Manager of Human Resources (HR) Operations

About the position

Central Washington University is recruiting a Manager of Human Resources (HR) Operations to join our Human Resources team in Ellensburg, Washington. This role is an important member of our team as they enhance the vision for the University. The role is a campus-based position, which means you get to see the lives you are impacting. We're offering a salary, depending on experience, from $90,662 - $135,993 annually plus the awesome CWU benefits. We are a team of individuals committed to Changing Students' Lives. No matter what job, each of us plays a part in supporting and empowering our students to fulfill their dreams. Working in higher education provides career growth and career choice. Think of a university campus like a mini city, operating across 380 acres. You'll find diverse academics, libraries, athletics and sporting events, full service and quick serve dining, conferences and events from small to large, recreation centers, housing, health services, police and public safety for the campus population of ~10,000 students. Central Washington University has been named a Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program Top Producing Institution for the 2022-2023 academic year. In addition, for the seventh time in eight years, CWU is a recipient of the prestigious Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award from INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine. RentCafe has also named CWU #13 of the Top 20 Best College Towns in the U.S. in 2025. Come join us on our journey to encourage, inspire, and create spaces where all identities thrive on campus.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and tactical leadership for HR data management with a strong service orientation, ensuring timely, accurate processing of transactions across all employee groups.
• Proactively engage campus partners to resolve issues, offer responsive support, and deliver clear, solutions-focused guidance that builds trust and enhances the HR experience.
• Establish, maintain, and continuously improve operational standards and best practices to drive efficiency and ensure data integrity.
• Conduct regular audits of employee and position actions, resolving discrepancies and implementing preventive measures to strengthen process reliability.
• Maintain a centralized, up-to-date repository of process documentation, process guides, and reference materials to support consistency and knowledge sharing.
• Offer expert guidance on RCWs, WACs, university policies, and collective bargaining agreements to ensure compliant and consistent practices within HR operations.
• Collaborate with HR units to improve systems and processes through transparent communication, continuous feedback, and a shared commitment to service excellence and data accuracy.
• Uphold confidentiality standards and institutional data protection protocols in all aspects of HR operations.
• Design and deliver training, tools, and resources to empower stakeholders, supervisors, and staff in navigating HR systems and procedures effectively.
• Oversee access management, roles, permissions, and electronic file systems (e.g., PeopleSoft, shared drives, SharePoint), ensuring secure, organized, and compliant data practices.
• Lead the planning and execution of major HR operations and data-related projects, ensuring alignment with institutional priorities, cross-functional collaboration, and timely delivery.
• Coordinate updates to HR procedures, including drafting revisions, gathering stakeholder input, and facilitating review and approval processes.
• Partner with HRIS teams to lead the testing, implementation, and documentation of system enhancements and new functionalities.
• Collaborate with HR units to evaluate new system features, ensuring alignment with operational needs, identifying potential issues, and providing actionable feedback for successful implementation.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for HR data inquiries, offering expert consultation and responsive support across the institution.
• Develop and maintain queries and data visualizations to meet evolving reporting needs and support data-informed decision-making.
• Work closely with HRIS specialists and data stewards to ensure data accuracy, consistency, and compliance across systems.
• Identify and address system inefficiencies or inconsistencies, recommending improvements grounded in data analysis and operational insight.
• Produce regular HR reports and key performance indicators (KPIs) to monitor effectiveness, inform strategy, and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Lead, coach, and inspire HR team members responsible for data management and transactional processing, fostering a culture of service excellence and continuous learning.
• Cultivate a collaborative, accountable team environment that values initiative, innovation, and shared success.
• Set clear performance expectations, provide timely feedback, and conduct evaluations that support professional growth and accountability.
• Actively participate in recruitment, onboarding, and retention strategies to build a strong, engaged team.
• Ensure team members have the tools, training, and support needed to thrive in their roles.
• Promote cross-training to enhance team resilience, ensure operational continuity, and encourage shared ownership of service delivery.
• Foster engagement and motivation through strong relationships, open communication, and recognition of individual and team contributions.
• Address performance issues promptly and constructively, while celebrating achievements and reinforcing positive outcomes.
• Oversee daily operations, including scheduling, workload distribution, and time and leave approvals, ensuring smooth and efficient workflows.
• Adapt leadership approaches to meet evolving team and organizational needs in a dynamic environment.
• Communicate regularly with staff to foster connection, share information, and reinforce a sense of belonging within the broader institutional community.
• Recognize and leverage individual strengths, encourage diverse perspectives, and promote creativity and effective teamwork.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree
• Human Resource professional certification (SHRM, SPRH, PHR, or similar) within one year of hire.
• Collaborative leader focused on coordinating team workflow and ensuring effective day-to-day operations.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills with the ability to manage, verify, and maintain accuracy in HR data and records.
• Demonstrated ability to interpret and apply employment laws, regulations, and policies with consistency.
• Skilled in utilizing technology and data systems to enhance HR operations and maintain accuracy.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; able to collaborate effectively across all organizational levels.
• Strong organizational and planning skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Committed to delivering professional, respectful, and service-oriented support.
• Demonstrated ability and/or experience fostering a supportive and effective workplace while working with students and/or colleagues to uphold institutional excellence.
• OR applicable combination of education and/or experience which demonstrates the ability to perform the essential functions of the position.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience with an HRIS system such as PeopleSoft
• Life experiences that demonstrate an ability to contribute to CWU's vision, mission, and values.
• Ability to incorporate a variety of perspectives and relevant societal issues into everyday conversations.
• Ability to facilitate collaboration among team members from different backgrounds.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and projects in a fast-paced environment.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, life and disability insurance
• Retirement and optional savings plans
• Tuition assistance for you and your dependents
• Discounts across town
• Employee assistance program for individualized counseling
• Wellness incentive program