Strategic HR Leader, People Strategy & Partnerships

University of California - Los Angeles (UCLA); Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

University of California, Los Angeles seeks an Executive Director of the People Strategy and Partnership unit to strengthen the connection between CHR expertise and colleges, schools, and administrative units. The role provides integrated strategic HR partnership, portfolio leadership, organizational guidance, and accountability across campus HR.

UCLA seeks a proactive, strategic, collaborative leader who can translate complex organizational challenges into practical, forward-thinking HR

Qualifications

• Experience in higher education and/or the public sector HR field.
• 8-10 years of progressive HR management in a larger organization.
• Experience with UC systemwide personnel policies and applicable laws and regulations (Preferred)
• Experience managing HR consultation and operations across multiple clients in complex, decentralized environments.
• Strong leadership and management skills with the ability to motivate, coach, and evaluate staff.
• Expertise in strategic planning, performance measurement, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Knowledge of Six Sigma or process improvement methodologies to enhance quality and efficiency.
• Ability to balance customer service with compliance while developing constraint-aware solutions.
• High level of political acumen and interpersonal skills to influence diverse stakeholders.
• Excellent written and verbal communication; handles difficult situations effectively.
• Team-building skills to collaborate and provide feedback.
• Knowledge of HR, payroll, and financial systems; leverage technology for operational effectiveness.
• Analytical and strategic thinking with attention to detail; solve complex problems.
• Knowledge of employment laws, policies, and labor agreements, with discretion handling confidential information.
• Ability to develop budget plans and administer financial resources.

Responsibilities

• Provide executive leadership for execution of HR strategy and operational initiatives across UCLA.
• Lead efforts to strengthen HR compliance and effectiveness, reduce risk, and accountability.
• Serve as trusted strategic advisor across HR functions.
• Establish service standards for portfolio HR support and direct HR operations.
• Oversight of the People Strategy & Partnerships unit; coordinate with CHR COEs.

Skills

Leadership & management

Strategic planning

Process improvement

Stakeholder management

Communication

Team building

Analytical thinking

Employment laws & labor agreements

Budgeting

Change management

Education

Bachelor's Degree in related field

Master's Degree in HR/Business (Preferred)

CCP / SPHR / SHRM-SCP (Preferred)

Tools

HR information systems

Payroll systems

Financial systems

Job description

University of California, Los Angeles seeks an Executive Director of the People Strategy and Partnership unit to strengthen the connection between CHR expertise and colleges, schools, and administrative units. The role provides integrated strategic HR partnership, portfolio leadership, organizational guidance, and accountability across campus HR.

UCLA seeks a proactive, strategic, collaborative leader who can translate complex organizational challenges into practical, forward-thinking HR