Human Resources Division Head

AURA•Baltimore, MD

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI), operated by the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA), is NASA’s science operations center for missions including the Hubble and James Webb Space Telescopes. STScI leads observation planning, data analysis, public engagement, and data archiving for flagship missions. Our staff spans astronomy, engineering, education, IT, communications, and administration—working together to bring space science to the world. STScI is seeking a Human Resources Division Head. Our world-class astronomical research center is based on the Johns Hopkins University Homewood campus in Baltimore, Maryland. Visit our website to learn more about our missions. This role is eligible for hybrid work and will require three days of on-site presence in our Baltimore office. You must reside in or be willing to relocate to our local market. (MD, DE, VA, PA, DC & WV). The HR Division Head serves as a senior leader responsible for aligning HR strategy with STScI's institutional vision and goals, overseeing STScI HR services, and driving forward-thinking change management across the organization. This role reports directly to the AURA VP of HR, with a dotted line to the STScI Center Director.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Management, or a related field
15+ years of HR experience, including 5 or more at a VP level (or comparable)
Track record of effectively using change management, collaboration, and influence to advance HR programs across an organization
Demonstrated experience leading multi-year enterprise workforce planning focused on ensuring workforce competencies support the organization’s current and future needs.
Proven experience building strong, high-performing, collaborative teams
Demonstrated success delivering innovative and customer-centric strategic and transactional HR services and solutions across key HR functions (e.g., recruiting, compensation, benefits, generalists)
Experience with strategy development and management principles and practices
HR experience in an academic and/or technical/scientific setting, preferably working for a federally funded government contractor
Proven ability to maintain effective relationships at all levels by building trust and credibility as an ethical, honest, and dependable leader.
Strong organization skills that ensure complex projects are completed on time
Effectively communicate succinct updates and overviews to key stakeholders (oral and written)
Strategic planning and HR program development at an organizational level
Delivering HR services by actively listening, measuring, analyzing, problem-solving, and reporting
Collaboration, Consensus-building, negotiation, and influencing without direct authority
Team leadership, development, and empowerment
Customer service mindset (towards leaders and employees)
Change Management
Discretion and confidentiality
Good Judgment and Integrity
Balancing urgent with important
Simultaneously championing employee needs and organizational objectives
Navigating complex compliance and operational environments

Nice To Haves

Master's degree in Human Resources, Business Management, or a related field
SPHR and/or SHRM-SCP certification

Responsibilities

Align HR strategy and vision with the future direction of the organization
Enable multi-year enterprise workforce planning aligned to the organization’s long-term needs
Helps create a culture of high performance across the center, through effective HR programs
Serve as a strategic thought leader, influencer, and change agent responsible for implementing people-oriented initiatives and cultural change
Work with the Center Director and senior leadership team to plan and execute HR initiatives that benefit employees and the organization
Develop and monitor key HR performance metrics
Collaborate with other AURA HR leaders to identify and implement shared best practices, tools, and templates
Develop, track, and communicate key HR data and reports to Center Director, AURA VP of HR, and other key stakeholders.
Oversee all HR services including full life-cycle recruitment, benefits and compensation structures, performance management, talent and leadership development, compliance, and HCM systems
Navigate compliance complexities and operational requirements of an academically oriented, not-for-profit government contractor
Support career ladder development, succession planning, and use of metrics to assess HR service delivery and employee satisfaction
Actively seek opportunities to enhance the effectiveness of HR technology and resources, ensuring alignment with organizational needs and objectives
Promote a positive, open work environment where employees are respected and engaged
Establish trust by championing staff needs while achieving organizational goals
Use problem-solving, conflict resolution, and influence to facilitate organizational change
Maintain a highly collaborative and empowered HR team
Provide consultation and guidance to employees, managers, the leadership team, and the Director as needed
Engage leaders and employees across the organization
Collaborate with HR leaders across AURA, the Institute Director, and other senior leaders to implement AURA and center objectives