Strategic HR Director: People Ops & Compliance

Massachusetts Maritime Academy; Buzzards Bay (MA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Massachusetts Maritime Academy seeks a Human Resources Director to lead the HR department, ensuring compliant, efficient HR services across the Academy. You will guide employee relations, recruitment, onboarding, and benefits coordination, while maintaining accurate HR data and overseeing compliance reporting.

The role emphasizes strategic oversight of leaves, investigations, and contract processes for part-time staff and student workers, working closely with Payroll, Benefits, and department

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Organizational Management, or related field.
• 5-7 years of progressively responsible human resources experience.
• Experience administering FMLA, PFML, Worker’s Comp, accommodations, and other leave programs.
• Strong organizational and project management skills; able to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment in sensitive matters.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities and ambiguity.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day operations of the HR department and ensure coordination of HR programs and services.
• Serve as a primary contact for employee questions and concerns and escalate to Dean as appropriate.
• Co-investigate employee relations matters, including Title IX and EO matters.
• Oversee recruitment, hiring processes, postings, references, offers, and pre-employment screenings.
• Manage onboarding, orientation, and welcoming new hires.
• Oversee offboarding and exit interviews.
• Manage leaves of absence and related programs with Payroll and Benefits.
• Serve as primary HR contact for Workers’ Compensation and related documentation.
• Coordinate with Payroll/Benefits on benefits, leave administration, and status changes.
• Oversee performance evaluation processes and record-keeping.
• Manage HR information systems, personnel data, and records for compliance.
• Support ATS implementation and system inquiries.
• Oversee HR audits/reports (IPEDS, EEO, Clery, etc.).
• Collaborate with Training Ship Administrative Assistant on mariner credentials and training.

Skills

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Project management

Confidentiality

Adaptability

Education

Bachelor’s degree in HR or related field

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

ATS

HRIS/Payroll software

Job description

Massachusetts Maritime Academy seeks a Human Resources Director to lead the HR department, ensuring compliant, efficient HR services across the Academy. You will guide employee relations, recruitment, onboarding, and benefits coordination, while maintaining accurate HR data and overseeing compliance reporting.

The role emphasizes strategic oversight of leaves, investigations, and contract processes for part-time staff and student workers, working closely with Payroll, Benefits, and department