Director of Human Resources

Washington College is currently seeking qualified candidates for a Director of Human Resources position. Serving as the Chief Administrative Officer for human resources, and in conjunction with the Senior Cabinet, the Director will provide leadership, direction, guidance and recommendations for all personnel-related operations and management. This position plays a key role in ensuring departmental strategies align with the mission and goals of the College, along with fostering a positive and compliant workplace.

Reporting to the Vice President for Finance & Administration, the Director will oversee 4-5 staff members and will be an important resource for various stakeholders, including staff, faculty, community partners and visitors. This position is "front facing" and requires a high level of integrity, professionalism and ethics. The Director must have a strong command of human resources principles and standards, along with the drive to incorporate best practices into the institutional culture.

This is a full-time, exempt position eligible for a comprehensive total rewards package, and a hybrid work schedule dependent on project demands. The estimated range for compensation for this position is $90,000 to $120,000 annually.

Washington College, located along Maryland's Eastern Shore, is the nation's first Liberal Arts institution and the 10th oldest college in the nation. The College is home to nationally recognized centers focusing on the environment, history and writing, and is well integrated into the Chestertown area, providing a small, historic and vibrant community, with easy access to large metropolitan areas.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

* Primary leader for the planning, development, communication, and execution of a comprehensive Human Resources program, to include operational oversight of benefits, compensation, employee relations, staffing, and compliance.

* Applies knowledge of applicable federal, state and local employment laws (e.g., Wage & Hour, HIPAA, ACA, EEO, FMLA) and regulations and serves as the primary College official ensuring institutional compliance with the same. Serve as liaison to outside legal counsel when appropriate.

* Champions the formulation of policy, develops and implements new strategies and procedures; examines current operations, reengineers when necessary to improve institutional effectiveness and efficiency.

* Provides administrative oversight for the department to include staff, budget, and program administration; work closely with payroll, finance, academic, and information technology areas.

* Responsible for recommending and providing attractive and comprehensive benefit programs for employees; works with consultants and providers to offer cost-effective products and delivery of quality services.

* Oversees employment and compensation programs, provides guidance for hiring, promotions, pay adjustments; manages staff appraisal programs, advises on overall performance, development, assessment, annual appraisals and rewards.

* Guide/administer progressive discipline process, including supervisor coaching, written plans, delivery and follow up. Ensure administration follows established and compliant protocols and policies.

* Exercises and/or assigns responsibility for employee relations, including onboarding activities, employee recognition, performance issues, exit interviews, discipline concerns.

* Prepares and analyzes various reports, statistics and regulatory data for human resources related programs including IPEDS, benefits utilization, salary surveys, turnover and other data required for strategic planning.

* Commitment to enhancing and furthering the mission, vision and strategic plan of Washington College.

EDUCATION / QUALIFICATIONS:

* Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business or related field; Advanced degree or professional certification(s) such as SPHR, PHR, SHRM-S/CP preferred

* Five years of broad human resources experience, minimum two years in a leadership capacity; Proficiency in operational areas such as employment, benefits, compensation, employee relations, compliance

* Experience working with all levels of stakeholders, including board officials, senior executives, faculty, staff, retirees and related community members

* Strong administrative, management and supervisory skills, along with excellent communication (written, verbal) and interpersonal proficiencies

* Prior utilization of typical business technology including Microsoft Office, virtual meetings, HRIS & ERP providers; experience with Paycom, Ellucian a plus

* Higher education or non-profit experience highly desirable

Washington College offers excellent benefits, including medical plans through a national health carrier, dental and vision choices, generous paid-time off programs (including 4 weeks of vacation for exempt positions), free tuition for dependents enrolled as full-time students, scholarship opportunities through the Tuition Exchange program, access to music, theater, and library services, fitness center and dining discounts.

Interested applicants should submit a letter of interest, resume and contact information for three references to epetrone2@washcoll.edu; an application can be completed on the career portal at Employment at Washington College | Washington College. Background checks are required once an employment offer is extended and prior to start date. Applicant reviews will begin immediately.