Job Details

Palo Alto University (PAU), a private, non-profit university located in the heart of Northern California's Silicon Valley, is a community grounded in values of social justice, dedicated to addressing pressing and emerging issues in the fields of psychology and counseling that meet the needs of today's diverse society. The students at PAU reflect the diversity of the region, are engaged in their education, and committed to improving the lives of others. The University sees diversity in its staff and faculty as very important to serving its diverse student body (or synonymous with inclusive excellence).

PAU offers undergraduate and graduate programs with online, hybrid, and residential options. PAU has an engaged faculty who make significant contributions to their fields and prepare future leaders who make a difference in the lives of individuals and communities. When you put all of this together, PAU creates a legacy of confident, competent, and compassionate professionals who are at the forefront of psychology and counseling and who move ahead in life by moving lives ahead.

Job Description

Job Title:

Director of People Operations

Department:

Division of Finance & Operations

Reports to:

Vice President for Finance & Operations (Chief Financial Officer)

Job Summary

The Director of People Operations will serve as a strategic human resources advisor for the University. The Director must have a thorough knowledge of human resources policies and best practices, particularly around equity and inclusion. Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer, the Director will collaborate with the President's Cabinet to develop and shape university-wide human resources policies and help to create a supportive and inclusive work environment.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Participate in the development of the university's plans and advise on the impact on the university's ability to attract, motivate, develop and retain the people resources.
• Translate the university business plans into HR operational plans. Plan, develop, organize, implement, direct, evaluate and improve the university's human resource function and performance. This includes:
  • human resource planning;
  • organizational structure and development;
  • compensation and benefits programs;
  • employee recruitment and retention;
  • performance management and organization feedback;
  • training and professional development;
  • employee relations and Title IX compliance, as well as compliance with state and federal laws;
  • human resource information system and reporting functions;
  • change management.
• Advance the University's commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion through supporting inclusive practices.
• Manage departmental tasks / processes to ensure that HR services are delivered and customer needs are met while fully utilizing and maximizing resources.
• Support hiring of new employees including developing job descriptions, advising on recruiting strategies, onboarding employees and making recommendations regarding job offers.
• Execute recruitment and talent management strategies to attract, develop, engage, and retain a diverse, skilled, and effective workforce.
• Administer employee recognition and related initiatives to improve workplace culture, employee satisfaction, and engagement continually.
• Advise supervisors and employees regarding leave requests and needs in accordance with federal and state laws, and university policies.
• Manage Title IX complaints and conduct investigations as needed.
• Lead / manage efforts to motivate employees to achieve university's goals and objectives.
• Work with managers to provide effective performance feedback and development opportunities, train and assist managers in developing and implementing performance management and evaluation plans, and support managers in assessing employee performance, intervening where needed to address issues.
• Continuously assess the competitiveness of all HR programs and practices against relevant universities, industries, and markets.
• Collaborate across the university to advance strategic goals and support the academic mission, including cross-training across departments.
• Manage the budget and resources of the people operations department.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree and at least five to seven years of progressive relevant HR experience, with a minimum of three years' supervisory experience demonstrating leadership and management skills, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Knowledge of federal and state laws related to equal employment opportunity and affirmative action, and experience with effective and inclusive search and hiring processes.
• Demonstrated experience as a Title IX officer in an academic setting.

Desired Requirements

• Experience in higher education and faculty hiring.
• A Master's degree in Human Resources Management, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related field.
• Active engagement in ongoing professional development and learning, evidenced through membership and participation in professional HR organizations such as CUPA, SPHR, or SHRM-SCP.
• Strong interpersonal skills, ability to advise on organizational change, and collaborate across departments.
• Effective communication skills, both orally and in writing, and excellent listening skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Strong analytical, critical thinking, creative problem solving, judgment, negotiating, influencing, and strategic decision-making skills.
• Ability to convey complex information understandably to diverse audiences.
• Proficiency with business applications, including Microsoft Office and HR information systems.

Palo Alto University (PAU) is committed to non-discrimination in all employment practices. PAU recognizes the systemic racism present in society and seeks to contribute actively to its end.