Location: Louisville, KY
Category: Staff Positions
Job Type: Full-time Exempt
Posted On: Thu May 28 2026
Job Description:
Position Title: Director of Human Resources
Department: Human Resources
Status: Exempt
Reports to: Chief of Staff
SUMMARY OF POSITION
The Director of Human Resources serves as the operational leader of the Human Resources function and is responsible for the day-to-day management and administration of HR programs, services, systems, and compliance activities across the University. This position supports the University's mission and strategic priorities by ensuring effective and consistent human resource practices that support faculty, staff, and institutional operations.
Working in close partnership with the Chief of Staff, the Director provides guidance, analysis, and recommendations on human resource matters and is responsible for the implementation and administration of HR strategies, policies, and operational processes. The Director collaborates with leaders across campus to support recruitment, employee relations, compensation and benefits administration, compliance, onboarding, and organizational effectiveness.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Human Resources Operations & Leadership
- Lead and manage the day-to-day operations of the Human Resources office
-
Supervise and support HR staff to ensure responsive, accurate, and effective service delivery
-
Establish and maintain efficient HR processes, workflows, and documentation practices
-
Support a collaborative and service-oriented HR environment aligned with the mission and values of the University
Employee Relations & Organizational Support
- Provide guidance and support to supervisors, faculty, and staff on employee relations matters, workplace concerns, conflict resolution, and performance management
-
Assist with workplace investigations, corrective actions, improvement plans, and employee separations
-
Support institutional Title IX compliance efforts and collaborate with the Chief Title IX Officer on employment-related investigations, training, reporting, and response processes
-
Coordinate with institutional leadership and legal counsel on employment-related matters and risk mitigation strategies
-
Support organizational planning, position development, restructures, and classification reviews
Talent Acquisition & Employment Administration
- Oversee the employee life cycle for all University employees
-
Support hiring managers and academic leaders throughout the hiring process, including position review, posting, onboarding, and employment documentation
-
Ensure compliance with employment eligibility verification, background check, and onboarding requirements
Compensation & Benefits Administration
- Support the administration of compensation programs and provide market analysis, benchmarking, and internal equity review
-
Oversee employee benefits administration, including health, dental, vision, retirement, leave, disability, and ancillary benefit programs
-
Coordinate annual open enrollment processes, employee communication, vendor management, and benefits support services
-
Maintain productive relationships with external benefit providers, consultants, auditors, and retirement plan partners
Compliance, Reporting & Risk Management
- Ensure compliance with applicable federal and state employment laws and regulations, including FLSA, FMLA, ADA, ACA, COBRA, HIPAA, Title IX, and other related requirements
-
Coordinate required audits, surveys, filings, and regulatory reporting, including IPEDS, CUPA-HR, retirement plan audits, Affirmative Action, 1095-C and other institutional reporting obligations
-
Support administration and compliance activities related to the University's retirement plans and leave programs
-
Maintain accurate employee records and ensure appropriate confidentiality and data integrity standards
HR Systems & Data Management
- Oversee HR information systems and related processes to support operational effectiveness and compliance
-
Support HR reporting, data analysis, and workforce metrics to assist institutional planning and decision-making
-
Ensure effective management of HR-related electronic records and document retention practices
Training & Employee Support
- Coordinate new employee orientation and required employee compliance training programs
-
Provide policy guidance and support to employees and supervisors
-
Support employee engagement, professional development, and workplace communication efforts
-
Develop and support employee performance management and evaluation processes to promote accountability, professional development, and organizational effectiveness
Institutional Collaboration
- Collaborate with academic and administrative leaders across the University to support operational and workforce needs
-
Represent Human Resources on institutional committees and initiatives, as appropriate
-
Participate in executive-level discussions and Board-related matters at the request of the Chief of Staff
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
- Strong leadership, organizational, and interpersonal skills
-
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
-
Ability to manage sensitive and confidential matters with professionalism and discretion
-
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and conflict-resolution abilities
-
Thorough knowledge of employment laws, HR compliance requirements, and HR best practices
-
Experience working with HRIS systems, reporting tools, and employment databases
-
Ability to manage multiple priorities and respond effectively in a fast-paced environment
-
Strong attention to detail and commitment to customer service
WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS
This position primarily operates in a standard office environment and routinely uses office equipment and technology. Evening or weekend responsibilities and occasional travel may be required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The duties and responsibilities described above are representative and are not intended to be a complete list of all responsibilities associated with the position. Additional duties may be assigned to support the mission and operational needs of the University.
Job Requirements:
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university required; Master's degree in Human Resources, Higher Education Administration, Business Administration, or related field preferred
-
Minimum of seven years of progressively responsible human resources experience, including at least three years of leadership or supervisory experience
-
Experience in higher education or similarly complex organizational environments preferred
-
SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, or SPHR certification preferred
Additional Information: 