HR Director

Universities of Wisconsin • La Crosse, WI

1d • $115,000

About The Position

The Director of Human Resources oversees the daily operations of the Office of Human Resources for the University of Wisconsin - La Crosse. This position is responsible for managing core HR services, ensuring accurate and timely HR transactions, and supporting employees, supervisors, and campus partners with HR processes and information. Core functional areas of the Office of Human Resources include employment services, payroll and benefits, employee relations support, performance management administration, and training coordination. This position is also responsible for ensuring the university remains in compliance with federal and state laws and regulations and Universities of Wisconsin personnel policies and procedures. The Director of Human Resources reports to the Associate Vice Chancellor for Budget and Personnel.

The review of applications starts on March 23, 2026. Applications received on or before March 23rd are prioritized and review will continue until the position(s) is/are filled. Initial interviews will be conducted virtually, with shortlisted candidates invited to campus. UW-La Crosse does not offer H-1B or other work authorization visa sponsorship for this position. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and maintain work authorization throughout the employment term. If you have questions regarding this, please contact Human Resources at 608-785-8013.

Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree in human resources, business, or public administration, or related field is required
• 5 years leading and managing human resource functions including employee recruitment and retention, performance and evaluation planning, employee relations, payroll and benefits, employee and supervisor training, and career and leadership development.
• Outstanding interpersonal skills and the ability to interact with a broad range of people.
• Strong presentation skills.
• A collaborative, team-oriented style.
• The ability to develop solid collaborative relationships with a diverse group of campus constituents including faculty, staff, and students.
• A demonstrated service orientation and proactive in providing service and support to campus stakeholders.
• Working knowledge of, and the ability to interpret and apply, applicable federal and state laws and regulations.

Nice To Haves

• A master’s degree in human resources, business or public administration, or related field.
• Professional certification in human resources.
• Progressively responsible experience in human resource management in higher education
• A total of eight or more years of experience in human resource management and supervision in a higher education, public sector, or private sector setting.
• Strong working knowledge and experience with Workday

Responsibilities

• Campus Collaboration Work in close collaboration with the Office of Civil Rights and Compliance as well as university divisions, colleges, departments, and offices to develop strategies, programs, and policies that create and support an inclusive work environment.
• Policy & Procedures In collaboration with the Associate Vice Chancellor for Budget and Personnel, develop and implement policies and procedures that meet the human resource needs of the university and support the recruitment and retention of faculty and staff employees. Apply a comprehensive and strategic approach to the development of human resource policies including ongoing communications to employees and supervisors. Assure guidance and support is also provided to employees and their shared governance groups in a manner that minimizes conflicts in the workplace and promotes communication and enhanced performance.
• Compliance Maintain knowledge of federal and state employment laws as well as Universities of Wisconsin personnel policies and institutional reporting requirements.
• HR Information Technology Provide functional leadership for the Workday HCM system. Leverage Workday and related HR technologies to deliver accurate data, enhance HR service, and strengthen compliance. Lead efforts to train and support campus stakeholders in the effective use of Workday and associated HR systems.
• Exercises supervisory authority, including hiring, transferring, suspending, promoting, managing conduct and performance, discharging, assigning, rewarding, disciplining, and/or approving hours worked of at least 2.0 full-time equivalent (FTE) employees
• Leadership & Management Lead the day-to-day operations of the Office of Human Resources, including staffing, workflow, and high-quality service delivery. Foster a professional and positive work environment that promotes collaboration and constructive problem solving. Ensure consistent application of HR procedures and responsive customer service. Serve as a resource to campus constituents and the HR staff, and oversee the core functions and services of the Office of Human Resources for faculty, academic staff, university staff, and student employees. Core responsibilities include payroll and benefit administration, employee relations, training and development, employee assistance programs, and oversight of the Workday HCM system.
• Financial Management Responsible for budgeting and fiscal management of the annual operating budget for the Office of Human Resources.

Benefits

• Paid vacation for 12-month positions.
• Excellent flexible health insurance with low co-pays and good coverage.
• Paid holidays and paid sick days.
• After 5 years of employment, you become vested in our retirement system which ensures income post-career.

What This Job Offers

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