Human Resources

Under the general direction of the Vice President of Finance and Administration, the Director of Human Resources is responsible for creating and implementing a strategic vision for a wide range of services with an emphasis on service excellence while ensuring operational effectiveness and efficiency. The Director of Human Resources plans, develops, and administers human resources functions and advises and consults on related issues. The Director of Human Resources additionally works collaboratively with campus stakeholders and participates in strategic planning, and policy/procedure development.

Job Responsibilities  

• Responsible for compliance with government regulations and reporting, maintaining employee handbooks to ensure compliance as well as cultural alignment, and development and implementation of human resources policies. Recommend, revise, and implement HR/employment policies. Ensure college rules and policies comply with relevant federal and State employment laws and regulations and the college’s mission.
• Manage all aspects of the human resources functions. Supervise and provide coaching to HR staff.
• Administer employee relations and serve as an impartial party to ensure that the rights of the employee and the interests of the college are protected. Coordinate all aspects of the disciplinary process for non-faculty employees to ensure fair and equitable treatment under the employment regulations, policies, rules, and procedures. Provide guidance with informal and formal complaints and appeals. May be responsible for employer responses regarding EEOC charges. Counsel with and facilitate communication between employees and/or supervisors to address, and where possible, resolve workplace problems. Counsel with the Dean of Faculty on faculty employee relations issues upon request. Work with the Title IX Coordinator on sexual discrimination and/or harassment complaints.
• Administer the health, dental, vision, life, LTD, and retirement plans, as well as leaves of absence, unemployment claims, and worker's compensation. Oversee the relationships with benefit providers; oversee Group Health and Retirement Plan committee meetings.
• Oversee and participate in the timely and accurate entry and maintenance of personnel and position related information and data into the ADP HRIS system and other databases.
• Oversee the workflow of college employee and benefit change transactions; provide appropriate support and timely follow-up on all referenced questions or situations.
• Ensure implementation and maintenance of the compensation program. Oversee the position description development, classification reviews, salary studies, and the annual salary increases. Monitor the College’s market competitiveness and conduct other compensation analyses to ensure fairness externally and internally. Participate in salary surveys. Works effectively with payroll services to ensure employees are paid in a timely and correct manner. Upon request, assist the Dean of Faculty with compensation analysis of faculty employees.
• Oversee the performance evaluation process. Provide guidance to departments and managers on performance management, professional development, and organizational design.
• Oversee talent management (recruitment and hiring) and employee life cycle process for optimal effectiveness and efficiency based on the College's mission, vision, values, and objectives. Collaborate with managers on job design, job descriptions and postings, interviewing and selection.
• Schedule and monitor completion of required training by college employees.
• Participate and collaborate with Safety Committee on risk prevention, protocols, and programs.
• Responsible for the maintenance of employment records and the response to authorized requests for information. Represent the college with financial and 403b plan audits.
• Contribute to the overall success of the college by performing all other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field.
• At least 7 years of relevant experience, preferably in higher education.
• Human Resources certification preferred.
• Demonstrated ability working in a high-volume complex environment that requires confidentiality, a high level of collaboration, discretion, diplomacy and tact.
• Must have strong interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability in problem solving and conflict resolution.
• Strong knowledge of human resource policies, programs, and procedures, along with a comprehensive understanding of applicable federal, state, and local employment laws.
• Strong analytical aptitude required, along with advanced skills with Microsoft Excel.
• Must have excellent verbal and written communications.

Application

To apply please submit a cover letter and resume via e-mail to: Human Resources at HR@lakeforest.edu.

Lake Forest College embraces diversity and strongly encourages applications from women, members of historically underrepresented groups, veterans, and individuals with disabilities.