Associate Director of Human Resources

Position Summary

Working closely with the Senior Executive Director of Human Resources and Finance, and the unit’s other Associate Director of HR, the Associate Director is responsible for developing, managing and enforcing HR policies and processes focused on recruitment and onboarding, talent management, performance management, compliance, leadership, employee training and development, and employee relations.  The Associate Director plays a central role in data management and analysis to inform leadership decision making and develops and implements DE&I initiatives and other goals as defined by the School’s mission. The incumbent ensures compliance with federal, state, local and University rules and regulations by staying abreast of HR regulations, policies and laws. 

Responsibilities

• Serve as a critical resource for staff and managers on general HR, benefits and payroll policies and procedures, employee relations, training, welfare and career development. Provide guidance on the provisions of relevant CBAs. Act as a liaison on behalf of the staff with appropriate University offices. Maintain and expand knowledge and understanding of existing and proposed laws and Columbia University policies affecting human resource management.  Work closely with the Senior Executive Director and the Associate Director to identify trends that could affect organizational objectives and/or operational resources.  Interpret policies and advise management, employees and retirees accordingly.
• Advise and train hiring managers on the administrative recruitment process, including the use of Talent Link functionality in the selection, review and assessment of candidates. Assist with applicant reviews and screening. Facilitate collection and review of search data and preparation of affirmative action reports and hiring proposals. Work with the HR team on outreach to selectees on conditional and final offers and background check procedures to ensure efficient completion of the same.
• Work closely with the Executive Director and the Associate Director on the School's performance appraisal process, including the annual goal setting and performance review processes; promote the use of SMART goals in defining performance expectations. Troubleshoot, research and report on performance issues, and implement strategies for their resolution. Assist in conducting internal investigations. Liaise with the CU Labor Relations and Work Life Offices. Develop and implement employee recognition programs, 30- and 60-day outreach processes for new recruits to promote community building and inclusive practices, etc.
• Co-supervise an Assistant Director of Human Resources in the management of SIPA's on-boarding and orientation processes for administrative personnel. Develop Powerpoint presentations and other materials for new recruits. Advise new recruits on available training and access to Columbia University systems. Facilitate systems access requests for SIPA and Institute/Center administrators.
• Collaborate with the SIPAHR team to develop and enhance the School's Human Resources webpage. Review existing information/data on the site, consult best practices at peer institutions, and develop and upload new content and enhanced site mapping. Develop, review and improve training and systems access information on the School's website, working closely with the Assistant Director of HR.
• Maintain the School's organization charts, employee fact sheets, staff directory and HR metrics. Analyze compensation, recruitment timelines and tools, staff turnover and retention rates and other data points. Recommend new approaches, policies and procedures to effect continual improvements in the efficiency of the unit. Oversee accurate scanning and archiving of all personnel, performance and search files. Produce statistical reports for the Senior Executive Director as required.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent and a minimum of 4-6 years of fulltime professional experience in human resources administration required.
• Extensive prior supervisory experience required.
• Thorough familiarity with Microsoft Office essential, especially Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Visio.
• Must have significant prior experience with PeopleSoft or similar HRIS application.
• Ability to generate innovative ideas for process, departmental and organizational improvements highly critical.
• Must have a passion for excellent customer service and commitment to exceptional quality.
• Must have a deep commitment to valuing diversity and contributing to an inclusive working and learning environment.
• Strong professional interpersonal, presentation, communication and writing skills as well as excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities required.
• Must be highly organized with extreme attention to detail and be able to effectively handle and prioritize multiple tasks often with conflicting deadlines.
• Must work well under pressure and have the ability to function independently and exercise discretion and judgment in sensitive and confidential matters.
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Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in a related field, such as higher education administration or human resources administration preferred.
• Prior experience in higher education, or a similar complex environment highly preferred.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

Columbia University is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents.