Director of Human Resources

Director Of Human Resources

McKendree University, located in Lebanon, IL and home of the Bearcats, invites qualified applicants to join our team. McKendree University offers a competitive compensation and benefits package and the opportunity to influence the future leaders of tomorrow.

The mission of McKendree University is to provide a high-quality educational experience to outstanding students. We guide our students in the pursuit of academic excellence, which will prepare them for leadership roles in our society. In keeping with our history and traditions, we provide our students with a rigorous, broadly based liberal arts curriculum joined with specialization in a specific discipline.

Position Summary And Key Responsibilities

The Director of Human Resources leads and manages the day-to-day Human Resources function for McKendree University while serving as a trusted advisor to University leadership, supervisors, faculty, and staff.

This is a hands-on leadership role responsible for both the administration and continued improvement of Human Resources programs and services. The Director is actively involved in employee relations, recruitment, compensation and classification, benefits, performance management, employee development, HR compliance, payroll oversight, HR systems, reporting, and policy administration.

The Director works closely with University leadership and departments across campus to address workforce needs, resolve employee matters, support supervisors, improve HR processes, and ensure employment practices are fair, consistent, responsive, and compliant with federal, state, and local laws, and consistent with University policies.

Recruitment, Employment and Onboarding

• Manage and oversee recruitment and selection processes for faculty and staff positions.
• Collaborate with hiring managers to review staffing needs, position descriptions, classifications, and appropriate compensation.
• Serve as a consultant in search committees, assist with candidate selection processes, and guide candidate compensation offers.
• Prepare letters of employment and/or employment contracts, as needed.
• Review vacancies, turnover, and staffing trends and work with leadership to address workforce needs.

Employee Relations And Performance Management

• Provide direct support to supervisors and employees regarding workplace concerns, performance issues, policy questions, conflict resolution, corrective action, and employee relations matters.
• Conduct workplace investigations involving complaints, misconduct, grievances, policy violations, and other employment concerns.
• Assist supervisors with documentation, performance improvement plans, corrective actions, and employment decisions.
• Administer and oversee the University's performance management process.
• Review employee feedback, exit information, turnover, and workplace concerns to identify opportunities to improve engagement and retention.

Compensation, Classification And Benefits

• Manage the University's compensation and classification program.
• Review and maintain job descriptions, classifications, salary ranges, and compensation structures.
• Conduct salary and market reviews using appropriate higher education and external benchmarks.
• Review new positions, reclassifications, promotions, salary requests, and other compensation actions for market alignment and internal equity.
• Make recommendations regarding pay equity, compression, market adjustments, and annual salary planning.
• Oversee employee benefit and retirement programs and serve as a primary contact with benefit consultants, vendors, carriers, and third-party administrators.
• Review benefit costs, utilization, employee needs, and market trends and recommend changes when appropriate.

HR Operations, Systems And Payroll Oversight

• Oversee day-to-day HR systems, employee records, applicant tracking, reporting, and related HR processes.
• Maintain accurate employee data and ensure employment actions are processed in a timely manner.
• Identify and implement practical improvements to HR forms, workflows, processes, and employee services.
• Prepare and review workforce reports related to staffing, turnover, recruitment, compensation, vacancies, and other HR measures.
• Coordinate required institutional HR reporting, including governmental, IPEDS, CUPA-HR, audit, and other reporting.
• Oversee payroll operations and work closely with Finance and Payroll staff to ensure timely and accurate payroll processing.
• Review payroll-related HR actions, employment changes, and internal controls as appropriate.

Human Resources Team Leadership

• Supervise, coach, develop, and evaluate Human Resources and Payroll staff.
• Assign work, establish priorities, and ensure timely and accurate completion of HR and payroll responsibilities.
• Promote cross-training and shared knowledge to support operational continuity.
• Maintain a responsive, service-oriented HR function focused on professionalism, confidentiality, consistency, and practical problem solving.
• Participate on University committees and complete other duties related to the Human Resources function as assigned.

Qualifications

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Human Resources Management, Business Administration, Organizational Leadership, Public Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of seven years of progressively responsible Human Resources experience.
• Minimum of three years of Human Resources management, supervisory, or significant functional leadership experience.
• Broad experience across multiple HR functions, including employee relations, recruitment, compensation, benefits, performance management, compliance, and HR operations.
• Working knowledge of federal and state employment laws and regulations.
• Experience advising supervisors and managers on employee and workplace matters.
• Experience handling employee relations issues and workplace investigations.
• Experience with HR information systems, applicant tracking systems, reporting, and related HR technology.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Master's degree in Human Resources Management, Business Administration, Organizational Leadership, Higher Education Administration, or a related field.
• Ten or more years of progressively responsible Human Resources experience.
• Human Resources experience in higher education, nonprofit, or a similarly complex organization.
• SHRM-SCP, SPHR, SHRM-CP, PHR, or comparable professional certification.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Ability to work effectively as both a department leader and hands-on HR practitioner.
• Ability to work effectively with employees and leaders at all levels of the University.
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to interpret policies, regulations, compensation data, and employment situations and provide practical guidance.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Demonstrated commitment to confidentiality, fairness, consistency, professionalism, and responsive service.
• Ability to supervise and develop staff while maintaining accountability for day-to-day HR operations.

Work Conditions

Primarily an office environment with a standard full-time work schedule. Some evening and weekend work may be required based on University operations, employee matters, events, or institutional needs.

Required Application Materials

Cover Letter Resume/CV

Benefits

McKendree offers a competitive benefits package to our full-time employees including health care, dental, vision, 403(b) deferred compensation retirement plans with matching contributions, and flexible spending accounts. Life insurance, and 11 paid holidays. Full-Time faculty and staff also enjoy: FREE tuition upon hire! Spouses and dependents under the age of 26 are also eligible for free undergraduate level courses. Complimentary or discounted tickets to our premier performing arts venue, presenting world class dance, drama, classical music and jazz. Complimentary tickets for Athletic events. Free birthday meal at 1828 Cafe. Discounts at the McKendree University Bookstore and so much more. To learn more details, review our Benefits Guide.

Equal Opportunity Employer

McKendree University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity and prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, and other statuses protected by law. This extends to all aspects of the employment relationship, including recruiting, hiring, training, on-the-job treatment, promotion, layoff, and termination.