Human Resources Director, Employee Experience

POSITION DETAILS

The Director of Human Resources provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for the Human Resources Department during a period of transformation and reorganization. Reporting to and working closely with the Executive Director of Human Resources, the Director will help advance a service-oriented HR operation aligned with the Human Resources Strategic Plan, the College’s strategic priorities and CUNY policies. Our department is reorganizing around three core goals: 1) creating an empowering customer experience 2) modernizing our operating model and standardizing practices across teams and 3) increasing cross-functional knowledge, collaboration, and shared accountability.

The HR Director is a hands-on leader responsible for managing and strengthening day-to-day HR operations and key areas of departmental oversight, including employee relations, professional development, HRIS and HR technology initiatives, reasonable accommodation, the HR Welcome Desk, recruitment support, onboarding and offboarding, performance management compliance, and related HR service functions. The Director will partner with academic and administrative leaders, labor representatives, University stakeholders, and internal HR teams to promote consistent, high-quality service delivery and to ensure that HR practices are clear, equitable, responsive, and aligned with institutional needs.

The ideal candidate will bring innovation, sound judgment, strong leadership, change management and process improvement skills to help translate the HR Strategic Plan into practical improvements that strengthen the employee experience, build team capacity, and continue to position Human Resources as a trusted partner across the College.

Key Responsibilities:

Serve as a strategic advisor and thought partner to the Executive Director of Human Resources and senior leadership on workforce planning, organizational development, change management, employee engagement, performance, and human capital strategies, aligned with the HR Strategic Plan, the College’s strategic priorities, and CUNY policies.

Lead Human Resources operations and service delivery, overseeing staff, departmental resources and budgets, onboarding and offboarding, performance management processes, personnel actions, separations, and other core HR functions for full-time and part-time employees.

Drive continuous improvement and organizational effectiveness by evaluating and modernizing HR processes, standardizing practices, strengthening collaboration and knowledge sharing across HR teams, and implementing initiatives that improve efficiency, accountability, and the employee and customer experience.

Provide leadership for employee relations and workplace matters, advising managers and supervisors on performance management, disciplinary matters, conflict resolution, workplace investigations, and policy interpretation. Partner with Labor Relations, union representatives, the Office of Equity, Inclusion and Belonging, Public Safety, Student Affairs, legal counsel, and other campus offices to address complex employee issues and mitigate organizational risk.

Ensure compliance and sound employment practices through consistent application of CUNY policies, collective bargaining agreements, and applicable federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations. Develop and update HR policies, procedures, and guidelines, and oversee related audits, reporting, and compliance initiatives.

Oversee HR technology, HRIS, and data initiatives that strengthen the accuracy and integrity of employee records, reporting, workflow automation, process efficiency, and data-informed decision-making.

Lead employee and leadership development initiatives, including professional development, supervisory training, onboarding support, and leadership development programs that build employee capability and strengthen organizational performance.

Oversee employee-facing HR services and specialized functions, including the HR Welcome Desk and reasonable accommodation processes, ensuring responsive, confidential, accurate, and consistent service to employees, applicants, managers, and campus partners while fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, continuous improvement, and accountability.

CUNY is an equal opportunity employer, is committed to increasing the diversity of its workforce and is dedicated to recruiting and retaining professionals who share the College’s commitment to equity. It welcomes nominations of, and applications from members of protected groups including minorities, women, veterans and individuals with disabilities, as well as others who would bring additional perspectives to the university’s mission. Candidates with demonstrated commitment to diversity and inclusiveness through their research, teaching and/or service are also encouraged to apply. One of Queensborough Community College’s greatest strengths, and a necessary element of excellence, is the diversity of our community. We strive to attract and nurture a talented and diverse faculty and staff that proudly reflect the unique character of the local Queens community, the most diverse county in the United States.

QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor's Degree and eight years' related experience required.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Master’s degree in Human Resources, Organizational Development, Business Administration, Higher Education Administration, or a related field, and significant progressively responsible experience in human resources management, preferably in a complex higher education, public-sector, or unionized environment.

Proven experience leading and managing comprehensive HR operations, including staff supervision, employee lifecycle processes, and the delivery of high-quality HR services to a diverse workforce.

Extensive knowledge of employee and labor relations, performance management, workplace investigations, conflict resolution, employment policies, collective bargaining agreements, and applicable federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations.

Demonstrated experience leading change management initiatives, HR process improvement, organizational effectiveness, and/or training efforts that support consistent practices, strengthen cross-functional collaboration, and enhance service delivery through the practical use of HR technology, data, reporting, and workflow tools.

Experience developing and implementing employee, supervisory, and leadership development programs that strengthen organizational capability, employee performance, engagement, and career development.

Excellent communication, interpersonal, analytical, and problem-solving skills, with demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgment, manage sensitive and complex matters, build collaborative relationships, and lead effectively in a diverse and dynamic organizational environment.

Experience in nonprofit, government or higher education environments, preferably within CUNY

CUNY TITLE OVERVIEW

Collaborates with campus or unit management to provide human resources leadership and to support related operations.

Directs human resources processes such as employment, benefits administration, recruitment and performance management

Manages staff responsible for providing employee services in the Human Resources office

Works with senior management in Human Resources, Labor Relations, and other areas to plan Human Resources strategies and programs; develops new Human Resources tools and programs to support management goals

Interprets regulations and policies of all kinds related to Human Resources, and advises senior executives and managers; reviews policies and procedures for improvement, and develops revisions

Ensures the integrity of Human Resources data, systems, records, and files

Independently researches sensitive Human Resources issues and assists executive management in their responses

Performs related duties as assigned.

Job Title Name: HR Director

CUNY TITLE

Higher Education Officer

FLSA

Exempt

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

Salary rate $136,040 - $150,770.

Salary commensurate with education and experience.

CUNY's benefits contribute significantly to total compensation, supporting health and wellness, financial well-being, and professional development. We offer a range of health plans, competitive retirement/pension benefits and savings plans, tuition waivers for CUNY graduate study and generous paid time off. Our staff also benefits from the extensive academic, arts, and athletic programs on our campuses and the opportunity to participate in a lively, diverse academic community in one of the greatest cities in the world.