Chief Human Resources Officer

SPRING ARBOR UNIVERSITY - SPRING ARBOR, MICHIGAN

Address of Job Location: 106 E. Main, Spring Arbor, MI 49283

Website page of the Job Posting

Job Summary:
Plan and direct all activities of the Human Resources Department including, but not limited to, the following: employee recruitment, hiring, evaluation, and termination; payroll; benefits; personnel relations; HR policies and procedures; workers compensation; unemployment; employee leaves, and employee compensation. All such activities are designed and executed in order to meet institutional goals and comply with federal and state laws.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following:
-Responsible for the management and oversight of the human resources and payroll areas for the University. Supervises employees on a day-to-day basis.
-Oversee all aspects of employment including job postings, recruiting, hiring, on-boarding, performance evaluations, and off-boarding.
-Provide leadership for employee benefit programs (e.g. medical, dental, vision, life insurances; STD; LTD; retirement plan; vacation days; holidays; sick leave, and tuition discount benefits), including communication with all employees, annual renewals, open enrollment and design and administration of benefit programs.
-Work with various plan vendors for COBRA administration, Flexible Spending Accounts and Unemployment claims. Negotiates agreements and ensures compliance.
-Oversee, review, and audit all employee wage and benefit records on an ongoing basis and provide current, related information for budget purposes.
-Manage retirement plan including communication with vendors as needed (e.g., relating to employee distributions, employee loans, etc.) Serve on the retirement plan committee.
-Maintain personnel records and files ensuring that rules concerning confidentiality and retention are followed as they relate to HR and other areas of the organization.
-Manage annual review and distribution of employee manual.
-Remain current on University policy and all applicable state and federal laws, regulations, and rules that pertain to HR, and provide leadership and oversight of initiatives (including planning, coordinating, and delivering training; interpreting/explaining rules and regulations to department heads, other employees, and applicants; and monitoring employee conduct) to maintain employee compliance with all University policy and Human Resources-related state and federal rules, regulations, and laws that apply to the University.
-Manage employee leaves to ensure compliance with University policy and law (e.g., FMLA).
-Recommend on-going revision to and creation of policies and procedures to effect continual improvements in efficiency of HR-related functions.
-Collaborate with area VPs and supervisors to offer staff development opportunities.
-Develop and implement programs that encourage excellent performance and increase retention rates for employees.
-Counsel employees and supervisors regarding employee relations and problems, as needed.
-Work with CFO and/or labor attorney to find and effectuate viable solutions to employee issues.
-Perform in-house investigations and prepare investigative reports.
-Serves as Title IX representative for employment related concerns.
-Oversee the selection, hiring, training, organization, and performance of the HR Department staff.
-Manages the salary compensation program for staff and assist academic affairs in the faculty compensation program. Conduct annual salary surveys and benchmark updates.
-Maintain records, reports, and logs to conform with federal/state law and regulations (e.g., ERISA including Form 5500 reporting and laws/regulations enforced by the EEOC).
-Prepare OSHA reporting.
-Perform other work-related duties as assigned.

REPORTING RESPONSIBILITIES
Reports directly to the CFO.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
Supervise Payroll, Benefits, and Student Employment Office functions and personnel; carry out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the University’s policies and applicable laws.

QUALIFICATIONS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Individual will exhibit a life and service that is in full accord with the Spring Arbor University Concept and Community Covenant.
-Proficient in computer applications including Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook), SAU CARS, SAU’s Portal and Internet applications.
-Possess high ethical standards, trustworthy, a person of integrity.
-Well-organized and self-directed, with the ability to manage time in a flexible and efficient manner to meet deadlines and accomplish work in order or priority with attention to detail and accuracy.
-Able to maintain composure and effectiveness under pressure and in changing conditions; able to accept feedback as it relates to job performance and responsibilities.
-Must possess good judgment and problem solving, with ability to identify, analyze, and resolve problems in a timely manner with an ability to learn new duties; adjusts to new situations within a reasonable amount of time.
-Excellent interpersonal skills to handle sensitive and confidential situations.
-Experience with counseling and interviewing skills.
-Ability to negotiate conflict and maintain constructive working relationships with people at all levels of the organization.
-Knowledge of federal, state, and local laws and regulations as it relates to human resources.
-Understands Policy and Procedure development process and significance in organizational compliance.
-Ability to use human resource information system (HRIS)/(HRMS) software; Paycor a plus.
-Knowledge of compensation and benefit administration.
-Demonstrates excellent customer service with interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills in a non-judgmental and friendly demeanor with the diverse populations.
-Excellent time management skills in a setting with potential frequent interruptions; ability to coordinate multiple concurrent projects and perform tasks in an organized and timely manner, with attention to detail.
-Professional in appearance and demeanor, telephone, and interpersonal communications.
-Establish and maintain professional working relationships with staff, students, vendors, and community partners.
-Experience using office equipment, including cellular telephone; desktop telephone/voicemail; copier, fax machine, scanner, printer, computer, and calculator.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE
-Bachelor's degree from four-year University required.
-Minimum of 5 years of experience in Human Resources and/or related fields (e.g., payroll or benefits management).
-SHRM or HRCI Certification, preferred.

Expiration Date of Job Posting: March 31, 2026