What are the responsibilities and job description for the Assistant Director of Human Resources position at Ferrum College and Careers?
Position Summary
The Assistant Director of Human Resources serves as the primary operational leader of the Human Resources Department, overseeing the day-to-day functions, staff supervision, and execution of HR processes. This role ensures consistent, compliant, and responsive HR services across the College while supporting institutional priorities.
The Assistant Director works in close collaboration with the Senior Director of Human Resources, who provides strategic direction and handles high-level and complex HR matters. The Assistant Director ensures that strategy is translated into effective operations and serves as a knowledgeable backup to the Senior Director, particularly with respect to regulatory compliance and institutional continuity.
Key Responsibilities
Operational Leadership & HR Administration
Compliance & Regulatory Support
Preferred Qualifications
The Assistant Director of Human Resources serves as the primary operational leader of the Human Resources Department, overseeing the day-to-day functions, staff supervision, and execution of HR processes. This role ensures consistent, compliant, and responsive HR services across the College while supporting institutional priorities.
The Assistant Director works in close collaboration with the Senior Director of Human Resources, who provides strategic direction and handles high-level and complex HR matters. The Assistant Director ensures that strategy is translated into effective operations and serves as a knowledgeable backup to the Senior Director, particularly with respect to regulatory compliance and institutional continuity.
Key Responsibilities
Operational Leadership & HR Administration
- Lead the day-to-day operations of the Human Resources Department, ensuring timely, accurate, and professional HR services.
- Supervise, support, and provide direction to two HR staff members, fostering a collaborative and service-oriented team environment.
- Oversee core HR functions including recruitment logistics, onboarding, benefits administration, payroll coordination, employee records, leave administration, performance management processes, and employee separations.
- Ensure consistent application of College policies, procedures, and employment practices.
Compliance & Regulatory Support
- Maintain working knowledge of federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations, including but not limited to FLSA, FMLA, ADA, Title IX (as applicable to HR), EEO, and related requirements.
- Support compliance efforts related to IPEDS and other required HR-related regulatory and reporting obligations, in coordination with the Senior Director.
- Assist in monitoring, implementing, and documenting compliance practices across HR operations.
- Prepare materials, data, and documentation required for audits, reviews, or external reporting.
- Serve as a first point of contact for employee questions, concerns, and routine employee relations matters.
- Address and resolve day-to-day employee issues with professionalism, discretion, and consistency, escalating complex or high-risk matters to the Senior Director as appropriate.
- Support supervisors and managers with guidance on HR policies, performance management, and employee development.
- Work directly with the Senior Director of Human Resources to implement strategic initiatives, policy updates, and institutional priorities.
- Serve as a backup to the Senior Director, maintaining familiarity with high-level HR regulations, compliance matters, and institutional policies to ensure continuity of operations.
- Participate in the review and implementation of updates to the Faculty and Employee Handbooks and HR policies.
- Assist with HR-related training and communication efforts for faculty and staff.
- Collaborate with campus partners including Finance, Academic Affairs, Student Affairs, and senior leadership to support College operations.
- Represent Human Resources on committees or task forces as assigned.
- Perform other duties as necessary and assigned to support the effective functioning of the College.
- Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred.
- Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in Human Resources, with demonstrated responsibility for operational HR functions.
- Strong working knowledge of HR compliance, employment laws, and best practices.
- Supervisory experience and demonstrated ability to lead and support staff.
- Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills.
- High level of discretion, professionalism, and sound judgment.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in higher education or a similarly regulated environment.
- HR certification (PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP, or SHRM-SCP) preferred.
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