Athletic Department HR Strategy & Talent Leader

USC; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 108,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Southern California seeks a strategic and results-oriented Assistant Athletic Director of Human Resources to align HR initiatives with the athletic department’s goals. You will lead HR operations, workforce planning, and performance management in a centralized model, reporting to the Executive Director of Client Services.

You’ll drive talent acquisition, employee engagement, DEI efforts, and compliance while partnering with coaches and staff to build a high-performing culture

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in human resources, business administration, or a related field.
• 7+ years of progressive experience in human resources, with demonstrated success in employee relations, recruitment, performance management, and compliance.
• Previous experience as an HR Business Partner working in intercollegiate athletics and/or sports administration.
• Strong leadership and coaching skills, with a proven ability to influence and guide senior leaders on HR-related matters.
• In-depth knowledge of employment laws and regulations, as well as best practices in HR management.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build strong relationships with stakeholders at all levels of the organization.
• Experience managing complex employee relations issues with a high level of discretion and professionalism.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced, results-oriented environment, managing multiple priorities and adapting to change.
• Proficiency with HR systems and software (e.g., Workday, Microsoft Office).

Responsibilities

• Serve as a strategic HR advisor to the Athletic Department’s leadership team, providing guidance on organizational development, talent management, and workforce planning.
• Lead and manage HR operations, including employee onboarding, labor and employee relations, performance management, and total rewards.
• Develop and implement HR initiatives that align with the department's goals, focusing on improving the employee experience and achieving operational excellence.
• Collaborate with department leadership to identify and address talent needs, ensuring the recruitment and retention of top talent across the athletics program.
• Drive diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, promoting a culture of inclusivity and belonging within the department.
• Ensure compliance with university policies, NCAA regulations, and relevant employment laws.
• Act as a change agent, leading HR-related change management efforts to support department goals and initiatives.
• Provide coaching and development to staff, promoting a culture of continuous learning and professional growth.
• Leverage HR data and analytics to inform decision-making and drive strategic outcomes, providing insights on workforce trends, turnover, and employee engagement.
• Partner with HR functional areas (e.g., talent acquisition, compensation, learning and development, employee relations) and the university’s HR Solution Center to ensure consistency and alignment of HR practices across the university.

Skills

Leadership

HR strategy

Employee relations

Talent management

Compliance

Communication

HR systems

Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor’s degree in HR/Business or related field

Master’s degree in HR/Business or related field

Tools

Workday

Microsoft Office

Job description

The University of Southern California seeks a strategic and results-oriented Assistant Athletic Director of Human Resources to align HR initiatives with the athletic department’s goals. You will lead HR operations, workforce planning, and performance management in a centralized model, reporting to the Executive Director of Client Services.

You’ll drive talent acquisition, employee engagement, DEI efforts, and compliance while partnering with coaches and staff to build a high-performing culture