HR Director

Xavier University • Cincinnati, OH

2d

About The Position

Xavier University is seeking a strategic, collaborative, and forward-thinking HR Director to serve as a trusted advisor to senior leadership and lead comprehensive HR business partner services across divisions and organizational units. This senior-level role translates institutional priorities into workforce strategies that strengthen organizational effectiveness, employee engagement, talent development, and performance. The Director provides strategic leadership across employee relations, workforce planning, talent management, organizational development, compensation, performance management, and change management. The position leads and develops a team of HR Business Partners, guides complex employee matters, and partners with University leaders to advance organizational goals while ensuring compliance with employment laws and University policies. The successful candidate will bring strong business acumen, sound judgment, and a commitment to fostering a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performing workplace aligned with Xavier University’s Jesuit mission and values.

Xavier University is part of the Jesuit Catholic tradition of academic excellence in the liberal arts. The University welcomes and supports people from diverse backgrounds and life experiences, commits to open and free inquiry, seeks multiple perspectives, and works to create a campus where everyone feels a sense of belonging. The campus is located in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Applicants must submit a cover letter and resume through Xavier University’s website. Applications are reviewed immediately and accepted until the position closes at the University’s discretion. Final-stage candidates will be asked to provide contact information for three professional references.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources Administration or a related field.
• At least five years of progressive human resources experience and/or experience in a senior HR leadership role.
• Experience leading, supervising, or managing HR professionals.
• Demonstrated ability to advise senior leaders, exercise sound independent judgment, and resolve complex or sensitive employee and organizational matters.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a trusted advisor to senior leaders and align HR strategies with institutional priorities.
• Lead, mentor, and develop HR Business Partners, establishing consistent service standards, priorities, and practices across assigned units.
• Provide strategic oversight of complex and sensitive employee matters, including investigations, performance management, workplace conduct, conflict resolution, accommodations, and corrective action.
• Partner with University leadership and legal counsel to mitigate risk and ensure compliance.
• Lead workforce planning, talent management, recruitment strategy, succession planning, leadership development, and organizational effectiveness initiatives.
• Advise leaders on organizational design, restructuring, workforce transitions, and change initiatives.
• Develop strategies for effective communication, employee engagement, and successful implementation of organizational change.
• Provide strategic guidance on performance management, position classification, compensation, staffing decisions, and employee development.
• Establish service delivery expectations and performance measures for the HR Business Partner team.
• Use workforce analytics and HR metrics to identify trends, inform decisions, improve processes, and enhance the employee experience.
• Promote consistent application of University policies and employment practices and ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local employment laws.
• Maintain appropriate confidentiality, documentation, and data integrity.
• Partner with HR colleagues and campus leaders on enterprise-wide initiatives, policy development, and organizational priorities that advance the University’s mission and values.

Benefits

• Comprehensive insurance plans, including medical, dental, vision, and prescription coverage.
• Tax-advantaged accounts, including health savings accounts, flexible spending accounts, and dependent care accounts.
• Life and long-term disability insurance, accident and illness insurance, and retirement savings plans.
• Paid time off options, including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
• Tuition remission for employees and their eligible dependents.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior