TEST - Director of Human Resources at Alma College (MI) – Alma, Michigan

The Director of Human Resources is responsible for the strategic leadership and operational management of human resources, payroll, benefits, and employment functions at Alma College. This role encompasses employee recruitment, onboarding, performance management, compensation and benefits administration, and compliance with federal and state employment laws. The Director serves as a key advisor to senior leadership on employee relations and development, ensuring alignment with institutional policies and legal standards.

Supervision Received/Exercised:
- Reports to the Chief Financial Officer/Vice President of Business Affairs
- Collaborates frequently with members of the College Cabinet
- Supervises the Compensation Manager, Employment Specialist, and HR Student Assistant
Strategic Leadership & Policy Development
• Develop, implement, and communicate personnel policies and procedures that foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, and recognition, in alignment with the College’s mission.
• Advise senior leadership on HR-related matters, including compensation strategies, benefits, and emerging trends.
• Consult with legal counsel as needed to ensure compliance and effective policy administration.

Recruitment & Employee Relations
• Oversee the recruitment and selection process for staff positions, including job postings, advertising, , background checks, and offer documentation.
• Provide guidance to supervisors and employees on recruitment, benefits, and conflict resolution.
• Assist supervisors in performance management, including drafting improvement plans and documenting corrective actions.
Compensation & Benefits Administration
• Collaborate with Financial Services to design and administer competitive compensation and benefits packages.
• Serve as the primary liaison with benefits providers to ensure efficient operations and timely issue resolution.
• Manage all aspects of employee benefits, including enrollment, monitoring, record-keeping, and communication.

Benefits-Specific Duties
• Coordinate Health Savings Account openings/closings.
• Assist employees with benefit claims and inquiries.
• Conduct benefits orientations for new hires and candidates.
• Serve as the day-to-day contact for insurance carriers and third-party administrators.
• Lead open enrollment processes, including communications and meetings.
• Ensure accurate benefit data entry and system updates.
• Prepare audits, billing, census data, and payment information.
• Manage disability and life insurance claims.
• Oversee tuition benefit and reimbursement programs.
• Process moving expense reimbursements.

HR Operations & Compliance
• Conduct exit interviews and manage the return of College property.
• Manage leave requests and approvals (vacation, sick, mental health, etc.).
• Address employee complaints, harassment allegations, and civil rights issues.
• Evaluate HR systems and processes for continuous improvement.
• Submit recommendations through governance channels.
• Serve on internal and external committees (e.g., Administrative Council, Policy Committee, MICU-MEP).

International Support
• Act as the Primary Designated School Official (PDSO) and Responsible Officer (RO) for SEVIS.
• Support faculty and staff in Visa documentation and compliance.
Team Leadership & Budget Management
• Lead and mentor HR staff to foster a collaborative and mission-driven environment.
• Oversee departmental budget and establish priorities for budget planning.
• Bachelor’s degree in a related field from an accredited institution
• Minimum of five years of professional HR experience, including two years in a leadership role
• In-depth knowledge of employment law
• Proficiency in HR technology and software
• Strong interpersonal and cross-cultural communication skills
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and communicate with clarity and compassion
• Analytical skills for preparing reports and presentations
• Public speaking experience
• Excellent organizational, problem-solving, and prioritization abilities
• Demonstrated ability to develop and implement policy
• Master’s degree
• PHR or SPHR certification
• Training or certification in workplace investigations
• Training in conflict resolution or mediation

Physical Requirements
• Ability to perform computer-based work for extended periods
• Effective communication in person, electronically, and by phone
• Ability to sit, walk, and lift up to 20 pounds