Executive Director, HR Operations

Are you ready to transform lives through academic excellence, innovative research, strong community partnerships and economic opportunity? Kennesaw State University is one of the 50 largest public institutions in the country. With growing enrollment and global reach, we continue to expand our institutional influence and prominence beyond the state of Georgia. We offer more than 190 undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees to empower over 50,000 students to become thought leaders, lifelong learners, and informed global citizens. Our entrepreneurial spirit, high-impact research, and Division I athletics draw students from throughout the region and from more than 100 countries across the globe. Our university's vibrant culture, career opportunities, rich benefits, and values of respect, integrity, collaboration, inclusivity, and accountability make us an employer of choice. We are part of the University System of Georgia . We are searching for talented people to join Kennesaw State University in our vision . Come Take Flight at KSU!

(Primary Location for Job Responsibilities) Our Kennesaw campus is located at 1000 Chastain Road NW, Kennesaw, GA 30144.  

Our Marietta campus is located at 1100 South Marietta Parkway, Marietta, GA 30060.

This role ensures continuity of Human Resources (HR) operations while enhancing the effectiveness of the HR leadership team. The Executive Director leads the functional, day-to-day operations of the human resources department, focusing on efficiency, compliance, and technology.  Responsible for leading and facilitating the planning and execution of multiple HR functions including Benefits Administration, Leave Management (ADA, FMLA), Wellness, HR Information Systems, and HR Operations. Coordinates large HR projects designed at improving HR efficiency and effectiveness across the campus community.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
1.Responsible for ensuring the areas reporting into the role are functioning optimally by overseeing hiring, performance management, development and coaching, and employee relations
2.Collaborate with CHRO, AVP of HR Strategy and other HR Leaders in designing and regularly assessing/updating the HR goals and programs to ensure they align with the institution¿s mission, values, and long-term goals
3.Responsible for the input, implementation, and identification of problem areas for all HR transactions and service delivery processes and recommend solutions. Collaborates with other departments (fiscal services, faculty affairs, etc.) to evaluate processes and verify impacts of recommended solutions
4.Implement tools and practices aimed at improving Human Resources¿ service to the campus community, designing appropriate measurements to ensure continued improvement
5.Provide strategic direction for the development of reporting and metrics from the HRIS systems that can be used to inform leaders to make more effective employee decisions
6.Oversee analysis of human capital data and develops presentations to communicate findings on metrics, trends, and variances
7.Serve as the project leader for all new projects involving HR data, system changes, and implementation of new software
8.Oversees the facilitation of HR events under the HR Operations umbrella such as Retirement recognition, benefits fair, etc. 
9.Monitor and ensure the university¿s compliance with federal, state and local employment laws and regulations, recommending best practices as needed, developing and implementing policies and procedures to support the university¿s HR compliance needs
10.Implement HR directives from the University System of Georgia at the institutional level. 
 

Educational Requirements
Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business or related field
Required Experience
Eight (8) years of experience in multiple areas of HR Operations with at least four (4) years of progressive leadership

Additional Preferred Qualifications
SHRM-CP, SHRM SCP, PHR or SPHR certification highly desired
Preferred Educational Qualifications
An advanced degree from an accredited institution of higher education in a related field
Preferred Experience
Experience with data analytics, process improvement and project management
Experience with HR Information Systems, with emphasis on Workday
Experience with Benefits Administration to include ADA and FMLA
 

The midpoint of the salary range is $145,900. Offers are based on relevant experience.  Comprehensive benefits to include Medical, Dental, Vision, 13 paid holidays, vacation, generous retirement plans, tuition waiver, wellness options and much more!  Visit hr.kennesaw.edu/benefits. 

ABILITIES
Able to handle multiple tasks or projects at one time meeting assigned deadlines
Able to adjust quickly to changing priorities and conditions
Able to influence and negotiate effectively
Able to maintain objectivity and confidentiality
Able to coordinate initiatives that involve diverse groups and impact the broader institution 

KNOWLEDGE
Deep knowledge of core HR functions including Benefits Administration, Leave Administration, and HRIS operations and data governance
Understanding of HR metrics, operational KPIs, and process optimization 
Strong knowledge of federal and state employment laws and regulations such as: ADA, FMLA, HIPAA, FLSA, and ACA
Knowledge of project management methodologies used to lead large-scale HR initiatives 
Understanding of organizational change practices to support improvements in efficiency, technology adoption, and cross-functional coordination
SKILLS
Excellent interpersonal, initiative, teamwork, problem solving, independent judgment, organization, communication (verbal and written), time management, project management and presentation skills
Proficient with computer applications and programs associated with the position (i.e., Microsoft Office suite)
Strong attention to detail and follow up skills
Strong customer service skills and phone and e-mail etiquette

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 25 institutions of higher education and learning as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct .

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653 .

Kennesaw State University is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. The University is committed to maintaining a fair and respectful environment for living, work and study. To that end, and in accordance with federal and state law, Board of Regents policy, and University policy, the University prohibits harassment of or discrimination against any person because of race, color, sex (including sexual harassment, pregnancy, and medical conditions related to pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, ethnicity or national origin, religion, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran or military status by any member of the KSU Community on campus, in connection with a University program or activity, or in a manner that creates a hostile environment for members of the KSU community.
For additional information on this policy, or to file a complaint under the provisions of this policy, students, employees, applicants for employment or admission or other third parties should contact the Office of Institutional Equity at English Building, Suite 225, eeo@kennesaw.edu.

This is a supervisory position.
This position does not have any financial responsibilities.
This position will not be required to drive.
This role is considered a position of trust.
This position does not require a purchasing card (P-Card).
This position may travel 1%-24% of the time.
This position does not require security clearance.

• Standard Enhanced
• Education

Per the University System of Georgia background check policy, all final candidates will be required to consent to a criminal background investigation. Final candidates may be asked to disclose criminal record history during the initial screening process and prior to a conditional offer of employment. Applicants for positions of trust with screening
results which confirm a disqualifying criminal history will be immediately disqualified from employment eligibility.

All applicants are required to include professional references as part of their application process. Some positions may require additional job-based screenings such as motor vehicle report, credit check, pre-employment drug screening and/or verification of academic credentials.

https://www.usg.edu/hr/assets/hr/hrap_manual/HRAP_Background_Investigation_Employment.pdf