Director, HR

George Washington University; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 91,000 - 132,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tuition benefits

Healthcare package

Hybrid work model

Job summary

George Washington University is seeking a Director of HR Management & Development to serve as senior HR advisor to school/division leadership, overseeing recruitment, retention, diversity, and organizational development. The role reports to the Managing Director, HR Business Partners and leads HR Managers.

The position requires broad HR experience, supervisory capabilities, and the ability to engage with diverse stakeholders, with on-site hybrid work and a comprehensive benefits package.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree with 9+ years of relevant HR leadership experience.
• Master's degree with 7+ years and supervisory background experience.
• Experience with HR policies, compensation, benefits, and labor law basics.

Responsibilities

• Advise school leadership on strategic human capital issues.
• Strategize with client leaders on organizational structure and initiatives.
• Monitor data, track trends, and develop HR initiatives.
• Partner with HR SMEs to plan HR activities.
• Provide coaching on employee relations and escalate where needed.
• Explain compensation structures and train managers.
• Assess and provide training and development opportunities.
• Manage annual performance and merit processes.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Multitasking

Organizational skills

Education

Bachelor's degree + 9 years experience

Master's degree +7 years experience

Tools

Microsoft Word

Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

I. JOB OVERVIEW

Human Resource Management & Development (HRMD) is made up of several departments that serve as advocates for the GW community and consistently provide discreet, valuable, and personalized service that is timely and responsive. HRMD helps GW to maintain a diverse workforce of the highest caliber and to support employees in their roles within the university.

The Director HR acts as the senior HR advisor for school/division leadership (typically Deans and Vice Presidents) and engages routinely with those leaders as well as managers and staff to create and maintain a work environment that best supports the mission of the school/division (programs, research, and other strategic opportunities as directed by leadership).

This role oversees all employee life cycle actions within the portfolio (either directly or through subordinate staff) as they relate to recruitment and retention, diversity and inclusion, employee relations and organizational development.

• Advise school leadership on strategic human capital issues and to ensure that appropriate and timely HR resources are available to support the client base as needed.
• Strategize with client leaders on organizational structure, initiatives, communications, and anticipated employee reactions to initiatives and actions.
• Monitor data, track trends, and help develop HR initiatives and programs to address concerns and add value to the organization
• Partner with HR SMEs (Subject Matter Experts) and school/division Leadership to plan and carry out activities relating to HRMD.
• Provide coaching and counseling on ER (Employee Relations) related matters within school/division, review ER documentation to advise on appropriate next steps
• Explain compensation related structure and practices to managers and employees, and train clients on compensation topics
• Assess and provide training and development opportunities for school/division
• Manage the annual performance management and merit process in the school/division

This position reports directly to Managing Director, HR Business Partners. The Director HR will supervise HR Managers and will coach, develop, and provide escalation support for direct reports.

Qualified candidates will possess broad HR experience including recruitment, diversity and inclusion, employee relations and organizational development and have demonstrated a record of proactive, service and ability to deal effectively with a diverse and demanding client base.

Performs other related duties as assigned. The omission of specific duties does not preclude the supervisor from assigning duties that are logically related to the position.

Minimum Qualifications

Qualified candidates will hold a Bachelor's degree in an appropriate area of specialization plus 9 years of relevant experience, or, a Masters degree or higher in a relevant area of study plus 7 years of relevant experience. Relevant experience must include supervisory experience. Degree must be conferred by the start date of the position. Degree requirements may be substituted with an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience working within a higher education highly preferred.
• Experience working within a research environment highly desirable.
• Thorough knowledge of HR policies, procedures and practices, company benefit programs, personnel administration systems, salary administration, recruitment techniques, EEO and Affinitive Action Planning, and relocation procedures.
• Knowledge of federal and state laws as they relate to HR issues, plus exploration and production business acumen is preferred in this position.
• Previous supervisory experience is highly desirable.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills and proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Demonstrate ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment in an organized and efficient manner.
• Exhibit proactive, service-oriented manner and ability to deal effectively with a diverse and demanding client base.

Hiring Range

$90,776.20 - $131,589.37

GW Staff Approach to Pay

How is pay for new employees determined at GW?

Healthcare Benefits

GW offers a comprehensive benefit package that includes medical, dental, vision, life & disability insurance, time off & leave, retirement savings, tuition, well-being and various voluntary benefits. For program details and eligibility, please visit https://hr.gwu.edu/benefits-programs.

II. JOB DETAILS

Campus Location: Foggy Bottom, Washington, D.C.

College/School/Department: Human Resource Management and Development (HRM&D)

Family: Human Resources

Sub-Family: HR Service Delivery

Stream: Management

Level: Level 2

Full-Time/Part-Time: Full-Time

Hours Per Week: 40+

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM (May Vary)

Will this job require the employee to work on site?: Yes

Employee Onsite Status: Hybrid

Telework: Yes

Required Background Check: Criminal History Screening, Education/Degree/Certifications Verification, Social Security Number Trace, and Sex Offender Registry Search

Special Instructions to Applicants: Employer will not sponsor for employment Visa status

Internal Applicants Only?: Yes (University Wide)

Posting Number: S014523

Job Open Date: 10/15/2026

Job Close Date: 10/18/2026

Background Screening: Successful Completion of a Background Screening will be required as a condition of hire.

EEO Statement: The university is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer that does not unlawfully discriminate in any of its programs or activities on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or on any other basis prohibited by applicable law.