Director of Employee Engagement and Experience

Opening Details

The Office of Human Resources seeks applications for a newly re-envisioned position, the Director of Employee Engagement and Experience (D-EEE). Reporting to the Chief Human Resources Officer, the D-EEE is a senior member of the HR management team and will design and lead impactful initiatives, services, policies, and programs that further an equitable and inclusive culture. The successful candidate will have a passion for building relationships and a propensity for creative problem-solving. They will be a strategic partner who promotes a consultative approach, transparency, diversity of thought, cognitive flexibility, empathy, and innovation.

Williams, a liberal arts college located in western Massachusetts, has built its reputation on outstanding teaching, scholarship, and academic excellence. We are deeply committed to our employees, providing tuition assistance, excellent benefits, and a warm and welcoming professional environment. We are looking for candidates who share our values in prioritizing diversity, equity, and inclusion, and sustainability. Cover letters should include professional experience in working and supporting a broadly diverse community.

This is a highly collaborative position that will lead a team of five who are responsible for staff recruitment and onboarding, learning and development, employee relations and engagement, as well as spouse partner resources. The D-EEE will have the opportunity to truly shape this team by hiring two HR business partners, one focused on learning and development, and one focused on academic staff support. They will build credibility with constituencies across campus serving as a consultant and advisor. The strategic nature of this work also positions them well to also coordinate departmental communications and outreach.


Responsibilities

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Supervise a team of five: two HR Business Partners, Employment Manager, Recruitment Specialist, and the Manager of Spouse Partner Resources
  
  
• Oversee onboarding programs and initiatives, ensuring new employees acquire the necessary knowledge and resources to effectively navigate the institution
  
  
• Integrate a culture of learning and a sense of community throughout the program and initiatives
  
  
• Analyze trends and metrics in partnership with the HR group to develop solutions, programs, and policies
  
  
• Utilize data analytics to strategize, track trends, monitor action plans, and continuously compile results and recommendations
  
  
• Use initiative when problem solving with minimal supervision, professionally handle confidential information and display a high level of discretion and trust
  
  
• Provide guidance and interpretation of federal, state, and the colleges' employment policies/laws and programs for faculty, administrative staff, and hourly employees
  
  
• Investigate grievances, such as working conditions, policy administration, disciplinary actions. Provide guidance and recommendations for problem resolution to individuals and department heads
  
  
• Communicate policies, programs, services, and other information to faculty, staff, and students as needed and requested
  
  
• Represent the department by participating in various college committees, e.g. Communication Advisory Group
  
  

It's a lot to do – but it’s also a great opportunity to collaborate with nearly every department on campus and help foster a high-performance culture!


Qualifications

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree with five years or more of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
  
  
• Broad HR generalist background, some combination of experience in recruitment, performance management, employee relations, or staff development
  
  
• Progressive management responsibility, experience in higher education administration or larger complex organizations essential
  
  
• Experience in counseling both managers and employees to help resolve issues and improve employee relations
  
  
• Knowledge of Massachusetts labor laws and regulations is a plus
  
  
• Excellent organizational and project management skills essential
  
  
• Possess the ability to generate enthusiasm among diverse constituencies and individuals
  
  
• Must exhibit excellent customer service, integrity, and confidentiality when working with both internal and external customers
  
  
• Possess outstanding listening and influencing skills and the ability to cultivate trust and credibility among various constituencies
  
  
• Effective communication skills (verbal and written), including the ability to address small and large groups
  
  
• Must be technically oriented and familiar with applicant tracking systems, HCM systems (Peoplesoft, Workday) as well as Excel, Word, Powerpoint and Google Apps for Education
  
  
• Human resources certifications are preferred (e.g. SHRM-CP, SPHR, PHR, etc.)
  
  

Pay starts in the low $100,000’s, commensurate with experience and discipline. Job group 2-B.


Conditions of Employment

Employment at Williams is contingent on the verification of background information submitted by the applicant, including the completion of a criminal record check, and education when applicable.


Equal Employment Opportunity

Beyond meeting fully its legal obligations for non-discrimination, Williams College is committed to building a diverse and inclusive community where members from all backgrounds can live, learn and thrive. As part of this commitment, we will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process please feel free to contact us via phone at (413) 597-2681 or email at hr@williams.edu.