Associate Director, HR

University of Washington; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 95,400 - 160,008; Full time

Job summary

The University of Washington is hiring an Associate Director, HR, a senior administrative leader who will oversee workforce strategy, organizational planning, and HR governance for a workforce exceeding 1,400 individuals.

This role includes guiding recruitment processes, compliance strategies, and coordinating academic HR functions while ensuring effective communication and leadership.

Flexible hybrid work conditions are expected, with compensation ranging from $95,400 to $160,008 annually.

Qualifications

• Minimum four years’ experience in a healthcare or higher education environment with demonstrated success managing complex programs.
• Solid understanding of state and federal HR policies.
• Proven ability to provide executive advice and collaborate effectively.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic guidance regarding workforce planning and organizational design.
• Conduct policy-level analysis for regulations and advise on compliance strategies.
• Manage a team responsible for employee lifecycle management.

Skills

Strategic guidance

Policy-level analysis

Team management

Confidential information handling

Organizational skills

Collaboration

Ethical awareness

Education

Master’s degree in health care, business, or related field

Job description

Job Description

Associate Director, HR – senior administrative leader responsible for workforce strategy, organizational planning, and HR governance oversight for a workforce of over 1,400.

About This Opportunity

The Associate Director ensures effective coordination of recruitment, onboarding, performance management, compliance, and workforce planning activities, functioning as the department’s primary liaison to the School’s integrated resource teams (IR). The role works closely with the Department Chair, Vice Chair of Finance and Administration, and the senior administrative leadership team, using independent judgment, decision‑making, problem‑solving, and analysis to meet departmental priorities.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic guidance regarding workforce planning, organizational design, and staffing models (20%).
• Conduct policy‑level analysis for UW, federal, and state regulations, advising leadership on risk mitigation and compliance strategy (20%).
• Administer University policies for hiring, managing faculty, staff, and trainees, ensuring compliance with ethics policies and outside‑work rules (20%).
• Serve as the central coordination point for academic HR, workforce planning, research administration, and operational priorities, ensuring seamless coordination with institutional partners (20%).
• Manage a team of seven classified and professional staff responsible for employee lifecycle management for a complex department of over 1,400 individuals, developing staff capability and aligning with institutional workforce strategies (10%).
• Oversee HR communication needs, developing timely and accurate messaging for a diverse audience (5%).
• Act as an integral member of the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion council, partnering on initiatives and monitoring workforce performance indicators (5%).

Required Qualifications

• Master’s degree in health care, business, or related field.
• Minimum four years’ experience in a healthcare or higher education environment with demonstrated success managing complex programs, activities, or units.

Additional Qualifications

• Solid understanding of state and federal HR policies.
• Proven ability to work effectively with the Chair and Vice Chair of Finance and Administration, providing executive and actionable advice.
• Experience handling confidential information and taking appropriate action.
• Success in managing large, complex projects in a deadline‑driven environment.
• Strong self‑starter and independent work ethic with exceptional organizational, planning, and time‑management skills.
• Collaborative approach leading to efficient processes and successful outcomes.
• Seasoned supervisor capable of leading a diverse team.

Desired Qualifications

• Knowledge of University of Washington administrative procedures.
• Expertise in managing human resources at a departmental level within the UW system.
• Experience with large, complex academic departments with interconnected research, teaching, and clinical missions.

Working Conditions

Hybrid remote/in‑office. Expected 2‑3 days onsite per week. The role requires flexibility, strong communication skills, ethical awareness, and the ability to manage competing priorities in a high‑pressure environment.

Compensation and Benefits

Pay range: $95,400.00 – $160,008.00 annually. Benefits information available at https://www.washington.edu/jobs/benefits-for-uw-staff/. Regular full‑time position (100% FTE). First shift (United States of America).

Equal Employment Opportunity

University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and welcoming community for all. As an equal‑opportunity employer, the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81.

Applicants must disclose any substantiated findings or investigations related to sexual misconduct at current or past employment, as required by Washington state law.