Assistant Director, People and Talent

Arizona State University•Phoenix, AZ

2d•$70,000 - $90,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Assistant Director supports the operational and workforce initiatives of the John Shufeldt School of Medicine and Medical Engineering and School of Technology for Public Health (collectively, “the Schools”) and serves as a key partner to the Executive Director in advancing employee engagement, organizational culture, and HR operations. Working under the supervision of the Executive Director, the Assistant Director coordinates and implements programs, processes, and initiatives that align with the Schools’ mission, values, and strategic priorities. The role provides operational leadership across HR services, payroll administration, compliance oversight, personnel coordination, and culture and engagement initiatives. The successful candidate will demonstrate the ability to maintain effective working relationships within a diverse population, provide excellent customer service, handle confidential and sensitive information, and work efficiently in an environment with frequently changing priorities.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree and five (5) years of experience appropriate to the area of assignment/field including two (2) years managerial experience; OR, Any equivalent combination of experience and/or training from which comparable knowledge, skills and abilities have been achieved.
Demonstrate the ability to maintain effective working relationships within a diverse population
Provide excellent customer service
Handle confidential and sensitive information
Work efficiently in an environment with frequently changing priorities

Nice To Haves

Experience working in higher education, government, or nonprofit environments.
Master’s degree in Human Resources, Organizational Development, Business Administration, Public Administration, or related field.
Four or more years of progressively responsible Human Resources experience.
Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders across departments and organizational levels within a complex organization.
Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with employees, leadership, and stakeholders through written, verbal, and presentation formats.
Experience managing sensitive employee relations situations, including conflict resolution and de-escalation.
Demonstrated knowledge of supervisory practices, leadership principles, and employee engagement strategies.
Experience supporting HR functions within healthcare, academic medicine, or complex organizational environments.

Responsibilities

HR Liaison & Employee Relations Serve as a primary liaison between the Schools, the Dean’s Office, and university HR partners.
Partner with central HR to advise on employee relations matters, assist in resolving workplace concerns, and ensure departmental practices align with university policies.
Promote a positive employee relations environment by establishing trust, maintaining confidentiality, and providing responsive support to faculty and staff.
Balance organizational needs with employee concerns while maintaining professionalism and fairness.
Coordinate employee leave and accommodation processes, including support related to the Family and Medical Leave Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act, working in collaboration with central HR and appropriate university offices to ensure compliance and appropriate documentation.
Recruitment & Faculty Hiring Coordination Coordinate recruitment processes for staff and student employees in collaboration with the Executive Director, hiring managers, and university HR partners.
Serve as a key resource for hiring managers throughout the recruitment lifecycle, including job postings, applicant tracking, interview coordination, and onboarding activities.
Collaborate with the Academic Personnel team to ensure faculty personnel actions are processed accurately and in a timely manner within the university HR system.
Ensure recruitment and hiring activities comply with institutional guidelines, equal employment opportunity requirements, and applicable laws.
Organizational Culture & Engagement Support the Executive Director in fostering a workplace culture that reflects the Schools’ mission, values, and expectations.
Assist in the development and implementation of programs that promote employee engagement, collaboration, and organizational alignment.
Help analyze results and support initiatives designed to strengthen engagement, creativity, and commitment to the organization.
Payroll & Workforce Administration Serve as subject matter expert for payroll reconciliation and timekeeping processes.
Monitor timesheet accuracy and ensure timely payroll processing for staff, faculty and student employees.
Investigate discrepancies and coordinate resolution with appropriate university offices.
Coordinate personnel actions related to faculty, staff, and student employees.
Audit Coordination & Compliance Lead preparation for internal and external audits related to HR and payroll operations.
Maintain documentation verifying salary levels, approval hierarchies, and reconciliation processes.
Ensure compliance with institutional policies, procedures, and reporting requirements.
Talent Development & Workforce Support Assist with programs that integrate organizational values into onboarding, talent acquisition, professional development, and employee recognition initiatives.
Support workforce planning, retention strategies, and career progression opportunities for employees.
Serve as a resource for faculty, staff, and students regarding HR policies, personnel processes, and benefits-related inquiries.
Data, Metrics & Reporting Support the development and implementation of data collection and reporting processes related to engagement initiatives and workforce operations.
Establish and track metrics that measure progress toward organizational goals.
Prepare reports and presentations for leadership to support informed decision-making.
Administrative & Operational Support Maintain personnel files and HR documentation in accordance with university guidelines.
Prepare confidential correspondence and high-level reports for departmental leadership.
Utilize HR and administrative software systems to support efficient workflows and accurate recordkeeping.
Represent the department in university meetings and collaborative initiatives when appropriate.
Leadership & Supervision Supervise, train, and mentor assigned staff and student workers.
Provide performance feedback and support professional development opportunities.
Assist the Executive Director in monitoring employee performance and addressing workplace concerns when necessary.
Other duties Regular activities require ability to quickly change priorities, which may include and/or are subject to resolution of conflicts. Regular review of completed tasks. Ability to lift and transport objects/items up to 20 pounds (light). Use critical thinking to make decisions and/or analyze and report data/results of tests conducted. Deliver presentations to a variety of audiences. Initiate confidential correspondence on behalf of the project. Conduct interviews over the phone or in person. Supervise staff and/or student employees. Work both independently and within a complex structured team. Able to exercise judgment within generally defined practices & policies to determine appropriate action. Use office equipment.