The University of Missouri Department of Athletics is seeking an experienced and strategic human resources leader to serve as Associate Athletics Director – Human Resources. Reporting to the Sr. Associate AD - Chief of Staff, this position will serve as the department’s chief human resources officer and will be responsible for leading all human resources functions for a workforce of approximately 300 full-time employees,
The Associate Athletics Director – Human Resources will provide strategic leadership and oversight for talent acquisition, employee relations, compensation, organizational development, performance management, compliance, workforce planning, and employee engagement. This position serves as the primary liaison between Athletics and University Human Resources and payroll and plays a critical role in building a high-performing culture that supports the department’s mission of competitive excellence, student-athlete success, and operational effectiveness.
Key Responsibilities
1. Human Resources Leadership and Strategy (35%)
- Serve as the lead human resources professional for the Department of Athletics.
- Develop and implement human resource strategies that align with departmental and University objectives.
- Advise the Director of Athletics and senior leadership on workforce planning, organizational structure, and personnel matters.
- Lead departmental initiatives related to employee engagement, retention, and workplace culture.
- Evaluate staffing models and organizational effectiveness across all units.
- Develop long-term workforce strategies to support departmental growth and evolving business needs.
- Provide guidance and recommendations regarding personnel policies, procedures, and best practices.
- Analyze workforce data and trends to support strategic decision-making.
- Lead change management efforts associated with organizational initiatives and restructuring.
- Foster a culture of accountability, professionalism, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
2. Talent Acquisition, Compensation, and Workforce Planning (25%)
- Oversee all recruiting, hiring, onboarding, and employee transition processes within Athletics.
- Partner with department leaders to identify staffing needs and recruitment strategies.
- Review and approve position descriptions, organizational structures, and hiring proposals.
- Advise leadership on compensation strategy, salary administration, market competitiveness, and equity considerations.
- Coordinate position classification and reclassification requests with University Human Resources.
- Lead workforce planning efforts to ensure staffing resources align with departmental priorities.
- Provide guidance on employment offers, promotions, transfers, and succession planning.
- Develop and maintain recruitment processes that attract highly qualified and diverse talent.
- Monitor labor market trends and competitive compensation practices within collegiate athletics.
3. Employee Relations, Performance Management, and Compliance (20%)
- Serve as the primary resource for employee relations matters throughout the department.
- Advise supervisors and employees regarding performance management, workplace concerns, and conflict resolution.
- Conduct or oversee workplace investigations and employee relations reviews as necessary.
- Provide guidance regarding disciplinary actions, corrective action plans, and employment decisions.
- Ensure compliance with University policies, federal and state employment laws, NCAA regulations, and SEC requirements.
- Coordinate annual performance evaluation processes and performance management initiatives.
- Develop and implement training programs for supervisors and department leaders.
- Monitor compliance with mandatory training and employment-related requirements.
- Partner with University Human Resources and legal counsel on complex employment matters.
4. Organizational Development and Employee Experience (10%)
- Lead employee development initiatives designed to enhance leadership effectiveness and professional growth.
- Coordinate departmental training and educational opportunities.
- Support employee recognition and engagement programs.
- Develop onboarding programs that promote successful integration of new employees.
- Identify opportunities to improve workplace culture and employee satisfaction.
- Facilitate leadership development opportunities for managers and supervisors.
- Promote an inclusive and supportive work environment across all Athletics units.
5. Human Resources Operations and Administration (10%)
- Oversee day-to-day human resources operations and departmental HR processes.
- Maintain accurate personnel records and reporting systems.
- Develop and monitor HR-related budgets and expenditures.
- Prepare reports, workforce analyses, and presentations for senior leadership.
- Serve as the primary liaison with University Human Resources and other campus partners.
- Ensure effective administration of departmental policies and procedures.
- Support special projects and strategic initiatives as assigned by the Director of Athletics or other senior personnel.
