Human Resources Director

Milwaukee School of Engineering; Milwaukee (WI); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

13 paid holidays

Paid Time Off

Job summary

Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE) invites applications for a full-time Director of Human Resources to lead the HR department and shape a people-first culture. The role oversees talent acquisition, employee relations, compensation and benefits, payroll, compliance, HR technology, workforce planning, engagement, learning and development, and organizational effectiveness.

The Director provides strategic leadership and operational oversight, partners with institutional leaders, and serves as a

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required in HR, Business Administration, Organizational Leadership, Higher Education Administration, or related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible HR experience, including at least 3 years leading or managing HR functions/teams.
• Comprehensive knowledge of employment law, employee relations, compensation and benefits, talent acquisition, and HR operations.

Responsibilities

• Develop, lead, and implement HR strategies, policies, and programs aligned with the university's plan and workforce needs.
• Partner with university leadership on workforce planning, organizational design, succession planning, and talent management.

Skills

HR leadership

Employee relations

Compensation & benefits

Talent acquisition

HR analytics

Regulatory compliance

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in HR/Business/Org Leadership

Master's degree (preferred)

Job description

Help shape the future of MSOE by cultivating a people-first culture and building systems that empower organizational success. If you are a strategic, relationship-focused HR leader who is passionate about developing people, advancing culture, and creating meaningful organizational impact, we invite you to join us in shaping the future of MSOE.

Who We Are

Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE) is an academic institution intrinsically tied to the real world - a confluence of industry knowledge, work ethic and an enduring desire to know more. The university offers Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in engineering, computer science, machine learning, user experience, construction management, actuarial science, business and nursing. With about 3,000 students, faculty and staff, MSOE is large enough for big opportunities and small enough for personal attention.

A Small University Dedicated to Achieving Big Things

MSOE is a supportive environment where everyone is valued. Our method of learning by doing is our distinction: it is how we teach, how we learn and how we serve. MSOE’s top priority is serving our students. By joining our community, you are building the leaders of tomorrow.

Our Mission

MSOE is the university of choice for those seeking an inclusive community of experiential learners driven to solve the complex challenges of today and tomorrow. We are united by our six values - collaboration, excellence, inclusion, innovation, integrity and stewardship - which represent the core of our campus culture. MSOE has embarked on an ambitious strategic plan, Extraordinary Together, that propels the institution forward. At MSOE, we are dedicated to promoting an academic environment marked by an unwavering respect for every individual.

MSOE is under the leadership of Dr. Eric Baumgartner. He began his Presidency in January 2026 after having served as the Executive Vice President of Academics at MSOE since 2017.

Summary

MSOE invites applications for a full-time Director of Human Resources to join our Human Resources Department! The Director of HR provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for all human resources functions at MSOE. Reporting to senior leadership, this position develops and executes people strategies that support the university's mission, strategic priorities, and organizational objectives. The Director serves as a trusted advisor to institutional leaders and oversees talent acquisition, employee relations, compensation and benefits, payroll administration, compliance, HR technology, workforce planning, employee engagement, learning and development, and organizational effectiveness. The Director fosters a culture of excellence, accountability, belonging, innovation, and service while ensuring compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and university policies.

Essential Job Functions

Strategic Leadership and Organizational Development

• Develop, implement, and continuously enhance human resources strategies, programs, and policies that align with the university's strategic plan and workforce needs.
• Serve as a strategic partner and advisor to university leadership on workforce planning, organizational design, succession planning, talent management, employee engagement, and change management.
• Lead and coordinate institution-wide HR initiatives and projects that improve organizational effectiveness and employee experience.
• Utilize workforce metrics, analytics, and benchmarking data to support informed decision-making and continuous improvement.
• Support university-wide strategic planning and implementation efforts.

Talent Acquisition and Employee Lifecycle Management

• Direct and oversee recruitment, screening, selection, onboarding, retention, and offboarding processes to ensure positive candidate and employee experiences.
• Partner with hiring managers and campus leaders to implement best practices in talent acquisition and workforce planning.
• Ensure compliance with employment laws, university policies, and affirmative action/equal employment opportunity requirements throughout the employment lifecycle.
• Develop strategies to strengthen employee retention, engagement, and organizational culture.

Employee Relations and Culture

• Foster a workplace culture grounded in collaboration, accountability, belonging, respect, and continuous improvement, ensuring all employees are treated equitably and can fully participate regardless of background.
• Provide consultation and guidance to supervisors and employees regarding performance management, conflict resolution, workplace concerns, and policy interpretation.
• Lead or oversee employee investigations and resolution of employment-related issues.
• Represent the university in personnel-related hearings, audits, claims, and investigations.
• Promote employee wellness, recognition, engagement, and professional development initiatives.

Compensation, Benefits, and Total Rewards

• Direct compensation administration, position classification, salary review processes, and market benchmarking activities.
• Oversee employee benefits, leave administration, workers' compensation, unemployment compensation, retirement plans, and wellness programs.
• Serve as MSOE's representative on the WAICU Benefits Consortium Board and participate in collaborative benefit initiatives.
• Co-chair the Retirement Plan Oversight Committee and ensure effective governance of retirement programs.
• Evaluate and recommend total rewards strategies that support recruitment, retention, and employee satisfaction.

Compliance, Risk Management, and Governance

• Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local employment laws, regulations, and reporting requirements.
• Maintain current knowledge of emerging HR trends, legal developments, and best practices affecting higher education.
• Develop, implement, and monitor HR policies, procedures, and internal controls.
• Work collaboratively with legal counsel on complex personnel matters and employment-related risk management.
• Oversee required reporting, audits, and regulatory compliance activities.

HR Operations and Technology

• Oversee HR operations, employee records management, payroll administration, HR systems, and process improvement initiatives.
• Leverage HR technology and automation to improve efficiency, employee service delivery, and data integrity.
• Ensure confidentiality, security, and appropriate management of employee information.
• Continuously evaluate and improve HR processes and service models.

Leadership and Team Development

• Lead, develop, mentor, and evaluate HR staff to ensure effective service delivery and professional growth.
• Create a team culture that emphasizes accountability, continuous learning, innovation, and customer service excellence.
• Manage departmental operations, resource allocation, and performance objectives.

University Engagement

Other Duties and Responsibilities

• Conduct onboarding with new employees and exit discussions with those leaving.
• Have knowledge of applicable state and federal legislation such as COBRA, HIPAA, FMLA, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, etc.

This list of skills and responsibilities is not all-inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties and responsibilities as management may deem necessary from time to time.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Organizational Leadership, Higher Education Administration, or related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible human resources experience, including at least 3 years of experience leading or managing HR functions or teams.
• Comprehensive knowledge of employment law, employee relations, compensation and benefits administration, talent acquisition, and HR operations.
• Experience managing sensitive and confidential employee matters.
• Demonstrated success leading teams, projects, and organizational initiatives.
• Must possess excellent oral and written communication skills, be highly organized with a strong attention to detail and enjoy working with people.
• PC proficient in the use of payroll, timekeeping, applicant tracking systems as well as MS Office products including MS Excel for reporting and analysis, as well as Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, and Teams. Must possess the ability to adapt to new systems.
• Ability to establish and maintain collaborative relationships with internal departments and external partners.

Preferred

• Master's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Organizational Leadership, Higher Education Administration, or related field.
• Professional certification such as SHRM-SCP, SHRM-CP, SPHR, or PHR.
• Human resources leadership experience within higher education or another mission-driven organization.
• Experience with affirmative action planning, workforce analytics, and HR information systems.
• Experience with Jenzabar, TCP Timekeeping System, and reporting or business intelligence tools.

Why Join MSOE?

At MSOE, we invest in our employees’ professional and personal growth. MSOE offers competitive, fully comprehensive benefit plans to all full-time employees including medical, dental, life, disability and vision insurance, 13 paid holidays, Paid Time Off, and paid parental leave, as well as a 403(b) retirement plan with company matching of up to 6% of employee earnings and immediate vesting. Educational benefits are available for employees and family members. Plus, employees have access to our state-of-the-art fitness center at no charge. Located in the heart of downtown Milwaukee, MSOE is just blocks away from the beautiful lakefront, the theater district, museums, sports and music venues, parks and shopping. To view more detailed information about MSOE, please visit www.msoe.edu/hr.