The American University in the Emirates is looking for a Human Resources Director who will be responsible for developing and implementing HR strategies that align with the university’s mission and goals. This role encompasses all aspects of human resources management, including recruitment, talent development, employee relations, performance management, compliance, and organizational development. The HR Director will play a key role in fostering a positive work environment and enhancing the overall employee experience.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

• Master’s Degree (is preferred) or Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resource Management, Business Administration, Management or related field from an accredited university
• Must have professional certifications such as SHRM-SCP, SPHR, CIPD, GPHR, etc.
• Must be bilingual (speaks English and Arabic fluently)
• Preferably has proven experience in higher education

SKILLS / TRAINING / KNOWLEDGE

• Knowledge of University programs and operations including Administrative and Academic affairs is preferred.
• Comprehensive HR knowledge and practices as well as profound knowledge and solid experience in regulations and employee relations

JOB DESCRIPTION

• Develop and implement HR strategies that support the university’s strategic objectives.
• Collaborate with senior leadership to align HR initiatives with institutional goals.
• Oversee the recruitment process, ensuring the university attracts and retains top talent.
• Develop effective onboarding programs to integrate new employees smoothly.
• Design and implement training and development programs to enhance employee skills and performance.
• Establish career development initiatives and succession planning strategies.
• Implement performance management systems to ensure clear expectations and accountability.
• Conduct regular reviews and assessments to promote a culture of continuous feedback.
• Use performance appraisals to identify high performers and ensure that resources are allocated efficiently
• Foster positive employee relations by addressing employee concerns and facilitating conflict resolution.
• Proactively address employee issues to minimize the risk of disputes that can lead to costly legal expenses.
• Develop and maintain effective communication channels to promote transparency.
• Manage compensation structures, ensuring competitive and equitable pay practices.
• Oversee employee benefits programs and ensure compliance with legal requirements.
• Ensure HR policies and procedures comply with UAE labor laws and university regulations.
• Review and update HR policies as necessary to reflect best practices and legal requirements.
• Ensure compliance with UAE labor laws and regulations to avoid fines and penalties.
• Promote diversity and inclusion initiatives within the university to create an equitable work environment.
• Implement programs that support a diverse workforce and cultural competency.
• Analyze HR metrics to assess the effectiveness of HR initiatives and identify areas for improvement.
• Prepare reports for senior leadership on HR trends and key performance indicators.
• Utilize Human Resource Information Systems (HRIS) to streamline HR processes, reducing administrative costs and improving efficiency.
• Use analytics to identify trends in recruitment, turnover, and employee performance to make informed budgetary decisions
• Develop budgets that reflect HR goals aligned with organizational objectives, ensuring effective allocation of resources.
• Conduct analyses on proposed HR initiatives to evaluate their potential financial impact before implementation.

Please refer the Job description for details