Human Resources Director

Cornell University • Ithaca, NY

8d • Hybrid

About The Position

Cornell University seeks an experienced, collaborative, and forward-thinking human resources leader to serve as the Human Resources Director for the Jeb E. Brooks School of Public Policy. This is an exciting opportunity to serve as the primary human resources consultant for one of Cornell’s newest academic schools and provide leadership and operational excellence that enables faculty and staff success, strengthens organizational effectiveness, and advances the School’s mission. Established in fall 2021, the Brooks School of Public Policy is dedicated to advancing policy solutions that improve lives and strengthen communities through research, education, and public engagement. As the School continues to evolve, the Human Resources Director will have the unique opportunity to build strong partnerships, enhance HR practices, and contribute to the development of a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performing workplace culture. The Human Resources Director will provide leadership and operational excellence across a broad range of human resource functions. Serving as a trusted advisor to the Dean, senior leadership team, faculty, managers, and staff, the Director will provide thoughtful guidance and solutions that align workforce practices with institutional priorities and support the School’s mission. The Director will oversee and provide leadership for day-to-day HR operations, including talent acquisition, employee relations, performance management, compensation, organizational development, and compliance. This role requires a strong foundation in human resources practices, the ability to interpret and apply university policies, and the judgment to navigate complex situations with professionalism, discretion, and care. As a key HR partner, the Director will work collaboratively with leaders and employees to address workplace needs, resolve challenges, and foster an environment built on trust, respect, and inclusion. The successful candidate will bring an educational and consultative approach to HR, helping leaders understand and effectively navigate policies, processes, and best practices while balancing the needs of the School and its employees. The Director will collaborate with shared HR operations and transaction teams, as well as central HR offices, to ensure consistent, equitable, and effective application of university policies and procedures. The role will also contribute to organizational effectiveness initiatives, identify opportunities for professional development and training, support employee engagement efforts, and help advance strategies that strengthen workforce effectiveness and operational excellence. The ideal candidate will be a proactive and adaptable HR professional who thrives in an evolving environment and is energized by the opportunity to build and improve processes. They will bring strong operational acumen, exceptional relationship-building skills, and the ability to navigate ambiguity and complex situations with patience, curiosity, and sound judgment. The successful candidate will be comfortable serving as a hands-on consultant who is willing to roll up their sleeves and embrace the opportunities and challenges that come with supporting a growing academic school. In addition, the successful candidate will be passionate about delivering exceptional client-focused human resources support with a commitment to operational excellence, process integrity, and consistent service delivery. This is a unique opportunity for a dynamic HR leader to make a meaningful impact at an emerging school within one of the world’s leading research universities. Through partnership, innovation, and a commitment to excellence, the Human Resources Director will help shape the future of the Brooks School of Public Policy and contribute to Cornell’s mission of advancing knowledge and improving lives.

Requirements

• A Bachelor’s degree and 5 to 7 years relevant experience or equivalent combination.
• Proven success with human resources management skills, including experience in employee relations, compensation, recruitment, dispute resolution, organizational development, and operational management.
• Demonstrated ability to advance organizational change and development.
• Ability to provide timely responses to urgent issues.
• Proven clear and effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated effective leadership skills and teamwork philosophy.

Nice To Haves

• PHR or SPHR certification is required, or ability to obtain within two years of appointment.
• Experience in the field of higher education desirable.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and operational excellence across a broad range of human resource functions.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to the Dean, senior leadership team, faculty, managers, and staff.
• Provide thoughtful guidance and solutions that align workforce practices with institutional priorities and support the School’s mission.
• Oversee and provide leadership for day-to-day HR operations, including talent acquisition, employee relations, performance management, compensation, organizational development, and compliance.
• Interpret and apply university policies.
• Navigate complex situations with professionalism, discretion, and care.
• Collaborate with leaders and employees to address workplace needs, resolve challenges, and foster an environment built on trust, respect, and inclusion.
• Bring an educational and consultative approach to HR, helping leaders understand and effectively navigate policies, processes, and best practices.
• Collaborate with shared HR operations and transaction teams, as well as central HR offices, to ensure consistent, equitable, and effective application of university policies and procedures.
• Contribute to organizational effectiveness initiatives.
• Identify opportunities for professional development and training.
• Support employee engagement efforts.
• Help advance strategies that strengthen workforce effectiveness and operational excellence.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health care options
• Generous retirement contributions
• Access to wellness programs
• Employee discounts with local and national retail brands
• Health and personal leave
• Three weeks of vacation
• 13 holidays: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and the day after, and an end of the year winter break from December 25-January 1.
• Two additional floating holidays
• Tuition-free Extramural Study and Employee Degree Program
• Tuition aid for external education
• Cornell Children's Tuition Assistance Program

What This Job Offers

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