Executive Director of Human Resources

Adelphi University•Village of Garden City, NY

About The Position

The Executive Director of Human Resources provides overall leadership and direction for the University’s human resources function, overseeing employee and labor relations, talent management, benefits and total rewards, training and development, HRIS, and the HR Service Center. Serving as the University’s senior HR leader, this role partners closely with academic and administrative leadership, including the Provost’s Office and senior administrators, to support a workforce that includes faculty, staff, and student employees. The Executive Director ensures HR strategies, policies, and operations align with institutional priorities, support a positive and inclusive campus culture, and comply with all applicable federal, state, and local employment laws. Operating in a complex, unionized, and shared governance environment, this role is responsible for the overall effectiveness, consistency, and continuous improvement of HR services across the University.

Requirements

Broad knowledge of human resources management, including labor relations, employee relations, total rewards, and talent management.
Strong understanding of federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations.
Experience working in a unionized environment and administering collective bargaining agreements.
Ability to lead through others and manage multiple functional areas effectively.
Strong judgment, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to influence across all levels of the organization.
Experience with HR systems, data analytics, and process improvement.
Ability to manage sensitive and confidential information with discretion.
Understanding of shared governance and the higher education environment.
Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field is required.
Minimum of 8 - 10 years of progressively responsible HR experience, including leadership of multiple functional areas.
Demonstrated experience in employee and labor relations, preferably in a unionized environment.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree is preferred.
Experience in higher education is strongly preferred.
Professional HR certification (e.g., SHRM-SCP, SPHR) is preferred.

Responsibilities

Provide strategic leadership and oversight of all HR functions.
Align HR priorities and initiatives with institutional goals and workforce needs.
Serve as a senior advisor to University leadership on human capital, organizational effectiveness, and risk management.
Oversee employee and labor relations strategy, including administration of collective bargaining agreements and negotiations.
Provide guidance on complex employee relations matters, investigations, and dispute resolution.
Ensure consistent, fair, and legally compliant employment practices.
Oversee talent acquisition, performance management, and succession planning strategies.
Support organizational development, change management, and employee engagement initiatives.
Partner with leadership to address workforce planning and retention priorities.
Provide oversight of benefits, compensation, HRIS, and HR service delivery.
Ensure programs are competitive, efficient, and aligned with best practices.
Leverage data, systems, and reporting to inform decision-making and improve service delivery.
Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations.
Oversee development and implementation of HR policies, procedures, and internal controls.
Partner with legal counsel on risk mitigation and employment-related matters.
Drive continuous improvement of HR processes, systems, and service models.
Establish metrics and accountability to ensure high-quality, responsive HR services.
Lead, develop, and evaluate HR leadership staff across functional areas.
Foster a collaborative, service-oriented HR culture with clear accountability and performance expectations.
Participate in institutional committees and initiatives as appropriate.
Perform other job-related duties as assigned.