Executive Director, Human Resources

Flathead Valley Community College•Kalispell, MT

About The Position

The Executive Director of Human Resources oversees workforce planning in collaboration with senior administration and the administrative cabinet. The role manages employee recruitment, retention, professional development, performance management, coaching, employee relations, campus payroll, benefits, and retirement programs. The Executive Director participates on the president’s executive team and advisory council, contributes to budget development, and develops, maintains, enforces, and communicates personnel policies and procedures. The position provides strategic and operational leadership for human resources and payroll, including oversight of semimonthly payroll, payroll compliance and reporting, employee and labor relations, recruitment and talent development, HR policies and regulatory compliance, HRIS functionality, compensation and benefits, workers’ compensation and unemployment programs, student employment, and the HR department budget. Responsibilities also include administering provisions of four public union collective bargaining agreements, serving as the Title IX Coordinator for employees, supporting investigations and complaint resolution, and advising leaders on employment policies and processes. The Executive Director leads the HR team and works with senior leaders, campus committees, and the Business Office to align people practices, payroll operations, and financial stewardship. The position reports to the President. It is full-time, 12-month, and benefit-eligible, with a stated pay range of $125,000–$155,000 depending on education and experience. The role may require nontraditional schedules, including evenings and weekends, and is classified as Medium Duty, involving exertion of 20–50 pounds occasionally, 10–25 pounds frequently, and up to 10 pounds continuously.

Requirements

Either a master’s degree from an accredited institution in a field appropriate to the position and at least five years of senior human resources and payroll experience, including significant proven experience in leadership and collective bargaining; or a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in an appropriate field and at least seven years of senior human resources and payroll experience, including significant proven experience in leadership and collective bargaining.
Skill in overseeing a large and complex payroll system.
Skill in collaborating with senior higher education administrators, the college community, and the public.
Skill in using and implementing information systems and providing services that support data-informed decision-making.
Demonstrated ability to innovate in operational areas.
Excellent communication skills in all forms.
Skills in hiring, coaching, and managing employees.
Ability to operate a variety of computer and software applications.
Ability to work within FVCC policies and procedures and maintain effective, positive professional relationships.
Ability to serve as a College ambassador and interact appropriately with the college community and wider community.
Ability to follow and issue directions and demonstrate technology, presentation, customer service, and interpersonal skills.
Ability to work effectively with people from culturally diverse backgrounds.
Ability to work nontraditional schedules intermittently, including evenings and weekends.
Ability to maintain regular and acceptable attendance and a high level of confidentiality with sensitive data.
Ability to pass a criminal background check and respond in the event of an emergency.
Ability to meet the Medium Duty physical classification: exert 20–50 pounds of force occasionally, 10–25 pounds frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds continuously to move objects.

Nice To Haves

Professional certification in Human Resources, such as PHR or SPHR.
Master’s degree or higher from an accredited institution.
Related work experience at a community college, in higher education, or in public administration.

Responsibilities

Provide overall vision, strategic and operational leadership, policy guidance, and direct management of human resources and payroll functions.
Develop and implement a human resources strategic plan aligned with the College’s priorities and commitment to long-term sustainability.
Serve on the college’s executive cabinet and president’s advisory council and contribute to strategic planning and budget development.
Oversee workforce planning and ensure HR supports academic and administrative leaders with effective services and practices.
Provide strategic direction for payroll operations, systems, and compliance programs; oversee semimonthly payroll processing and reporting.
Lead payroll process and system improvements, interpret payroll regulations and financial policies, and maintain audit readiness.
Oversee employee relations, including performance management, corrective action, skill development, and conflict resolution.
Administer provisions of four public union collective bargaining agreements, including discipline, grievances, and contract interpretation; collaborate with union groups on recommended changes.
Serve as Title IX Coordinator for employees and support investigation and resolution of complaints involving faculty and staff, partnering with legal counsel as appropriate.
Oversee recruitment, onboarding, and classification processes, and develop talent recruitment, retention, engagement, and career progression programs.
Lead staff and organizational development and training initiatives; manage career paths, performance management, succession planning, and reclassification reviews.
Translate employment and regulatory matters into actionable guidance and advise supervisors and leadership on policies, disciplinary processes, and due process.
Ensure compliance with applicable federal and state employment laws and regulations, including Title VI, ADA, FLSA, and FMLA.
Oversee development, implementation, and consistent application of HR policies, procedures, and forms.
Monitor communicable disease incidents affecting the campus community and escalate concerns to leadership and public health officials as needed.
Oversee unemployment, workers’ compensation, and student employment programs, including federal and state work-study.
Lead the HR team and coordinate with senior leadership, campus committees, and the Business Office to align HR, payroll, and financial practices.
Recommend and manage the annual Human Resources budget.
Oversee HRIS functionality, data integrity, reporting, and implementation of systems intended to improve efficiency and effectiveness.
Develop metrics and report on employee demographics, recruitment, turnover, professional development, performance management, recognition, and service awards.
Participate in continuous improvement efforts, data analysis, and initiatives supporting fiscal services and administrative decision-making.
Direct employee benefits programs, including retirement plans, health and welfare benefits, and other benefits; participate on the Montana University System Inter-Unit Benefits Council as the state community college representative.
Oversee staff compensation programs and collaborate with compensation consultants on compensation and benefits strategy, labor market studies, and benefits renewal cost projections.
Oversee preparation, completion, payment, and records retention for campus employment contracts, including annual, faculty workload, student work-study, continuing education, senior institute, and adjunct contracts.
Counsel employees on retirement options and assist with retirement documentation, including post-retirement programs.
Attend related training, workshops, and professional development; cross-train and backfill for staff as needed.
Maintain professional ethics, confidentiality, effective working relationships, and a collaborative environment; participate in committees and college-related community activities.
Perform other duties as assigned.