SENIOR DIRECTOR OF HR OPERATIONS

University of Washington; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Senior Director of HR Operations to provide strategic leadership within their organization. This pivotal role involves overseeing faculty and staff hiring, compensation, and employee relations, while fostering a culture of equity and collaboration. The ideal candidate will drive HR initiatives that enhance operational efficiency and support faculty and staff success. With a commitment to inclusivity, this organization values diverse perspectives and strives to create a welcoming environment. If you are passionate about HR and eager to make a significant impact, this opportunity is tailored for you.

Benefits

Generous benefits

Work/life programs

Qualifications

• 5+ years of leadership experience in HR or operations within a complex organization.
• Expertise in employee relations and HR best practices.

Responsibilities

• Advise leadership on workforce planning and change management.
• Manage and mentor the HR team while ensuring effective execution.

Skills

Leadership in HR

Employee Relations

Strategic Planning

Problem-Solving

Communication Skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in business or human resources

Job description

If you are using a screen reader and experience any difficulty accessing our web pages, please call 206-543-2544 or email UWHires and we will be happy to assist you.

Benefits: As a UW employee, you will enjoy generous benefits and work/life programs. For a complete description of our benefits for this position, please visit our website, click here.

As a UW employee, you have a unique opportunity to change lives on our campuses, in our state and around the world. UW employees offer their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills and dedication to build stronger minds and a healthier world.

Foster School of Business has an outstanding opportunity for a Senior Director of HR Operations.

The Senior Director of HR Operations provides strategic leadership for all academic and staff human resources functions within the Foster School of Business. This role oversees faculty and staff hiring, compensation, employee relations, organizational development, and broader HR initiatives. Reporting to the Dean and serving as a member of the senior leadership team, the Senior Director ensures alignment with university policies, facilitates decision-making, and enhances operational efficiency.

The Senior Director leads the HR team, including payroll operations, and serves as the primary liaison to UW’s central HR, Academic HR, and Compensation offices. They must be highly effective at driving strategy, implementing best practices, and fostering an inclusive, customer-focused HR culture that supports faculty and staff success.

RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Strategic Leadership & Organizational Development (20%): Advise leadership on workforce planning, change management, and HR best practices. Foster a culture of equity, transparency, and collaboration.
2. Supervision & Team Leadership (20%): Manage and mentor the HR team, ensuring effective execution of HR functions and alignment with the school’s mission and priorities.
3. Academic & Staff HR Leadership (20%): Oversee faculty appointments, promotions, tenure processes, and faculty searches while ensuring compliance with university policies. Manage staff recruitment, performance management, compensation, and retention strategies.
4. Employee Relations & Compliance (20%): Provide strategic guidance on workplace issues, conflict resolution, leave administration, and policy interpretation. Ensure compliance with employment laws and institutional policies.
5. HR Operations & Process Improvement (20%): Lead HR initiatives to enhance operational efficiency, streamline policies, and improve faculty and staff experiences. Oversee HR systems, reporting, and records management.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

1. Bachelor’s degree in business, human resources, or a related field.
2. At least five years of leadership experience in HR or operations within a complex organization.

Equivalent education/experience will substitute for all minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license/certification/registration.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

1. Expertise in employee relations, performance management, and HR best practices.
2. Strong communication, problem-solving, and strategic planning skills.
3. Experience leading HR teams and implementing process improvements.
4. Commitment to fostering an inclusive, customer-focused HR environment.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

1. Experience in academic or higher education HR management.
2. Knowledge of industry-standard HR best practices (SHRM certification a plus).
3. Proven ability to drive HR initiatives that balance compliance, efficiency, and employee engagement.

Application Process:

The application process may include completion of a variety of online assessments to obtain additional information that will be used in the evaluation process. These assessments may include Work Authorization, Cover Letter and/or others. Any assessments that you need to complete will appear on your screen as soon as you select “Apply to this position”. Once you begin an assessment, it must be completed at that time; if you do not complete the assessment, you will be prompted to do so the next time you log into your “My Jobs” page. If you choose to take it later, it will appear on your "My Jobs" page to take when you are ready. Please note that your application will not be reviewed, and you will not be considered for this position until all required assessments have been completed.

Committed to attracting and retaining a diverse staff, the University of Washington will honor your experiences, perspectives and unique identity. Together, our community strives to create and maintain working and learning environments that are inclusive, equitable and welcoming.

To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or [e-mail].

Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law.