Human Resources Assistant Director/S

Position Summary

The Assistant Director of the HR Solutions Center provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for a broad portfolio of employment services supporting Michigan State University’s faculty, staff, students, retirees, departments, and external stakeholders. Reporting to the Director, this role leads multiple employment functions and customer service operations, ensuring consistent delivery of high‑quality, timely, and solution‑oriented service across all HR channels. The Assistant Director drives service excellence through strong team leadership, clear service standards, data integrity, and continuous process improvement, while serving as a key business partner for employment systems and a senior resource for complex employment issues. This role plays a critical leadership function in advancing a responsive, customer‑centered HR service model that supports the university’s mission.

Salary

The salary range for this position is fixed at $125,000 – $133,000. Final compensation will be determined based on relevant experience within this range.

Remote Work Capability

This position is based in East Lansing, Michigan, on the campus of Michigan State University.  Human Resources embraces flexible work options, and this position allows for a hybrid work schedule (if desired), with regular onsite work required at least 3 days per week. All work schedules are assessed for impact to the work outcomes of the individual, team, and department – and must be pre-approved by the supervisor.

What You’ll Do

• Provide leadership and day‑to‑day oversight of employment operations, including academic appointments, support staff hiring and separation processes, temporary/on‑call/student employment, and centralized HR customer service.
• Lead and support managers and supervisors across multiple functional teams, promoting accountability, collaboration, and a strong customer service culture.
• Ensure consistent, accurate, and timely resolution of employment inquiries through clear processes, effective escalation pathways, and cross‑functional coordination.
• Serve as the supporting business owner for the applicant tracking system (PageUp) and employment‑related functions within the university’s enterprise business system (EBS).
• Lead and oversee projects focused on process improvement, automation, system enhancements, and service delivery optimization.
• Monitor and ensure employment data integrity, records management, and compliance within enterprise systems.
• Act as a senior resource for complex or sensitive employment matters and represent the Director in their absence.
• Collaborate with HR partners and university stakeholders on system upgrades, policy implementation, and initiatives that enhance service quality and operational effectiveness.
• Represent the division on university committees, working groups, and cross‑institutional initiatives that support HR innovation and institutional priorities.

What We’re Looking For

• Proven leadership experience overseeing complex, multi‑functional HR or service delivery operations.
• Strong customer service mindset with the ability to establish, monitor, and sustain high service standards.
• Demonstrated expertise with employment processes and HR systems, including applicant tracking and enterprise systems.
• Ability to lead continuous improvement initiatives, manage projects, and guide teams through change.
• Sound judgment, analytical skills, and effective communication when resolving complex employment matters and collaborating with diverse stakeholders.

Why Join Us

At Michigan State University Human Resources, the Solutions Center plays a critical role in delivering accessible, high‑quality service to a diverse campus community. In this role, you’ll have the opportunity to lead impactful employment operations, shape customer experiences, and drive meaningful improvements in how HR services are delivered. You’ll work alongside dedicated professionals committed to service excellence, innovation, and inclusive excellence – while contributing to the success of one of the nation’s leading public research universities.

Minimum Requirements

Knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by completing a four-year college degree program in human resources, business, communications, or a related field; three to five years of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in human resources administration, program development and implementation, customer service delivery, project management, and data and/or statistical analysis; experience leading or supervising multiple teams within an HR operations, shared services, or customer‑focused service environment; experience with word processing and spreadsheet software; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Desired Qualifications

A master's degree in human resources, business, communications, or a related field; experience working effectively in a highly unionized environment, including applying collective bargaining agreements and navigating employment processes within represented workforces; experience with HR employment systems (e.g., applicant tracking systems and enterprise HRIS), including system enhancements or implementations; proven ability to lead process improvement, automation, or service optimization efforts that enhance efficiency, accuracy, and customer experience; experience applying judgment to resolve complex employment issues and interpret policies within a large, decentralized, or higher‑education organization; strong analytical and collaboration skills, with the ability to use data to inform decisions and work effectively with cross‑functional stakeholders.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Application Materials

Resume

Cover Letter

Work Hours

STANDARD 8-5

Website

https://hr.msu.edu/

Remote Work Statement

MSU strives to provide a flexible work environment and this position has been designated as remote-friendly. Remote-friendly means some or all of the duties can be performed remotely as mutually agreed upon.

Bidding Eligibility ends May 5, 2026 at 11:55 PM