Reporting directly to the Chief Financial Officer, the Director serves as a key member of the campus leadership team. The Human Resource Director has overall responsibility for the vision, strategy, integration, and implementation of all human resources policies, initiatives, operations, and systems, with an eye to Whitman's mission, values, and strategic goals.
The Human Resources organization is committed to furthering Whitman's reputation as a great place to work and an employer of choice renowned for the caliber, commitment, and engagement of its diverse workforce. In supporting the College's mission, the HR department plays a critical role in seven principle areas aligned with best practices:
pporting an engaging, diverse, and satisfying workplace experience.
rthering a workplace culture of mutual respect, collegiality and collaboration, shared purpose and accountability.
tracting and retaining a talented and diverse workforce.
ntinuously strengthening individual and organizational capabilities.
oviding excellence, innovation, and flexibility in HR services, policies, and programs.
rning trust as a confidential and effective resource for problem resolution.
fering insightful leadership on people issues and organizational strategies.
Principal Accountabilities: The Director provides strategic counsel to the President, the Vice Presidents, and other leaders, while ensuring that all staff and faculty enjoy forward-looking policies and practices, and have access to comprehensive services, balanced and responsive support, and confidential advisement.
In addition to providing HR strategic leadership, the Director oversees an organization focused on benefits administration, compensation and job classification, training and organization development, performance management, staff talent acquisition and onboarding, HR information systems, records and analytics, employee relations, and compliance with all applicable laws and regulations. In recent years, HR staff members have lead or been very active in institutional strategic initiatives, including the Whitman Leadership Program (WLP), Management and Individual Contributor Training, Student Employment Task Force, Strategic Priority Working Groups, the Whitman Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity (WIDE) committee, Title IX team, and a number of other important task forces.
Minimum Qualifications: Individuals must be able to explain and/or demonstrate that they possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities to safely perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation.
ep expertise in HR functional areas.
rong organizational and planning skills; aptitude for managing a functionally diverse staff.
strong work ethic, a sense of urgency, and an ability to multi-task and solve problems.
ghly-developed interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills, including presentation skills in small group settings and interviewing at the individual level.
decisive, results-oriented style, with a strong ethic of personal and team accountability.
ability to listen and synthesize information, build strong relationships with a wide range of people, influence key stakeholders, and advance collaboration among diverse groups.
professional presence, exhibiting respect, sensitivity, and responsiveness in dealing with people at all levels; a deep personal commitment to inclusion and diversity.
understanding of organizational culture, employee engagement, and leading change.
strong bias toward simplicity in developing policies, with an emphasis on sound judgment.
e courage to make tough decisions, when necessary.
decidedly strategic outlook, with a consultative, 'business partner' orientation.
demonstrated track record as a positive team player with a sense of humor.
principled approach, with a reputation for clear convictions, fairness, unwavering integrity.
passion for advancing Whitman's reputation as a great place to work.
Preferred Qualifications: The successful candidate will possess a Bachelor's degree and a minimum of 8 years of human resources experience, including managerial and leadership roles, preferably on behalf of an institution of higher education with a residential liberal arts tradition. Graduate degree preferred.
Physical Demands: Work Hours
Special Instructions to Applicants: Whitman College is building a diverse academic community and welcomes nominations of and applications from women, members of historically underrepresented minority groups, persons with disabilities, and others who would bring additional dimensions to the College's learning environment. Whitman is responsive to the needs of dual career couples. Whitman College is an EEO Employer.
