Director of Human Resources and Employee Engagement

Department: Division of Student Life
Appointment Type and Duration: Regular, Ongoing
Salary: $90,000 - $110,000 per year
Compensation Band: OS-OA08-Fiscal Year 2025-2026
FTE: 1.0

Application Review Begins

March 16, 2026; position open until filled

Special Instructions to Applicants

A complete application will include:
1. A resume with detailed employment history; including the month and year for the start and end dates
2. A cover letter summarizing your interest and how you meet or exceed the requirements of the position

Department Summary

The Division of Student Life supports the university’s academic mission and strategic plan through comprehensive programs and services that promote and advance student learning and success while fostering an inclusive and vibrant campus community. Student Life includes four major portfolios, the Office of the Dean of Students, Experiential Learning & Engagement, Health & Wellbeing, and Division Administration. Key programs and departments within the division include but are not limited to University Health Services, Erb Memorial Union, Physical Education & Recreation, Parent and Family Programs, Major Student Events (Commencement, Homecoming, University Day), Fraternity and Sorority Life, Counseling, Health Promotion, Multicultural and Identity Based Support Services, Student Government Engagement & Success, Student Conduct and Community Standards, and Support for Students in Crisis and Students of Concern.

The Office of the Vice President for Student Life provides the vision for and oversight of the Division’s portfolios, departments, programs, services and initiatives. The Vice President’s administrative staff serves as a conduit between the vice president, the division and campus, and provides key administrative, strategic, and program support.

Position Summary

The Director of Human Resources is a strategic leader responsible for the overall direction, coordination, and evaluation of HR functions for the Division of Student Life. Reporting to the Associate Vice President & Chief of Staff (AVP/COS), the Director serves as the principal advisor to the Vice President and division leadership on a comprehensive range of human resource matters, including employee relations, talent acquisition, policy implementation, professional development, employee engagement, organizational design, and compliance.

This position also leads and manages HR services provided through the division’s administrative services hub, including oversight of payroll and personnel actions. Working closely with University Human Resources, the Director provides expert guidance to departmental leadership, ensuring consistency, equity, and alignment with division and institutional policies and best practices in higher education HR management.

An ideal candidate would be a strategic and service-oriented HR leader who excels at navigating complexity and fostering inclusive, people-centered solutions. The ideal candidate will bring a collaborative mindset, strong operational acumen, and a passion for cultivating a positive and equitable workplace culture.

Minimum Requirements

• Five years experience in human resources management (work must be on a core function such as recruitment, employee relations, or workforce planning)
• Three years experience in payroll management
• Three years experience directly supervising staff
• Bachelor’s degree, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Professional Competencies

• Interpersonal skills to handle sensitive and confidential situations.
• Ability to effectively work and communicate with individuals from different cultural backgrounds.
• Basic understanding of employment law.
• Ability to work independently, managing multiple priorities, while paying attention to details and meeting deadlines.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to navigate complex matters effectively and collaborate to develop people-centered solutions.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience building HR tracking systems and workflows and utilizing metrics
• Experience in developing employee engagement programs and fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace culture and a culture of care
• Experience managing HR functions in a higher education and/or unionized environment.
• Experience with MyTrack and Banner.
• SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP certification

FLSA Exempt: Yes

All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a background check.

The University of Oregon is proud to offer a robust benefits package to eligible employees, including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off. For more information about benefits, visit our website.

The University of Oregon is an equal-opportunity institution committed to cultural diversity and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. The University encourages all qualified individuals to apply and does not discriminate on the basis of any protected status, including veteran and disability status. The University is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. To request an accommodation in connection with the application process, please email us or call 541-346-5112.

UO prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy (including pregnancy-related conditions), age, physical or mental disability, genetic information (including family medical history), ancestry, familial status, citizenship, service in the uniformed services (as defined in federal and state law), veteran status, expunged juvenile record, and/or the use of leave protected by state or federal law in all programs, activities and employment practices as required by Title IX, other applicable laws, and policies. Retaliation is prohibited by UO policy. Questions may be referred to the Office of Equal Opportunity and Access. Contact information, related policies, and complaint procedures are listed here.

In compliance with federal law, the University of Oregon prepares an annual report on campus security and fire safety programs and services. The Annual Campus Security and Fire Safety Report is available online.