Head of People Strategy & Partnerships

University of California, Los Angeles; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Job summary

University of California, Los Angeles seeks an Executive Director for People Strategy & Partnerships to lead HR strategy execution across UCLA Campus. This role shapes HR services with a focus on consistency, efficiency, and accountability, guiding a portfolio with COE integration and strong stakeholder engagement.

The ideal candidate will bring extensive higher-education HR leadership, strategic vision, and a track record of operational excellence, change management, and collaborative

Qualifications

• Experience in higher education and/or public sector HR fields is required.
• 8-10 years of progressive HR management in a large organization is required.
• Experience with UC systemwide policies and laws is preferred.
• Experience managing HR consultation and operations across multiple clients is required.
• Strong leadership and management skills to motivate and coach staff.
• Expertise in strategic planning, performance measurement, and improvement initiatives.
• Knowledge of Six Sigma or similar process improvement methods is preferred.
• Ability to balance customer service with compliance while developing solutions.
• High political acumen and interpersonal skills to influence stakeholders.
• Excellent written and verbal communication; able to handle difficult situations.

Responsibilities

• Provide executive leadership for HR strategy and transformational initiatives across UCLA Campus.
• Oversee the new People Strategy & Partnerships unit and align HR services campus-wide.
• Lead service standards, portfolio management, and cross-CHR collaboration across COEs.
• Advise on organizational, talent and change matters with evidence-based decisions.
• Drive compliance, risk reduction, and accountability in HR operations.
• Direct budget planning and resource allocation with fiscal responsibility.

Skills

Leadership

Change management

Strategic planning

Stakeholder management

Policy interpretation

Data analysis

Communication

Education

Bachelor's Degree in related field

Master's Degree (Preferred)

CCP / SPHR / SHRM-SCP (Preferred)

Tools

HRIS

Payroll systems

Budgeting/Finance systems

Job description

University of California, Los Angeles seeks an Executive Director for People Strategy & Partnerships to lead HR strategy execution across UCLA Campus. This role shapes HR services with a focus on consistency, efficiency, and accountability, guiding a portfolio with COE integration and strong stakeholder engagement.

The ideal candidate will bring extensive higher-education HR leadership, strategic vision, and a track record of operational excellence, change management, and collaborative