Position Purpose:

As a critical member of the Human Resources leadership team, the Director of Employee Experience plays a key role in enhancing the culture and climate of the college. With support from various campus partners, the director is responsible for the development and implementation of strategies that elevate the overall employee experience- working to build trust, improve communication, strengthen relationships and promote an environment of equity and inclusion across our community. Reporting to the Assistant Vice President (AVP) of Human Resources, this position directs and supports both the talent acquisition and employee relations functions across the institution, including recruitment, onboarding, engagement, training, performance management and HR policy development and compliance.

Job Duties:

• Partners with leaders and colleagues across the college to foster a culture of equity and inclusion and promote inclusive policies and practices throughout the institution
• Oversees the daily workflow of the department, providing guidance and support to the Employee Relations Specialist, Talent Acquisition Specialist, and HR Assistant
• Works closely with other HR department directors to deliver the highest level of service to the Bates community, resolving problems quickly and effectively and providing timely, accurate and thorough responses to all employee and external customer inquiries
• Reviews and approves compensation analyses and final salary offers in accordance with budgetary guidelines
• Collaborates with the AVP of HR, the Employee Relations Specialist and other campus partners to develop and implement employee engagement programs and initiatives, including community events, climate surveys, focus groups and employee feedback sessions
• Provides guidance and support to leaders in the creation, execution and evaluation of department action plans
• Supports AVP of HR with faculty related employee relations cases
• Assists the Employee Relations Specialist and advises department leaders on ADA accommodations, complex employee leaves, performance issues, behavioral concerns and disciplinary actions
• Collaborates with the AVP of Civil Rights Compliance/Title IX Coordinator on issues regarding harassment or discrimination
• Monitors and ensures compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations.
• Works with the Talent Acquisition Specialist and department leaders to assess staffing needs and develop recruiting strategies to ensure a robust and diverse candidate pool
• Engages with external agencies to improve talent pipelines, refine best practices and expand our recruiting network
• Works with both the Employee Relations and Talent Acquisition Specialists to develop and deliver effective HR-related training to staff and faculty
• Provides guidance, support and resources to managers regarding performance management, including skills enhancement tools and professional development opportunities
• Collaborates with leaders on organizational structure changes and workforce development strategies
• Creates, reviews and modifies policies and practices to maintain compliance and address an ever-evolving work environment, including overseeing all Employee Handbook updates.
• Facilitates professional development and training activities for HR staff.
• Identifies priorities for the team, providing clarity, communicating expectations and evaluating results
• Participates in HR-related committees or working groups across campus
• Reviews data from staff stay and exit interviews, sharing appropriate feedback with management, and working with the Talent Acquisition Specialist to develop effective retention strategies.
• Performs other duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education

Candidates must possess a bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Organizational Leadership or related field

Experience

Seven to ten years of progressive experience in human resources including three to five years directly supervising HR staff.

Skills and Knowledge

• Passion for supporting others at all levels, at times acting as a generalist while also having the ability to provide 1:1 high-level coaching
• Demonstrated commitment to practices in equity, inclusion, access and anti-racism and to serving the needs of a culturally and educationally diverse and inclusive community
• The ability to influence, lead change, and role model positive behaviors that drive performance
• Must be flexible, willing to take initiative, and highly collaborative
• Strong knowledge base of employment law, Title IX and Title VII
• Focused attention to detail, execution of tasks, and accountability
• Demonstrated ability to maintain multiple projects and seek assistance when priorities compete
• Exceptional written, verbal, and empathetic communication skills with the ability to compose a variety of messages and reports
• A strong commitment to bringing different perspectives to our work
• Demonstrated technical competency including proficient use of Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint, Google documents, and other comparable software programs

• Preferred:
  • The ability to inspire and unite teams
  • A desire to innovate and a willingness to try new and different approaches
  • A deep appreciation for humor, kindness, and compassion
  • SHRM or HRCI certification
  • Experience and knowledge of Banner or comparable human resources information systems/ software
  • Experience with process improvement and change management methodologies

Benefits: Bates College offers competitive salaries, excellent benefits (health, dental, sick leave, 24 days of vacation, 2 personal days, 13 paid holidays, dependent care subsidy, free parking, access to library and athletic facilities & more), and a supportive, collegial environment in a drug and smoke-free workplace.