procedure/Special Instructions

To apply, visit https://careers.callutheran.edu/postings/11971

California Lutheran University is committed to providing equal opportunity in employment for all persons, regardless of race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, marital status, sex, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender, gender identity or expression, or any other basis protected by applicable law. No person shall be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination in any program, activity or facility of the University on the basis of these factors in a manner consistent with applicable federal and state laws, regulations, ordinances, orders and rules, and Universitys policies, procedures, and processes.

Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process can be provided to individuals with qualifying disabilities. Please contact the Human Resources Department for further information or to request an accommodation.

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