Strategic HR Director for Higher Education

The University of Texas at Austin; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 130,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Texas at Austin's College of Natural Sciences is seeking a Director of Human Resources to lead CNS HR strategy and operations at UT's main campus. You will unify decentralized HR practices, align processes, and advance a strong service culture across the college.

The role requires executive leadership, collaboration with CNS leaders and central offices, and a track record of shaping HR policy in large, complex organizations. Start date December 2026; 40-hour week; exempt status.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in HR, Business Admin, or related field, plus 8 years HR experience (or Master’s + 6 years).
• Experience leading HR operations in a large, complex organization (e.g., higher education, healthcare, government).
• Experience leading organizational change across multiple departments.
• Strong advisory and collaboration skills with senior leaders.
• Excellent written and verbal communication; ability to influence without direct authority.

Responsibilities

• Strategic HR leadership and workforce planning with CNS leadership.
• HR governance and compliance across departments.
• Improve HR processes and leverage HR technology.
• Provide senior-level guidance on complex employment matters.
• Represent CNS on committees and build partnerships across university.
• Directly supervise HR professionals and develop staff.

Skills

HR leadership

Organizational change

Supervisory experience

Employment law knowledge

Coaching & conflict resolution

Policy interpretation

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in HR or related field

Master's degree in HR or related field

Job description

The University of Texas at Austin's College of Natural Sciences is seeking a Director of Human Resources to lead CNS HR strategy and operations at UT's main campus. You will unify decentralized HR practices, align processes, and advance a strong service culture across the college.

The role requires executive leadership, collaboration with CNS leaders and central offices, and a track record of shaping HR policy in large, complex organizations. Start date December 2026; 40-hour week; exempt status.