Director of Human Resources

Lake Superior State University invites applicants for the position of Director of Human Resources. LSSU is a personal, small-town university enrolling 1,500 students and employing 350 faculty and staff.

Located in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan – along the US/Canada border and at the heart of three Great Lakes – our campus offers more than just a job; it offers a vibrant community surrounded by the pristine beauty of the Upper Peninsula. Sault Ste. Marie was founded in 1668, where we share the international border with Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. The two cities combine the advantages of a larger city with the safety and comfort of a smaller town. Between both, the population is about 100,000.

The 115-acre campus is situated on the site of the former U.S. Army’s Fort Brady with fourteen of LSSU’s buildings listed on various historic registers, creating a unique campus environment. Campus overlooks Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, the St. Mary’s River, and the Soo Locks, the busiest locks in the world.

Job Summary:

Reporting to the Vice President for Finance and Operations, the Director of Human Resources is responsible for leadership and direction of the human resources and payroll functions of the university, regulatory compliance including Title IX, and campus safety. The Director leads a team with responsibility for HR programs, services, policies, and practices that support institutional priorities, culture, organizational effectiveness, and compliance.  The successful candidate will ensure that the human resources team delivers high-quality customer service, demonstrates expertise in matters important to the recruitment, retention, and support of faculty and staff, establishes policies and procedures essential to university personnel operations, and manages HR and payroll data effectively. Additional oversight includes the campus safety office and Title IX coordinator to ensure the overall safety and security of students, faculty, staff, and visitors.

Position Responsibilities:

·        Responsible for designing, developing, and implementing all human resources management functions.

·        Partner with leadership in achieving the mission and goals of the University.

·        Review tools, approval workflows, and job functions within the office of human resources and make necessary changes to improve the effectiveness of the unit.

·        Establish a culture that encourages teamwork, pride in employee roles, professional growth, and development in support of the institution’s mission and vision.

·        Ensure excellent customer service in both internal and external relationships with the office.

·        Responsible for managing employment status change related activities.

·        Responsible for administering LSSU’s benefits program.

·        Maintain and update HR systems, software, and data.

·        Oversee accuracy of information regarding employee position data, contracts, leave information, and benefits.

·        Identify effective succession planning strategies for the University.

·        Provide ongoing communication to employees about benefits associated with University employment including retirement, tuition benefits, wellness and recreation opportunities, and training and development opportunities.

·        Ensure human resource policies and procedures are up-to-date and accessible by the university community.

·        Advise employees and supervisors on performance and disciplinary guidelines, conducting investigations as needed, and recommending action plans.

·        In partnership with the University’s Title IX Coordinator, ensure the university’s compliance with Title IX harassment and discrimination prevention.

·        Maintain the university organizational chart.

·        Oversee campus safety including risk management and parking enforcement.

·        Supervise four full-time employees including two HR generalists, Risk & Title IX Coordinator, and Payroll Coordinator.

Minimum Qualifications:

·        Bachelor’s degree in human resources, management, leadership, business, or a related field.

·        Five years of progressive leadership responsibility in human resources.

·        Ability to maintain confidentiality and approach sensitive topics with employees.

·        Demonstrated written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.

·        Demonstrated ability to work with human resources systems, data, and reporting.

·        Working knowledge and experience with HR laws and regulations.

·        Ability to lead, supervise, and develop team members.

Preferred Qualifications:

·        HR leadership experience in a university setting.

·        Experience with Banner for human resource and payroll functioning.

·        Knowledge of unemployment compensation and worker’s compensation.

·        Knowledge of MPSERS and TIAA retirement plans.

Please apply directly through our university careers page at:  https://jobs.lssu.edu/jobs/search