Executive Director of Human Resources

Iḷisaġvik College; Utqiaġvik (AK); On-site; USD 121,000 - 148,000; Full time

Job summary

Ilisagvik College in Utqiaġvik, Alaska seeks an Executive Director of Human Resources to provide administrative leadership and oversee all HR functions in alignment with the college’s mission and values. The role reports to the President and serves on the President’s Advisory Team for strategic planning.

Responsibilities include recruiting, onboarding, compensation and benefits programs, policy administration, training, employee relations, safety, and compliance with federal, state and local

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration or related field.
• Minimum 5 years HR experience with increasing responsibility.
• Minimum 3 years supervisory and 3 years management experience.
• Strong knowledge of federal and state employment laws and regulations.
• Experience in higher education HR and working with diverse communities.

Responsibilities

• Lead all HR functions to attract, retain and develop staff.
• Advise management on compliance with policies and laws.
• Oversee recruitment, onboarding, and orientation processes.
• Manage compensation, benefits, budget and HR program design.
• Provide HR training, employee relations and performance management.
• Develop staff development, safety, and records management programs.
• Maintain HR policy handbook and ensure regulatory audits.
• Assist with risk management and community/cultural alignment.

Skills

Communication skills

People leadership

Adaptability under pressure

Confidentiality

MS Word & Excel

HRIS systems

DOT drug testing certification

Travel ability

Post-secondary HR experience

Workplace safety knowledge

Multicultural collaboration

Background check compliance

Cultural competency (Iñupiaq/Tribal)

Mission alignment

Education

Master's degree in HR/Business

5+ years HR experience

3+ years supervisory experience

3+ years management experience

Knowledge of employment laws (FLSA, etc.)

PhD in HR (preferred)

Tools

HRIS systems

Job description

REPORTS TO: President

WORK SCHEDULE: Monday through Friday 8:30am - 5:00pm

COMPENSATION: $134,111.25/year + DOE + Benefits, Exempt Regular Full-Time Position

CLOSING DATE: Until Filled

Ilisagvik College is rooted in the ancestral homeland of the Iñupiat. As an institution, we are “Unapologetically Iñupiaq.” This means exercising the sovereign inherent freedom to educate our community through and supported by our Iñupiaq worldview, values, knowledge, and protocols. The Iñupiaq way of life is woven into our curriculum, programs, activities, and daily interactions within Ilisagvik College and our community partners.

SUMMARY OF POSITION:

Under the supervision of the President, the Executive Director of Human Resources is a key leadership position responsible for providing administrative leadership, management and oversight for all aspects of Human Resources functions in alignment with the College’s mission, vision, values and strategic direction. The Executive Director of Human Resources works collaboratively with executive team members and serves as a member of the President’s Advisory Team (PAT) for strategic planning and technical expertise.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Leads and oversees, plans, implements, monitors, and evaluates all HR functions for the College in order to attract, retain and develop top talent to serve students and communities of the North Slope of Alaska. Initiatives and strategies include, but are not limited to benefits, policies, programs, processes, and systems.
• Advises management on key initiatives and HR matters to ensure fair and equitable compliance with College policies and practices, procedures and administrative directives, as well as state, federal, and local laws, regulations, and ordinances.
• Interprets applicable employment laws and advise and coach those with supervisory responsibilities and staff on the application of those regulations. In coordination with the President, consults with legal counsel on HR matters as appropriate.
• Oversees and implements the College’s recruitment initiatives to attract and retain top talent to meet the needs of Iḷisaġvik. Specific elements include, but are not limited to: advertising, application distribution, Hiring Committee formation, background checks, relocation, New Hire Orientation and Onboarding, and succession planning.
• Responsible for providing HR training, onboarding for supervisors, faculty and staff.
• Develops, builds, and oversees required training, continuing education and coaching structures for the institution.
• Provides general HR assistance to employees, including policy and procedure information, employee development benefits, insurance case management, and advising, as appropriate.
• Assists supervisors with employee development including corrective action, mediation, and effective evaluations.
• Develops strategies and initiatives to enhance staff engagement and the overall employee experience.
• Facilitates complaint resolution and grievance processes as needed.
• Manages, analyzes, monitors, and designs strategies for the College’s compensation program consistent with Iḷisaġvik’s compensation philosophy, budget and market factors.
• Oversees salary administration and position classification consistent with Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).
• Responsible for overseeing and administering the College’s benefits program, including health, life, and disability insurance, unemployment insurance, and Workers’ Compensation.
• Supervises HR staff, partners with administration, and interacts with faculty, students and members of the community. Ensures that HR staff have the resources, knowledge and training needed to provide professional HR services.
• Interacts effectively in a multicultural environment and engages in Iñupiaq cultural activities in the workplace.
• Develops and manages the HR budget and approves invoices for payment.
• Ensures that HR staff have the resources, knowledge and training needed to provide professional and consistent HR services with a high level of customer service.
• Participates in appropriate professional development to maintain knowledge of current HR trends, practices, and regulations, including, but not limited to, employee relations, compensation, benefits, diversity issues, and employment legislation.
• Oversees and administers pre‑employment and post‑accident drug screening.
• Maintains HR and Safety records, ensures record accuracy through periodic audits, serves on the College’s Risk Management Team, and assists the Safety Coordinator with general safety matters, including accident prevention and job design.
• Develops, prepares and maintains the Employee Handbook with a minimum annual review.
• Develops, analyzes and conducts HR surveys and provides reports results as necessary.
• Maintains and reviews HR online trainings which include annual required and optional trainings.
• Complies with College policies, procedures and administrative directives, as well as state, federal, and local laws, regulations, and ordinances.
• Serves as the Records Retention Officer – Oversees records retention and compliance for the entire college and ensures annual maintenance and review of records review.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES:

• Excellent oral, written, interpersonal, and presentation communication skills.
• Strong people-centered leadership skills with the ability to interact authentically, respectfully, and effectively with others.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively manage changing priorities, and perform successfully in high pressure and stressful situations.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality.
• Demonstrated computer skills in MS Word and Excel and experience with HRIS systems.
• Current Department of Transportation drug testing certification or ability to obtain during first ninety [90] days of employment.
• Ability to travel when necessary.
• Willingness to attend appropriate HR training and professional development.
• Demonstrated HR work experience in a post‑secondary work environment.
• Demonstrated knowledge of workplace safety standards, regulations, and compliance requirements.
• Demonstrated ability to interact effectively in a multicultural environment.
• Ability to pass a pre‑employment background check.
• Ability to interpret and represent North Slope community values, customs, and beliefs for the College, with a demonstrated understanding and knowledge of community and Tribal colleges, and working with people of diverse backgrounds, abilities, and needs.
• Ability to support Iḷisaġvik College’s mission.

EDUCATION/CERTIFICATES/EXPERIENCE [Required]:

• Master’s degree or equivalent in Human Resources, Business Administration, Organizational Development or related discipline.
• Minimum of (5) five years demonstrated professional experience with increasing responsibility in all aspects of the body of knowledge of HR, including, but not limited to: workforce development, strategic human resources, laws and regulations, employee relations and development, risk management, compensation and benefits, and providing HR training.
• Minimum of three (3) years of professional supervisory experience.
• Minimum of three (3) years of management experience demonstrating strong leadership skills, including budgeting, strategic planning, employee development, employee relations, performance management, and oversight of compensation and benefits programs.
• Demonstrated knowledge of federal and state employment laws and regulations, including but not limited to the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) requirements, Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), Affordable Care Act (ACA), and other applicable employment laws.

EDUCATION/CERTIFICATES/TRAINING [Preferred]:

• PhD in Human Resources, Busines