Assistant Director of Human Resources
About Albright College
Founded in 1856, Albright College is the oldest institution of higher learning in Berks County and one of the most economically and culturally diverse colleges in the country. Nationally ranked as a top performer for social mobility, Albright is home to about 1,600 residential undergraduate students from across the nation and around the globe, working together to cultivate integrity, curiosity, connection and resilience. Albright students are encouraged to cross or combine majors to create individualized academic programs, without taking longer to graduate. The college's flexible curriculum, close faculty mentorship and numerous experiential learning options are all designed to help students exceed their own expectations.
At Albright, we believe our differences make us stronger and empower us to better understand and respect one another in a just and fair manner. With this in mind, the college recruits, houses, educates, employs, supports and generally celebrates people of all statuses, identities and backgrounds, including, but not limited to, race, ethnicity, national origin, citizenship status, religious or spiritual identity, gender and gender identity, sexual orientation, marital and parental status, veteran status, political affiliation and physical and mental ability. Albright College is an EEO employer, committed to inclusivity. In alignment with this commitment, we actively encourage diversity in all dimensions among applicants for this position. Read the college's Inclusivity and Equity Statement online and learn more our demonstrated commitment to building an inclusive and equitable academic community.
Albright College is seeking applications for an Assistant Director of Human Resources. This position is primarily responsible for the oversight of compensation, employee relations, HRIS processes and benefits administration. The Assistant Director will collaborate with staff and faculty throughout the College to improve HR processes that support the College's mission, vision and inclusivity and equity efforts. The role serves as second in-command in the absence of the Director of Human Resources and has general oversight of office operations. Candidate must demonstrate a commitment to enhancing equity and inclusion within the team and across a culturally diverse campus while celebrating people of all statuses and identities.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Compensation Responsibilities
- Collaborate with the Director of HR to develop a compensation philosophy institution-wide;
- Reviews all position requisitions and analyzes comparative salary data to make recommendations on salary ranges;
- Reviews all job descriptions during the position requisition process, as well as, establishes annual review of job descriptions during performance periods;
- Assist in annual compensation and equity reviews and finalize, create and distribute equity change letters to employees;
Employer Relations
- Handles employee relations matters for the College;
- Documents and investigates employee relations matters, and provides follow up to those effected as quickly as possible, but no later than 60 days from the time the matter is initially reported;
- Works to find reasonable resolution within area of responsibility, referencing policy and past practice; engages the Director of HR on decisions that are not clear, or may escalate to a higher level;
- Updates and recommends policy updates to match best practice;
- Keeps Director of HR aware of employee relations matters;
- Recommends tracking system for employee relations matters, and matters that may involve higher level investigation;
- Refers higher level employee relations matters to Director of HR;
- Contacts employment attorney as needed for complex matters.
HRIS Responsibilities
- Assists the project lead to implement new HRIS modules and system version updates;
- Recommends enhancements or efficiencies for current administrative functions that can link back to the HRIS;
- Circulates, processes and maintains status changes in the HRIS system in a timely and accurate manner;
- Updates/enters information into the HRIS via change forms that route to the AD role;
- Prepares status change and other employment change letters, including separation letters, in a timely and accurate manner;
- Works closely with managers as a business partner on processing individual employee status change forms and assists the Project Manager on other organizational changes to be made within the HRIS system;
- Prepares reports necessary for organizational and human resources reporting, EEOC reporting, and other reporting as requested;
- Other HRIS responsibilities as assigned.
Benefits Administration
- Supervise the Benefits Specialist and serve as a resource for high level benefits questions, HRIS matters, employee leave questions, and accommodation requests.
- Oversight of retirement plan administration in conjunction with the Benefits Specialist.
- Collaborate with payroll to resolve benefit, retirement contribution or HRIS challenges.
- Collaborate with the Benefits Specialist to submit accurate IRS 1095 health insurance forms.
- Provide second level support for college Tuition Benefits programs.
Training and Development
- Assist with the development and implementation of manager and employee trainings to further the College's mission of equity and inclusivity.
- Coordinate online or in-person educational sessions for Faculty and Staff through external partners.
- Assist with continual development and execution Albright Excellence series.
General HR functions
- Assists with employment, benefit, satisfaction, and exit interview surveys, as needed and/or requested;
- Assists with forms management which includes, but is not limited to, updating and developing forms, as needed, and ensures a logical and organized electronic filing system;
- Departmental filing and folder maintenance for off-boarded employees;
- Provides cross coverage to HR staff members as necessary;
- Provides back-up coverage for HR staff during times of absence;
- Updates and maintains procedure guides for HR functions within area of responsibility.
- In the absence of the Director, oversees assigned personnel, and is responsible for their time/attendance, and performance (as applicable);
- In the absence of the Director, ensures continuity of HR business functions.
OTHER ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
- Demonstrates ability to look for inefficiencies and offers suggestions to improve work processes and procedures;
- Serves as a back-up for new hire orientations and other essential HR functions during times of departmental absence or high volume need;
- Attends HR trainings, HR professional organizations, and programming to keep HR skills current;
- Assists with HR and College events as needed;
- Maintains open communication channels to foster a harmonious working environment;
- Maintains accurate and complete records in an organized and efficient manner;
- Assists on special projects within the HR department as needed;
- Other duties that may be assigned.
Review of applications for this position will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Interested applicants should complete an application by clicking "Apply Now". A cover letter and two professional references (including one supervisor reference) can be submitted along with the resume. Albright offers a competitive benefits package, which includes tuition remission.
About Reading, Pa.
Ranked a "Best Place to Live" and "Best Place to Retire" by U.S. News & World Report, Reading is a medium-sized city in Berks County, Pennsylvania. Albright College's 118 acre campus is located in the city's historic northeast College Heights neighborhood. Catch a concert in Reading's 9,000 seat Santander Arena or get up close and personal in the historical Santander Performing Arts Center (built in the 1870s - only 20 years after Albright was born!) Start a new art project with materials like hot glass, paint, wood and more at the GoggleWorks Center for the Arts, enjoy seasonal festivals or take a walk through West Reading's artisan shops, restaurants and boutiques. See Pennsylvania's spectacular autumn display from the top of Reading's Pagoda, a kayak on Blue Marsh Lake, or from a scenic steam train ride. Or leave civilization behind with more than 125 miles of certified biking and hiking trails. The city of Reading is also home to the Philadelphia Flyer's ECHL ice hockey team and the Philadelphia Phillies' AA baseball team.
QUALIFICATIONS / PREREQUISITES
- COMMUNICATION
- Ability to effectively communicate with various constituents of the College, faculty, staff, supervisors, management and co-workers using strong and understandable language skills verbally, in reading, written work and comprehension;
- Communication must be professional, consistent with College values, mission and culture;
- Must be able to read, speak, write, and fully communicate in English;
- Ability to effectively engage in public speaking, and present informative and understandable presentations in front of group.
- SKILLS
- Ability to read, analyze, and interpret directives and instructions;
- Demonstrated commitment to building an inclusive and equitable Albright community, as described in Albright College's Inclusivity and Equity Statement.
- Working knowledge of current state and federal benefit and employment laws and regulations;
- Ability to acquire working knowledge of College policies and procedures, and be able to effectively communicate their intent;
- Ability to perform simple and complex mathematical calculations;
- Ability to respond professionally to inquiries from faculty, staff, management, vendors, consultants and Board members in a timely manner;
- Ability to work honestly and with integrity;
- Ability to work with the highest level of confidentiality;
- Advanced computer skills including MS Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook, Power Point), internet, e-mail, etc.;
- Advanced personnel database skills and experience;
- Ability to effectively handle and resolve low to mid, but complex employee relations matters;
- Ability to represent the department and College professionally.
- EMPLOYMENT EXPERIENCE
- 5+ years' of related Human Resources experience required;
- 5+ years' of experience working with compensation administration required;
- 5+ years' of intermediate to advanced personnel database experience, including system configuration, required;
- 5+ years' successful employee relations resolution experience required;
- 2+ years' of experience working in Higher Education desirable, but not required.
- EDUCATION
- Bachelor's degree+ in related business field required; or, equivalent combination of related work experience and education; Master's degree in related business field preferred.
- Current HR certifications, up-to-date continuing education credits and on-going professional development highly desirable.