Director of Human Resources, WAMU (16881)

Summary/Objective

The Director of Human Resources, WAMU is responsible for the leadership and administration of the day-to-day functions of the WAMU Human Resources (HR) unit including talent acquisition/recruiting, on-boarding management, compliance, labor relations, performance management, employee relations, diversity and inclusion, HRIS, compensation/pay administration, classification, training and development, and enforcing AU policies and practices.

The position has a dual report to the WAMU General Manager and AVP of Human Resources for American University. The Director of Human Resources is a member of the WAMU Leadership Team and American University HR Leadership Team. The incumbent is responsible for performing HR-related duties at a professional level, in an efficient and effective manner, working closely with WAMU leadership (all levels of managers and supervisors), AU leadership, and staff in support of the strategic initiatives and objectives of WAMU and American University.

Position Responsibilities:

HR Strategy & Engagement

• Employee & Labor Relations: Advise and assist staff and supervisors on labor relations and employee relations inquiries related to policies, procedures, and bargaining agreements.
• Internal Culture: Work to support a positive, productive and inclusive culture and work environment by developing, communicating and implementing principles and practices that support WAMU values and culture. Promote diversity, equity and inclusion as critical components of WAMU’s culture, and facilitate effective communications and other strategies to minimize staff conflict and promote a harmonious and productive working atmosphere.
• Performance Management & Professional Development: Guide and assist supervisors and staff though the annual performance management program (PMP) and provide coaching, as needed. Work with managers to support succession planning, build a leadership pipeline, and identify employee career paths.
• HR Processes Development & Implementation: Examine internal workflows and processes to identify bottlenecks and inefficiencies. Design and recommend methods to achieve greater efficiency.
• HR Strategy & Organizational Analysis: Working collaboratively with WAMU Leadership, advise on and implement HR initiatives that are in alignment with WAMU’s business strategy. Integrate HR management strategies and initiatives to support the overall mission and success of the station while meeting the needs of employees and other stakeholders.

Position Responsibilities Continued:

HR Management

• Manage WAMU HR team : Supervise and direct the activities of one (1) part-time HR Assistant.
• Recruitment: Partner with supervisors to develop job descriptions, recruitment strategies, and recruitment tools to ensure fair hiring; maintain working knowledge of employment laws and fair hiring guidelines. Create and implement staffing strategies to identify the best talent within and outside the organization.
• Staff Personnel Actions: Advise and assist supervisors on recruitments, compensation issues, position classification analyses, terminations and layoffs; consult with and guide supervisors and staff to ensure proper execution.
• Policy analysis and interpretation: Maintain working knowledge and understanding of relevant employment laws, policies, terms and conditions of employment such as those included in any union contract or staff policy handbook. Work to ensure that WAMU remains in compliance.
• HR Systems and Reporting: Ensure internal administrative databases are up-to-date and responsive to WAMU needs. Serve as a contributor to the content posted on the WAMU Staff Intranet, ensuring all relevant HR-related policies, documents and practices are available and updated.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

• Full-time
• Team Leader/Consultant A
• Exempt

Required Education

• Bachelor's degree in related area or equivalent training and experience.
• Demonstrated knowledge of HR concepts, policies, procedures, employment practices, compensation, and other HR functional areas.
• Excellent interpersonal and communications (verbal and written) skills.
• Strong analytical skills to conduct analyses and develop recommendations, demonstrating organization and problem-solving skills.
• Knowledge of human resources information systems (HRIS).
• Demonstrated analytical and critical thinking skills.
• Demonstrated customer service orientation and ability to interact effectively with all levels of the WAMU and American University organizations, including managers, supervisors, staff, and the listening public.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively as a member of a team and establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with all levels of the organization and external constituencies.
• Ability to develop and implement performance and professional development strategies and workshops, as well as other training/development programs as necessary and appropriate.
• Leadership ability to supervise direct report(s); ability to lead and guide the implementation of complex policies, practices and processes to ensure compliance.
• Strong organizational skills sufficient to prioritize and complete assignments and projects independently.
• Flexibility in adjusting priorities; demonstrated commitment to service and continuous process improvement; results orientation.
• Ability to exercise good judgment and discretion in handling confidential information.

Required Experience

• Minimum 10 years of professional level Human Resources experience, including experience working in a unionized environment.
• Demonstrated labor relations experience, including the administration of collective bargaining agreements, and grievance provisions.
• Demonstrated ability to handle difficult, complex situations and the ability to provide exceptional customer service in a high volume, fast-paced, professional News/Media environment.
• Demonstrated experience in administering employee relations policies, practices and theories related to disciplinary conflict resolution and facilitation.
• Experience using spreadsheets, web-based systems, and databases to track and audit information and generate reports.

Preferred Education and Experience

• Media Industry HR experience and/or HR experience in a higher education setting, a plus
• Bachelor's degree with a concentration in Human Resources Management, Organizational Behavior or related field; Master's degree preferred.
• HR Certification - SPHR.

Additional Eligibility Qualifications

• Hiring offers for this position are contingent on the successful completion of a background check.

Benefits

• Click here to learn about American University's unique benefit options.

Current American University Employees:

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Contact Us:

For more information or assistance with the American University careers site, email theworkline@american.edu .

American University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution that operates in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The university does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy), age, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, personal appearance, gender identity and expression, family responsibilities, political affiliation, source of income, veteran status, an individual’s genetic information or any other bases under federal or local laws (collectively "Protected Bases") in its programs and activities.

Nearest Major Market: Washington DC