Duke University:

Duke University was created in 1924 through an indenture of trust by James Buchanan Duke. Today, Duke is regarded as one of America’s leading research universities. Located in Durham, North Carolina, Duke is positioned in the heart of the Research Triangle, which is ranked annually as one of the best places in the country to work and live. Duke has more than 15,000 students who study and conduct research in its 10 undergraduate, graduate and professional schools. With about 40,000 employees, Duke is the third largest private employer in North Carolina, and it now has international programs in more than 150 countries.

Job Description

HR DEPARTMENTAL DIRECTOR (DUKE TITLE)

HR Director (Sanford Title)

Sanford School of Public Policy

Duke University

Occupational Summary

The HR Director position will develop the vision and strategic direction of the human resources efforts that support the operational efforts of the Sanford School of Public Policy, ensuring consistent and accurate interpretation and application of human resources policies, practices, and guiding principles.

The position will liaise with all Duke University HR leaders and offices as well as external partners to provide expertise on human resources functions and issues in areas to include but are not limited to: recruitment, orientation, training and development, position classification and salary administration, placement and termination of employees, interpretation of personnel policies, and employee relations functions. At times or when requested this support may be more on-hands and directive as well as consultative. When applicable represent the Sanford School on internal and external committees, projects, and/or panels that are human resource related or need a human resource perspective.

The HR Director reports to the Associate Dean for Finance and Administration.

Work Performed

A detailed description of functional areas and tasks follows:

Manage/oversee the Sanford School’s Human Resources (HR) and Payroll functions for faculty, staff and students, determining priorities and recommending departmental policies and procedures. Supervise payroll assistant position.

Work to ensure consistent and accurate interpretation and application of University human resources policies related to employees across the School.

Serve as the lead administrator in the Sanford School for human resources functions, which include: recruitment strategies, orientation and onboarding processes, employee relations, compensation and position classification, policy applications, internal HR communications, compliance, and training functions.

Assess the Sanford School’s supervisor and staff training needs and develop, conduct, or provide training sessions as appropriate for human resources and management staff.

Develop and coordinate activities that promote an inclusive and collaborative community within Duke and Sanford School.

Advise and assist management, faculty and staff in the handling of staff employee relation issues, complaints and/or grievances along with determination of appropriate disciplinary actions. Represent the Sanford School at grievance hearings, dismissal conferences, and arbitration when needed.

Collaborate closely with the Associate Dean for Finance and Administration on the development of human resources reports (metrics) and analysis setting forth progress, adverse trends, and appropriate recommendations or conclusions.

In partnership with University Recruitment, the Office of Institutional Equity, and the Provost’s Office, and in collaboration with the School’s Committee on Diversity and Inclusion (CDI), develop and implement recruitment strategies that promote excellence in diversity and inclusion.

Identify issues, trends, or needs that apply to the Sanford School’s human resources functions and develop strategies to address them.

Direct the performance management process to include mid-year, annual and developmental assessments; provide reports and analysis around performance metrics, top and low performers, organizational structure, and effectiveness.

Manage Salary Setting online tool along with Associate Dean for Finance & Administration for inputting annual faculty and staff salary adjustments. Oversee the annual staff salary setting processes.

Lead and/or participate in human resource projects that may be unit specific, apply to the broader School, or entire University. Prepare reports and deliver presentations where necessary.

In conjunction with the Dean and Senior Associate Dean, offer guidance on all regular rank and non-regular rank faculty members.

Evaluate the effectiveness of the organizational structure and the human resource programs routinely and make/recommend changes where needed. Ensure developmental and training programs are aligned with departmental objectives and needs. Proactively implement succession activities that promote internal growth and mitigate knowledge gaps due to attrition.

Perform other related duties incidental to the work described herein.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Supervises Human Resources staff 2.5 FTE

Professional toolkit

• Functional expertise:
  • At least five years of management and/or supervisory experience

• Essential attributes:
  • Commitment to fostering a diverse, dynamic and inclusive work environment
  • Collaborative leadership and clear communication style
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills, interpersonal skills involving the ability to establish trust, and understand social behavior and interactions
  • Demonstrated experience in conducting investigations and resolving employee issues effectively, while maintaining the highest level of confidentiality

The above statements describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this classification. This is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties required of personnel so classified.

EDUCATION/TRAINING

Work requires a general business or personnel background generally equivalent to a bachelor's degree in a related field.

PREFERRED

Appropriate graduate degree; relevant HR certifications, employee relations or conflict resolution are a plus.

EXPERIENCE

Work requires five years of business and/or administrative experience, with exposure to human resources activities, to acquire knowledge of human resources policies and procedures necessary to manage the personnel activities of a major department or division, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Eligible for optional hybrid work after satisfactory completion of onboarding period
• Normal office environment

In addition the successful candidate will possess the following qualities/attributes:

• Self-assurance, resilience, and resourcefulness that engenders the confidence of others
• Adaptability to changing circumstances and commitment to continuous assessment and process improvement
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Command of current technology and an understanding of how to harness available technological resources in the delivery of human resources initiatives
• Cross-cultural communication and diplomacy skills
• Initiative and flexibility
• Commitment to diversity and inclusion
• Familiarity with University HR systems/tools (Success Factors, SAP, Academic Jobs Online, etc.)

Duke is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status.

Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas—an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.

Essential Physical Job Functions: Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essentialjob functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and provision for requests for reasonable accommodation will be provided by each hiring department.