Director of - Human Resources Specialist

Director of Employee Experience - Human Resources Specialist 3

Job Description:

The Director of Employee Experience provides strategic leadership in shaping a high-performing, inclusive and engaged workforce across a complex, unionized, university environment. Reporting to the Campus Human Resources Officer, this role partners closely with executive leaders, deans, and supervisors to strengthen leadership capability, reinforce accountability for results, and embed a positive and forward‑looking institutional culture. The Director serves as a trusted advisor to leadership teams, supporting them in setting clear expectations and addressing performance challenges constructively.

This role helps to create work environments where employees feel supported, valued, and aligned with the university’s missions, values, and strategic priorities. It offers subject‑matter expertise and strategic HR leadership in areas such as employee/labor relations, classification, compensation/benefits, and performance management. The incumbent supports administrators, faculty, and staff in fostering a positive workplace culture while ensuring compliance with collective bargaining agreements, Minnesota State policies, and federal/state laws.

The Director actively participates in the creation of processes and programs, including change initiatives and continuous improvement measures aligned with university strategic priorities. Additionally, the Director of Employee Experience provides team leadership and training to HR colleagues in contract interpretation, project management, and transactional processes. The Director communicates university strategies, advises on personnel policies, and conducts informational meetings to ensure compliance.

They guide program managers on interpreting collective bargaining agreements to maintain consistent application and provide labor contract administration training. This confidential role involves accessing labor relations information, supporting management in labor matters, assisting in strike planning, and researching classification and compensation data for salary equity proposals in collective bargaining negotiations. In collaboration with campus stakeholders, the Director leads initiatives that enhance workplace climate, employee engagement, and organizational effectiveness while respecting collective bargaining agreements and shared governance.

The role develops and implements strategies, tools, and practices that support supervisors in managing performance, navigating complex employee relations matters, and leading through change. The Director also provides oversight and guidance for leave management processes, ensuring compliance, consistency, and a supportive employee experience. Through data‑informed decision‑making, continuous improvement, and an equity‑centered approach, the Director advances a culture of trust, accountability, and high performance that enables the university community to thrive.

Salary Range: $64,310.00 - $94,941.00 Annually

• Three years Human Resources Professional experience with knowledge of various laws relating to human resources management including, but not limited to, the Americans with Disabilities Act, employment law, Fair Labor Standards Act, Worker’s Compensation, and Family Medical Leave Act, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Master’s degree may substitute for 18 months of experience;
  Bachelor’s degree may substitute for one year of experience;
  Associate’s degree may substitute for six months of experience.
• Workplace investigations skills and demonstrated experience in mediating disputes and facilitating constructive solutions.
• Effective communication skills sufficient to provide prompt, courteous, and accurate information, communication, and service to diverse populations.
• Demonstrated organizational skills to prioritize work, initiate actions to meet deadlines, and complete all aspects of assignments under limited supervision.

• Master’s degree in Human Resources, Organizational Development, Industrial/Organizational Psychology.
• 7-10 years of progressively responsible…