Executive Director of Human Resources

Executive Director of Human Resources

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 Position Information 

Posting Number  | S000964
Position Title  | Executive Director of Human Resources
Department  | Office of the President
Division  | Office of the President
Supervisor Title  | President
Status  | Full Time Regular
Salary Range  | $120,000 - $150,000
Position Summary
The Executive Director of Human Resources serves as the senior human resources leader for the College. As the College’s chief people officer, the Executive Director provides strategic leadership and direct operational oversight for the full range of human resources functions. Reporting directly to the President, the Executive Director is a trusted advisor to the President and Cabinet on matters related to workforce planning, organizational effectiveness, employee relations, and the faculty and staff experience.

The Executive Director is responsible for leading a responsive, service-oriented human resources operation that advances the College’s commitment to recruiting, retaining, and supporting high-quality faculty and staff, recognizing that a strong faculty and staff experience is essential to a thriving campus community and the fulfillment of the College’s mission.

The position has college-wide responsibility for human resources strategy, policy, and service delivery, including recruitment and retention, onboarding, leadership development and succession planning, employee relations, performance management, payroll, benefits administration, compensation, compliance, and human resources technology. The Executive Director also oversees the administration and effective use of the College’s human resources information systems (HRIS) to ensure accurate employee data, reliable payroll and benefits processing, and meaningful workforce reporting.

In a small department environment, the Executive Director combines strategic perspective with hands-on leadership to ensure effective daily operations, high-quality service, and continuous improvement in human resources practices and processes.

Description of Key Responsibilities  | Lead and manage the Office of Human Resources, including supervision and development of staff; establish goals, priorities, and performance expectations while maintaining direct awareness of departmental operations. Provide strategic leadership for the College’s human resources function in alignment with the institution’s mission, values, and strategic priorities. Serve as a strategic partner to the President, Cabinet, and senior leadership on workforce planning, organizational effectiveness, employee relations, and the faculty and staff experience. Develop and implement strategies for recruitment, onboarding, engagement, retention, leadership development, and succession planning that support the College’s commitment to attracting and supporting high-quality faculty and staff. Oversee compensation, classification, performance management, payroll, benefits administration, and other employee lifecycle processes, ensuring accuracy, equity, responsiveness, and fiscal responsibility. Develop, implement, and continuously improve onboarding and orientation processes that introduce new faculty and staff to the College, its organizational structure, and its mission and core values. Oversee employee relations, including grievance processes, investigations, and resolution of employment-related concerns, ensuring prompt, equitable, and consistent responses. Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations; maintain awareness of legislative and regulatory changes affecting higher education and human resources practices. Develop, recommend, and administer human resources policies and procedures in collaboration with senior leadership and shared governance bodies. Provide leadership and oversight for the College’s human resources information systems (HRIS), including system administration, employee data integrity, reporting, and integration with payroll, benefits, onboarding, and other core human resources functions. Lead the implementation, optimization, and strategic use of the College’s HRIS platform (currently Paylocity), ensuring that the system advances the College’s goals for greater operational efficiency, improved service delivery, meaningful workforce reporting, and stronger decision support for institutional leaders. Leverage technology, data, and process improvement to strengthen human resources operations, enhance service to faculty and staff, and support the College’s aspirations for greater efficiency, effectiveness, and continuous improvement. In a small department environment, engage directly in operational work and problem-solving as needed to ensure continuity of services and effective support for faculty and staff. Recommend, evaluate, and provide leadership for training, professional development, wellness, and employee recognition programs. Serve on College-wide committees as appropriate and represent the institution on human resources and workforce-related matters. Perform other duties as assigned.
This position requires work outside of normal business hours, including evening and weekend hours, as necessary.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities 
Significant, progressively responsible leadership experience in human resources, preferably in higher education, with demonstrated understanding of academic culture and shared governance. Strong understanding of the higher education environment, including the ability to work effectively within a culture shaped by academic priorities, institutional mission, and shared governance. Demonstrated ability to provide strategic leadership while also engaging directly in operational work, particularly in a small department environment. Strong knowledge of human resources administration, including compensation, benefits, classification, performance management, employee relations, and employment law. Strong knowledge of human resources information systems (HRIS), payroll systems, and workforce analytics, with the ability to lead system implementation, optimization, and effective use in support of service delivery, operational efficiency, data integrity, reporting, and institutional decision-making. Demonstrated ability to leverage technology, data, and process improvement to modernize operations, improve service quality, and support continuous improvement. Ability to analyze data, assess organizational needs, identify process gaps, and present recommendations clearly and professionally to institutional leaders. Proven ability to develop and implement strategic initiatives aligned with institutional goals and informed by the needs of faculty, staff, and the broader campus community. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate complex, sensitive, and confidential information with clarity, diplomacy, and sound judgment. Strong judgment, discretion, and ability to maintain confidentiality while managing sensitive personnel and institutional matters.

Distinguishing Characteristics  | The Executive Director of Human Resources is the College’s senior human resources leader and provides institution-wide leadership for human resources strategy, policy, and operations. The position oversees the full scope of human resources functions, including recruitment, onboarding, payroll, benefits administration, compensation, employee relations, compliance, and human resources systems.

Working in a small department environment, the Executive Director is a leader who balances strategic vision with hands-on engagement in all aspects of the office’s work. The position requires both the ability to set direction for the human resources function and the natural ability and instinct to engage directly in the work alongside staff to ensure effective, compliant, and service-oriented delivery of programs and services across the institution.

The Executive Director must be able to work effectively with diverse constituencies across the College and provide sound counsel to the President, Cabinet, and other institutional leaders while exercising discretion, sound judgment, and a strong service orientation.

Education/Training  | Bachelor’s degree required in human resource management, business administration, employment law, organizational leadership, or a related field. A master’s degree is preferred.

Experience  | A minimum of five years of progressively responsible leadership experience in human resources or people and culture functions. Experience in higher education is strongly preferred. Experience administering or implementing HRIS platforms such as Paylocity, Workday, or similar enterprise human resources systems is preferred.
Licenses or Certifications  | Professional HR certification preferred (SHRM‑SCP, SHRM‑CP, or SPHR, PHR).

Is This a Temporary Position?  | No
Employment Conditions  | An offer of employment is contingent upon successful completion of the College’s background screening process.
Number of Vacancies  | 1

 Posting Detail Information 

EEO Statement  | North Central College is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to increasing the diversity of our workforce. NCC provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. If you need reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, please notify the Office of Human Resources. Determinations for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.
Close Date  |
Open Until Filled  | Yes
Additional Information  | The pay offered to the selected candidate will be determined based on factors including (but not limited to) the candidate’s experience, qualifications, and training.

North Central College provides a comprehensive benefits package, which includes: All-inclusive medical, dental and vision group insurance Health and dependent care savings plans Employer-paid life and AD&D insurance 403(b) retirement plan with employer contributions Employee assistance plan resources Tuition waiver for full-time employees, spouse and dependent children Generous paid time off plans, including 3 weeks vacation to start 15 paid holidays per year, including 5 days during NCC Winter Break Free access to campus health center, fitness and athletic facilities, and library  

Posting Supplemental Questions

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Applicant Documents

North Central College
30 North Brainard Street, Naperville, IL 60540
630.637.5757
[email protected].