Senior Director- Human Resources

Excelsior University; City of Albany (NY); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Excelsior University seeks a strategic HR leader to partner with the Vice President for Human Resources in Albany, NY, guiding HR initiatives and ensuring excellence in service delivery across all HR functions.

The role emphasizes employee relations, leadership development, succession planning, and collaboration with academic and administrative leaders. A Master’s degree and 5–10 years HR experience, including 3 years in leadership, are required.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in human resources, business administration, higher education administration, or related field.
• Minimum of 5–10 years of progressively responsible HR experience.
• Minimum of 3 years of HR leadership or management experience.
• Demonstrated experience in organizational leadership, employee relations, strategic planning, and project management.
• Strong understanding of HR operations, employment practices, and organizational development principles.

Responsibilities

• Partner with senior HR leadership to drive strategic HR initiatives and ensure high-quality service delivery across HR functions.
• Support employee relations, performance management, investigations, policy interpretation, and employee concerns.
• Lead leadership development and talent management initiatives across the institution.
• Assist with budgeting, oversight, and policy development within HR operations.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Organizational leadership

Conflict resolution

Coaching

Communication

Relationship-building

DEI & engagement

Analytical thinking

Project management

Education

Master’s degree in HR/Business/Higher Education Administration

Job description

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & HR Operations

Partner with the Vice President for Human Resources to develop and implement strategic HR initiatives aligned with institutional priorities. Support the effective daily operations of the HR department and ensure high-quality service delivery across HR functions. Represent Human Resources in university governance, strategic planning activities, councils and task forces, risk assessment and business continuity efforts, and institutional initiatives. Lead and manage complex HR projects and organizational initiatives from planning through execution. Analyze organizational trends, workforce needs, and HR metrics to support data-informed decision-making.

Employee Relations & Organizational Effectiveness

Supports employee relations efforts and provides guidance on performance management, conflict resolution, workplace investigations, policy interpretation, and employee concerns. Promote a positive, inclusive, and collaborative workplace culture that reflects institutional values. Mentor and coach managers and supervisors on leadership effectiveness, employee engagement, and talent development. Support initiatives that strengthen employee morale, retention, and organizational trust. Assist in cultivating a workplace environment recognized as a best place to work.

Leadership Development & Talent Management

Support leadership development and succession planning initiatives across the institution. Help identify and nurture internal talent through mentoring, coaching, and professional development strategies. Collaborate with HR leadership to advance learning and development programs for faculty, staff, and supervisors. Partner with talent acquisition efforts to support strategic recruitment and workforce planning initiatives.

Budget & Administrative Oversight

Assist with development, management, and oversight of the Human Resources budget. Monitor expenditures and support fiscally responsible operations within the HR department. Contribute to policy development, compliance efforts, and operational process improvements in collaboration with the Senior Director of HR Programs. Ensure HR practices align with applicable federal, state, and institutional regulations and policies in collaboration with the Senior Director of HR Programs and General Counsel.

Collaboration & Partnership

Build strong collaborative relationships with academic and administrative leaders across the University. Serve as a trusted advisor to leaders on organizational and workforce matters. Promote transparency, communication, and responsiveness within HR and across campus stakeholders. Support cross-functional collaboration to enhance employee experience and institutional effectiveness.

Required Qualifications

Master’s degree in human resources, Business Administration, Higher Education Administration, or a related field.

Minimum of 5–10 years of progressively responsible Human Resources experience.

Minimum of 3 years of HR leadership or management experience.

Demonstrated experience in organizational leadership, employee relations, strategic planning, and project management.

Strong understanding of HR operations, employment practices, and organizational development principles.

Excellent interpersonal, communication, and relationship-building skills.

Demonstrated ability to lead collaboratively in a complex organizational environment.

Preferred Qualifications

Human Resources experience within higher education or other complex institutional environments.

Experience supporting shared governance structures and institutional strategic planning.

Professional HR certification (e.g., SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, SPHR) preferred.

Experience managing budgets and leading cross-functional initiatives.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Strategic thinking and organizational leadership capabilities. Ability to manage multiple priorities and complex projects effectively. Strong conflict resolution, coaching, and consultation skills. High level of professionalism, discretion, and sound judgment. Ability to foster trust and maintain collaborative relationships across diverse constituencies. Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and employee engagement. Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving abilities.

Work Environment

This position operates in a hybrid work environment and requires regular in office engagement with university leaders, employees, and stakeholders. Occasional evening or weekend responsibilities may be required to support institutional initiatives and events.

Salary

The hiring salary range for this position is $110,000.00 - $120,000.00. The hiring salary range above represents the University's good faith estimate at the time of posting.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Excelsior University offers competitive compensation and a generous benefits package that includes paid time off, retirement, and excellent health insurance. Excelsior University is an equal opportunity employer committed to ensuring all qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to any legally protected characteristic.