Senior Director- Human Resources

Senior Director- Human Resources

Status

Full Time

Location

Albany, NY

View All Jobs

The Senior Director of Human Resources is a strategic leadership role responsible for supporting the operational excellence, organizational effectiveness, and people-centered culture of the University. Reporting to the Vice President for Human Resources, the Senior Director serves as a key advisor and operational leader within the HRÌýdepartment, helping ensure efficient and responsive HR services that support the institution’s mission, values, and strategic priorities.Ìý

This hybrid position requires exceptional communication, organizational leadership, strategic planning, and project management skills. The Senior Director partners closely with university leadership, governance groups, andÌýotherÌýdepartmentsÌýÌýtoÌýfoster productive working relationships, strengthen organizational culture, and advance the University as an employer of choice.Ìý

The Senior Director supports multiple functional areas within Human Resources, including employee relations, payroll, benefits, talent acquisition, learning and development, HR operations, and budget oversight. The role alsoÌýrepresentsÌýHuman Resources in institutional governance, strategic planning initiatives, and cross-functional leadership efforts.Ìý

Ìý

Key ResponsibilitiesÌý

Strategic Leadership & HR OperationsÌý

  • Partner with the Vice President for Human Resources to develop and implement strategic HR initiatives aligned with institutional priorities.ÌýÌý
  • Support the effective daily operations of the HRÌýdepartmentÌýand ensure high-quality service delivery across HR functions.ÌýÌý
  • Represent Human Resources in university governance, strategic planning activities,ÌýcouncilsÌýand task forces,Ìýrisk assessment and business continuityÌýefforts,Ìýand institutional initiatives.ÌýÌý
  • Lead and manage complex HR projects and organizational initiatives from planning through execution.ÌýÌý
  • Analyze organizational trends, workforce needs, and HR metrics to support data-informed decision-making.ÌýÌý

Employee Relations & Organizational EffectivenessÌý

  • SupportsÌýemployee relations efforts andÌýprovidesÌýguidance on performance management, conflict resolution,ÌýworkplaceÌýinvestigations, policy interpretation, andÌýemployeeÌýconcerns.ÌýÌý
  • Promote a positive, inclusive, and collaborative workplace culture that reflects institutional values.ÌýÌý
  • Mentor and coach managers and supervisors on leadership effectiveness, employee engagement, and talent development.ÌýÌý
  • Support initiatives that strengthen employee morale, retention, and organizational trust.ÌýÌý
  • AssistÌýin cultivating a workplace environment recognized asÌýa bestÌýplace to work.ÌýÌý

Leadership Development & Talent ManagementÌý

  • Support leadership development and succession planning initiatives across the institution.ÌýÌý
  • HelpÌýidentifyÌýand nurture internal talent through mentoring, coaching, and professional development strategies.ÌýÌý
  • Collaborate with HR leadership to advance learning and development programs for faculty, staff, and supervisors.ÌýÌý
  • Partner with talent acquisition efforts to support strategic recruitment and workforce planning initiatives.ÌýÌý

Budget & Administrative OversightÌý

  • AssistÌýwith development, management, and oversight of the Human Resources budget.ÌýÌý
  • Monitor expenditures and support fiscally responsible operations within the HRÌýdepartment.ÌýÌý
  • Contribute to policy development, compliance efforts, and operational process improvementsÌýin collaboration with the Senior Director of HR Programs.ÌýÌý
  • Ensure HR practices align with applicable federal, state, and institutional regulations and policiesÌýin collaboration with the Senior Director of HR Programs and General Counsel.ÌýÌý

Collaboration & PartnershipÌý

  • Build strong collaborative relationships with academic and administrative leaders across the University.ÌýÌý
  • Serve as a trusted advisor to leaders on organizational and workforce matters.ÌýÌý
  • Promote transparency, communication, and responsiveness within HR and across campus stakeholders.ÌýÌý
  • Support cross-functional collaboration to enhance employee experience and institutional effectiveness.ÌýÌý

Required QualificationsÌý

  • Master’s degree inÌýhuman resources, Business Administration, Higher Education Administration, orÌýa relatedÌýfield.ÌýÌý
  • Minimum of 5–10 years of progressively responsible Human Resources experience.ÌýÌý
  • Minimum of 3 years of HR leadership or management experience.ÌýÌý
  • Demonstrated experience in organizational leadership, employee relations, strategic planning, and project management.ÌýÌý
  • Strong understanding of HR operations, employment practices, and organizational development principles.ÌýÌý
  • Excellent interpersonal, communication, and relationship-building skills.ÌýÌý
  • Demonstrated ability to lead collaboratively in a complex organizational environment.ÌýÌý

Ìý

Preferred QualificationsÌý

  • Human Resources experience within higher education or other complex institutional environments.ÌýÌý
  • Experience supporting shared governance structures and institutional strategic planning.ÌýÌý
  • Professional HR certification (e.g.,ÌýSHRM-CP,ÌýSHRM-SCP, SPHR)Ìýpreferred.ÌýÌý
  • Experience managing budgets and leading cross-functional initiatives.ÌýÌý

Ìý

Knowledge, Skills, and AbilitiesÌý

  • Strategic thinking and organizational leadership capabilities.ÌýÌý
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities and complex projects effectively.ÌýÌý
  • Strong conflict resolution, coaching, and consultation skills.ÌýÌý
  • High levelÌýof professionalism, discretion, and sound judgment.ÌýÌý
  • Ability to foster trust andÌýmaintainÌýcollaborative relationships across diverse constituencies.ÌýÌý
  • Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and employee engagement.ÌýÌý
  • Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving abilities.ÌýÌý

Work EnvironmentÌý

This positionÌýoperatesÌýin a hybrid work environment and requiresÌýregularÌýinÌýofficeÌýengagement with university leaders, employees, and stakeholders. Occasional evening or weekend responsibilities may beÌýrequiredÌýto support institutional initiatives and events.Ìý

The hiring salary range for this position is $110,000.00 - $120,000.00. The hiring salary range above represents the University's good faith estimate at the time of posting.

Application Information

If you experience any issues with the online submission process, please email recruitment@excelsior.edu.

¾«¶«Ó°Òµ offers competitive compensation and a generous benefits package that includes paid time off, retirement, and excellent health insurance. Interested candidates should submit a letter of application, resume, and the names of three professional references. Please submit requested information by clicking the Apply Now button on this page.

AA/EOE/ADA

¾«¶«Ó°Òµ is an equal opportunity employer committed to ensuring all qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to any legally protected characteristic.

View All Jobs