Head of Recruiting & HR

AURA's mission is to provide innovative, open resources to enable discovery and excellence in research, to unify the astrophysics communities, and to promote public understanding of our universe and the benefits of science exploration. AURA carries out its role through its astronomical facilities.

The Human Resources Manager is responsible for planning, developing, implementing and administering the full scope of human resources services, policies, and programs across the Center. Provides HR support and guidance to managers in the performance of their duties as leaders. The Manager may supervise directly or indirectly HR staff.

Provides assistance to employees concerning human resources related services and communicates/advises on HR policies and procedures as necessary to ensure consistent and equitable practices.

Partners with hiring managers and recruiting to support recruitment activities including position development, job description review, workforce planning and onboarding.

Partners with leaders to identify employee and organizational development needs, supports talent growth and career development efforts, and collaborates with the Learning & Development function to promote learning opportunities that strengthen employee capability, engagement, and organizational effectiveness.

Works closely with management and employees to develop and promote employee engagement, cultivate positive and respectful work relationships, build morale, increase productivity and retention. Provides HR guidance and advice to employees, line managers, and senior management, as required.

Partners with Compensation to review market data, evaluate internal equity considerations, and provide compensation recommendations that support organizational objectives and compliance with established compensation programs.

Supports performance management processes by coaching leaders on goal setting, performance feedback, employee development, and performance improvement while promoting consistency across the organization.

Provides consultation and guidance on employee relations matters including performance management, workplace concerns, conflict resolution, corrective action, policy interpretation, and employee conduct. Conducts workplace assessments, investigations, and fact‑finding activities and recommends appropriate resolutions consistent with organizational policies and practices.

Administers performance review program to ensure effectiveness, compliance, and equity within the organization.

Provides HR Policy guidance and interpretation, assists in development and implementation of new HR policies and procedures.

Maintains current knowledge of federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations and provides guidance to leadership to ensure compliance, mitigate organizational risk, and support sound employment practices.

Maintain Human Resource Information Systems and compilation of reports from database.

Delivers HR improvement projects aligned to Human Resources planning process.

Human resources management involves the expectations for non‑discrimination, a drug‑free workplace, and the mechanisms to plan for, recruit, hire, employ, and evaluate the workforce.

All AURA employees are responsible for the proper management and control of all AURA property within their work area, whether assigned to them or someone else. Bachelor’s degree in appropriate field

At least ten years’ experience working in progressively increasingly responsible positions, within human resources field.

Experience and other training may substitute for bachelor’s degree.

Excellent time management and organizational skills.

Possess poise, self‑composure and emotional intelligence in tense situations.

Thorough knowledge of local and national employment‑related laws and regulations

Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite and related software.

Proficiency with or the ability to quickly learn the organization’s HRIS, learning and talent management systems.

Experience supporting scientific, research, higher education, government‑funded, or matrixed organizations preferred.

Experience supporting distributed or geographically diverse workforces preferred.

Experience utilizing HR metrics and workforce analytics to support decision‑making preferred.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The employee must have sufficient mobility, strength, and dexterity in both arms, hands, and legs to reach in multiple directions, handle paper files, and operate standard office equipment, including computers, fax machines, copiers, and other office tools.

AURA offers an excellent benefits package including paid time off and retirement plan contributions, competitive salary commensurate with experience, and a very attractive work environment. Details on benefits can be found at Benefits by Location - Aura Human Resources.