Concordia University Chicago (CUC), a comprehensive Christian liberal arts university, invites applications for the full-time, exempt position of Director of Human Resources. This position reports directly to the Chief Financial Officer/Senior Vice President of Finance and is located in River Forest, IL. As an institution of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, Concordia University gives preference to employment based upon religious affiliation to the LCMS community.

JOB SUMMARY:

The Director of Human Resources has authority over and is responsible for managing all human resources functions for the University: benefits administration, budget and planning, labor and employee relations, compensation, talent management, HRIS, and all human resources related compliance mandates for Concordia University Chicago. Additionally, the Director will partner with the CFO/Senior Vice President of Finance and other members of leadership to develop and implement an overall personnel strategy that is in alignment with CUC’s mission, vision, values, and strategic goals.

SKILL SETS:

• Strong business acumen partnered with attention to detail and the human element
• Thorough knowledge of employment law and regulations, as well as human resources best practices
• Ability to handle multiple responsibilities, prioritize, and delegate when appropriate
• Strong administrative skills, including supervisory, leadership, analytical, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to adapt to the needs of the organization and employees
• Technically proficient with computer programs; specifically Microsoft Access, Excel, Word, PowerPoint, & BANNER preferred
• Superior verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills
• Enthusiastic supporter of Lutheran higher education and Concordia University Chicago
• Exhibits a service mentality toward all stakeholders
• All communication with stakeholders is effective, professional, accurate, and timely
• Improves work performance and that of others by being receptive to and appropriately sharing information

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

• 7 years of progressively responsible HR experience required
• Experience in higher education preferred
• Experience in a faith-based organization preferred

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS:

• Master’s degree in Human Resources, Business, or related field; OR comparable years of HR experience, education, and certification
• SPHR, SHRM-SCP, or other relevant HR certifications preferred
• Working knowledge of Title IX, HRIS, and wage compensation systems preferred

• Human Resources Management:
• Builds a culture of trust, collegiality, employee engagement, and compliance
• Effectively manages HR personnel, operations, and budget
• Continually monitors HR operations and determines appropriate technology systems and support
• Ensures compliance with all applicable laws and regulations
• Employee Recruitment and Selection:
• Partners with senior university leaders to recruit and retain a faithful, qualified workforce to advance the CUC mission
• Tracks and assesses CUC’s effectiveness in recruiting personnel
• Analyzes and coordinates employee retention efforts
• Compensation and Benefits:
• Determines and approves compensation levels and practices for all positions prior to posting to ensure internal and external equity
• Primary institutional liaison with external providers for all employee health, welfare, and benefit plans. In partnership with executive leadership, reviews and analyzes current benefits offered through Concordia Plans
• Researches, analyzes, and recommends new benefits options by studying employee usage and requests, new trends and developments, programs offered by other organizations, as well as the costs and benefits associated with current and potential benefits
• Assists University Leadership with developing a total compensation philosophy and program geared towards attracting, retaining, and recognizing a faithful, qualified workforce
• Employee Relations:
• Informs and advises employees of HR-related policies, procedures and practices through the Employee Handbook
• Collaborates with supervisors in effectively managing employees
• Proactively offers solutions that align with mission and legal requirements
• Maintains visibility and availability in order to assist employees
• Serves as Deputy Title IX Coordinator
• Collaborates with HR staff to administer FMLA and ADA requests
• Employee Training and Professional Development:
• Fosters a culture of professionalism, collegiality, employee engagement, and compliance by implementing effective training and talent management programs and by effectively receiving and responding to employee concerns
• Identifies employee development and training needs/ opportunities
• Implements the employee development plan
• Special Projects and other duties as assigned:
• Serves as a member of the University Leadership Team (ULT)
• Serves as the Administrative Liaison to Staff Council
• Candidates must support and be committed to the mission and identity of Concordia University Chicago, a university of the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod (LCMS).