Career Center

Soka University of America is seeking a Senior Human Resources Manager. The Senior Human Resources Manager will report to the Chief Human Resources Officer. The Senior Manager has overall responsibility for talent acquisition, performance management, job evaluation, training and development, employee relations, succession planning, and human resources information systems and records management. The individual will also serve as a Deputy Title IX Coordinator for staff, faculty, and others and will conduct investigations outside of Title IX. The Senior Manager will also oversee Worker’s Compensation, Leave Management, and Student Employment. We are seeking a mission-focused, dynamic, and hard-working professional with a strong focus on customer service along with an ability to work for a fast-paced, evolving university. In addition to exceptional leadership skills, you must have a “roll-up your sleeves” attitude.

Candidates should demonstrate responsiveness toward and understanding of diverse student backgrounds, especially with regard to socioeconomic status, race, ethnicity, culture, ability/disability, sexual orientation, and gender identity and have a willingness to facilitate the university’s mission to develop global citizens.

Essential duties include but are not limited to:

• Assist the Title IX Coordinator in managing reports and serving as Deputy Title IX Coordinator for staff, faculty, and others and Campus Safety Administrator as defined by the US Department of Education.
• Conduct intake meetings with complainants and respondents regarding sexual misconduct, discrimination and harassment; address immediate safety needs; communicate information about supportive measures. Inform parties about reporting options both on and off campus.
• Prompt assess, investigate, and equitably resolve complaints including those alleging sexual harassment and sexual misconduct.
• Advise employees and supervisors regarding performance and disciplinary issues, administer progressive discipline and grievance procedures consistently, listen to employee and supervisor concerns, conduct investigations as needed, and recommend a plan of action. Oversee performance appraisal process and provide relevant coaching and guidance.
• Manage the university’s recruitment and hiring strategy. Support or lead higher-level searches.

• Responsible for processes such as workers' compensation, disability, leaves of absences, workplace accommodation requests, and health and safety issues.
• Oversee overall HR process for student employment.
• Serve as an advocate for employees by listening and becoming aware of employee needs and concerns, sharing this information with the CHRO, researching best practices, and offering options for leaders to consider in addressing employee needs and concerns. 
• Ensure that applicants, employees, vendors, and University administrators receive excellent customer service in all interactions with the Employee Relations and Talent Acquisition Area.
• Ensures consistent and equitable application of HR policies, procedures, and government regulations throughout the University by advising the CHRO about applicable policies, procedures, and regulations, providing training for supervisors, and enforcing the personnel policies and procedures of the University 
• Develop personnel policies, practices, and procedures for approval by the University leadership by listening to employee concerns, reviewing best practices, and identifying opportunities to improve employee satisfaction.
• Keep up-to-date on all current laws and regulations pertinent to the areas of operation and ensure that policies, materials, HR processes, and systems align with business needs and compliance requirements.
• Guide management and employee actions by developing, writing, updating, and maintaining all HR-related policies, procedures, methods, guidelines, and the Employee Handbook while communicating and enforcing university values in compliance with all legal and organizational requirements, standards, and procedures.

• Serve on various committees as assigned.
• Perform other essential duties and tasks as assigned by the Chief.

Education:

Bachelor's degree

Experience: 

A minimum of 5 years of experience with increasing responsibility at an academic institution of higher education is strongly preferred or a combination of education and relevant experience.

8 - 10 years of relevant experience preferred.

Experience dealing with Title IX investigations, dispute resolution and compliance is preferred

Skills:

Individual must possess knowledge, skills and ability to successfully perform the essential functions of the position:

• Demonstrated knowledge and ability to interpret federal higher education laws and regulations. In depth knowledge of Title IX and Clery Act is preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate, identify opportunities and take action to build effective interdepartmental relationships to achieve university goals.
• Ability to independently interpret, analyze, apply, and explain highly complex laws, regulations, guidelines, and policies.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct prompt, thorough and objective investigations is preferred.
• Ability to prepare and present detailed reports, educational programs and assessments.
• Excellent judgement, ability to maintain fair and neutral position in significant disputes, and ability to work independently.
• Ability to exercise high level of discretion and manage confidential and sensitive matters.
• Exceptional oral and written communication, planning, project management, and interpersonal skills.
• Proven record of successful compliance program management.

• Demonstrated experience with institutional policies and procedures, regulations, and the environment within which they operate.
• Strong oral and written communication skills in writing a variety of materials, including correspondence, procedural manuals, directions, job descriptions, and other materials in order to explain policies and procedures.
• Possess strong organizational and project management skills and ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment. Ability to coordinate, delegate, and track projects to completion while handling interruptions, multiple deadlines, and shifting priorities.
• Demonstrated experience with personnel management and budget management.
• Excellent time management skills.
• Commitment to mutual respect, service orientation, diversity, institutional excellence, and high professional standards. 
• Outstanding interpersonal skills, including a can-do, optimistic attitude, with the ability to influence and build harmonious working relationships
• Ability to establish and maintain positive relationships within the University and the community.
• A self-starter, personable, detail-oriented, and goal-oriented
• High proficiency in personal computer systems utilizing databases, word processing, graphics, spreadsheets, to include MS Word, MS Excel, MS Outlook, and other Microsoft applications. 

Soka University of America offers excellent benefits and salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. 

Employment is contingent upon the completion of a successful background check. Soka University requires all employees and students to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19.  If hired, you are required to be fully vaccinated (including booster) for COVID-19 as a condition of your employment at Soka University, except in instances where you have a qualifying medical condition or sincerely held religious belief that is contrary to receiving the vaccine. You will be required to provide your vaccination record on your first day of employment.

Application review will begin immediately. The position will remain open, and applications will be reviewed until the position is filled.

To apply, send a letter of interest, resume, and three professional references.

Please apply for the Senior Human Resources Manager position on the Interfolio site by clicking on this link: http://apply.interfolio.com/110875

For inquiries, e-mail: [email protected]

Soka University of America is an equal opportunity employer.