The Associate Director of Human Resources serves as a strategic partner and trusted advisor to the University of Missouri Research Reactor (MURR). Reporting to the Executive Director of MURR with accountability to the Associate Vice Chancellor for the Office of Human Resources (OHR), this role provides business-focused HR guidance aligned with MURR’s mission and university-wide HR priorities.
This position works collaboratively with MURR, its divisional leadership, Business & Finance Officer (BFO), and central HR Centers of Expertise (COEs) to strengthen the employee experience, support effective workforce practices, and promote continuous improvement across MURR. The incumbent will serve in an official advisory capacity to MURR’s Senior Leadership Team (SLT).
Employee Relations: Partners with leaders and employees to address workplace concerns, support early conflict resolution, and promote positive working relationships. Conducts fact-finding and investigations and provides guidance on performance, compliance, and University policy/practice matters. Supports leaders in evaluating options and identifying appropriate next steps, including personnel-related action, performance improvement plans, and separations, with attention to consistency and risk. Assists with planning and navigating transitions, layoffs, off boarding,
and related communications. Supports the offboarding process by interviewing identified departing employees in person and developing written reports to inform MURR leadership in decision-making. Engages Employee & Labor Relations COE and other institutional subject-matter experts (SMEs) as needed to support timely, well-aligned solutions.
HR Programs, Processes, and Policy Implementation: Works with MURR leaders to build shared understanding and consistent application of federal/state regulations and University Collected Rules and Regulations (CRRs). Supports compliance and risk mitigation by providing practical guidance and helping teams apply policies appropriately. Identifies opportunities to streamline workflows and strengthen HR processes in partnership with MURR divisions and OHR partners. Monitors and shares HR metrics to inform planning, support accountability, and drive improvement. Coordinates with institutional SMEs to ensure alignment with University standards and practices.
Compensation and Classification: Conducts job audits and analysis, including Position Classification Questionnaires (PCQs), to support accurate classification and documentation. Develops and updates position descriptions in partnership with divisions and centers. Guides leaders through pay-related requests (e.g., reclassification, off-cycle changes), including process, documentation, and rationale. Provides guidance on compensation/classification architecture, institutional philosophy, regulatory considerations, and best practices. Oversees the annual salary increase process and gives guidance and support to departmental recommendations. Partners with the Compensation COE.
Employee Experience and Performance Management: Collaborates with leaders to strengthen team effectiveness, address productivity challenges, and support effective communication and feedback practices. Oversees the annual performance review/appraisal process and facilitates calibration discussions to promote consistency and equity. Provides training and resources for supervisors and employees related to performance management processes and expectations. Recommends professional development solutions aligned to role needs and MURR priorities. Supports onboarding, orientation, and training approaches that build capability and engagement. Facilitates succession planning and talent development discussions to strengthen future readiness. Uses available survey feedback (pulse, climate, exit) to monitor trends and inform personnel planning. Partners with the Learning & Organizational Development COE.
Recruitment and Onboarding: Consults with hiring authorities to strengthen recruitment strategies, streamline hiring processes, and support equitable outcomes. Advises on best and compliant selection practices. Helps implement an employee-centered onboarding experience and recommends improvements based on feedback and workforce needs. Maintains awareness of workforce dynamics to identify retention opportunities and engagement strategies. Partners with Talent Acquisition COE.
Organizational Effectiveness: Works alongside MURR leadership to identify opportunities that strengthen organizational effectiveness and culture. Supports change management efforts through planning, communication, and practical tools that help teams navigate transitions. Coordinates employee engagement and recognition initiatives, including climate survey interpretation and planning. Understands and applies HR analytics to provide actionable insights that support workforce planning and decision-making. Collaborates with leaders and employees to strengthen engagement and support effective communication. Partners with the Learning & Organizational Development COE.
Workforce Planning and Design: Collaborates with MURR leadership and recruiters to assess current and future staffing needs. Uses data analytics to support forecasting discussions and staffing plans, including critical roles and resource considerations. Provides consultation and coaching to support organizational design conversations and implementation planning. Partners with HRIS and Data Analytics COEs to support coordinated, well-informed workforce decisions.
Leadership and Additional Responsibilities: Provides administrative supervision to assigned staff, supporting development, performance, and team effectiveness. Contributes to additional projects and responsibilities in support of MURR, OHR, and the broader University of Missouri.
