Human Resources Director

Vermont Law and Graduate School is committed to cultivating and preserving a culture of inclusion and connectedness. They grow and learn better together with a diverse group of faculty, staff, and students.

In recruiting for faculty and staff, we seek unique backgrounds to enrich and challenge our community.

Position Summary :

The Director of Human Resources leads, plans, develops, interprets, and implements Human Resources programs, policies, and activities in all HR areas including recruitment, employee relations, performance management, compensation, benefits, training in support of the values, goals, and mission of the institution.

The HR Director oversees all payroll activities and ensures consistent application of the law school's policies / procedures, federal / state legislation, industry, and professional standards.

Key Duties and Responsibilities :

Administration and Leadership

• Lead, coach, train and motivate Human Resources staff.
• Encourage, lead and model values around diversity, equity and inclusion for VLGS employees, students, and community members.
• Serve on VLGS committees as requested and attend appropriate school-wide or committee meetings.
• Serve on school-wide committees to provide Human Resources guidance and information.
• Work with Dean / President to maintain Staff Advisory Committee structure and attend meetings as requested.
• Attendance and assistance with Emergency Committee and associated work.

Employee Relations

Develop / interpret / enforce sound and relevant HR policies and programs that support the values, goals, and the mission of the law school;

effectively communicate these policies and programs to the VLGS community.

• Provide HR expertise and support to department heads and supervisors toward attainment of departmental goals, employee motivation, performance management, and legal compliance issues.
• Provide support where needed for coaching, counseling, and mediation.
• Interprets personnel policies, employment laws and regulations as they apply to problems, conflicts, and employee needs.

Recruitment

• Coordinate with HR staff to ensure that recruiting processes are centralized and streamlined, enhance communication around recruitment, and provide training to employees and interview committees around relevant issues as needed.
• Support VLGS goals for improving diversity, equity, and inclusion through active involvement in improvement of diverse hiring practices, inclusive employee experiences, and equitable treatment of applicants and employees.
• Develop and manage comprehensive onboarding process for new employees in conjunction with HR staff, the Vice Dean of Faculty, Faculty Appointments Committee, and appropriate VLGS departments and partners.

Performance Management / Training

• Manage ongoing job description update project and creation of comprehensive performance review system for staff members.
• Oversee annual performance review process with supervisors and department heads.
• Direct and supports staff training and development, supervisory training, and compliance training.
• Work with internal and external vendors to best meet training and performance management needs for staff and faculty.

Compensation / Benefits / Payroll Administration

• Oversee HR staff managing benefits and wellness programs. Work with staff to create programs that motivate, inspire, and reward effective performance.
• Ensure consistent and equitable application of compensation and benefits programs, ensuring internal pay equity and external pay competitiveness, ensuring job descriptions and pay ranges are updated regularly, and creating / managing salary data management tools.
• Create / recommend benefits plan designs that are effective in attracting and retaining employees. Negotiate cost-effective contracts with vendors, analyzing cost to benefit, while managing budget effectively.
• Ensure plan compliance regarding notices (e.g. SPD’s and other plan documents) and filings (e.g. 5500’s).
• Oversees administration of employee payrolls and compliance in cooperation with HR staff and the VLGS business office.
• Manage HRIS system, modules, and HRIS training for end-users in conjunction with IT.

Compliance

Monitor the law school’s employment practices regarding advancing diversity, preventing discrimination, and other employment and labor laws (e.

g., FLSA, FMLA, ADA, ADEA, ERISA, Civil Rights Act, etc.).

In conjunction with VLGS administration and legal counsel, review potential liabilities and update policies and practices when needed.

Lead / conduct internal investigations as necessary or refers investigations for external support.

• Work with HR staff on required reporting and surveys (e.g., EEO-1, AA, IPEDS, ABA, DOL, etc.). Ensure required postings and notices are up to date in all locations.
• Ensure all employee data and records are properly protected, retained and / or destroyed as needed and required under law.
• Provide data to leadership as requested.

Required Education, Skills and Experience :

• Bachelor’s Degree or a minimum of 5 years of management / supervisory experience in an HR field or equivalent experience.
• PHR / SPHR or other Human Resources certification preferred or equivalent experience.
• Understanding of, appreciation for, and commitment to equity and inclusion, including the ability to work with students, faculty, and staff from diverse backgrounds, identities, and viewpoints.
• Skilled decision-maker, with transparency in decision-making and management.
• Excellent oral, written and presentation skills; exceptional listening skills.
• Ability to use discretion in handling confidential information.
• Ability to use HR Metrics and other data for quality reporting and decision-making.
• Good understanding of budget preparation, cost estimating and fiscal management principles and procedures.
• Understanding of state and federal laws relating to payroll and HR compliance.
• Proficiency in a PC, Windows-based operating environment; experience with Microsoft Office (0365) applications, virtual work environments and social media applications.
• Ability to learn and gain proficiency in web based HRIS / payroll system within 90 days of beginning position.
• Must be able to adapt to new and emerging technology as established and communicated by the law school.
• Ability to receive and process feedback and make appropriate changes to work habits.

Other Requirements :

• Limited travel required, mostly within the State of Vermont.
• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks and deadlines and reorganize under pressure.
• Ability to work independently and within a team.
• Ability to manage the pressure of multiple deadlines.
• Ability to separate personal feelings and maintain calm demeanor when dealing with difficult situations.
• Ability to perform all essential functions of the job with or without basic accommodations.
• Must be able to work legally within the United States without sponsorship.

As part of our commitment to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, candidates who meet the qualifications for this position and who require accommodations to apply should contact Human Resources at jobs@vermontlaw.

edu. Vermont Law and Graduate School strives to raise the bar for being an Equal Opportunity Employer, and we prohibit discrimination based on race, color, religion, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, place of birth, marital status, disability, veteran's status, HIV status, pregnancy, genetic information, health insurance status, and crime victim status.