Director of Human Resources

Broad Function

The Director of Human Resources provides strategic and operational leadership to Human Resources and Payroll personnel. 

Major Responsibilities

The Director manages human resources activities to support and meet strategic HR and Campus wide goals and objectives in alignment with the SUNY Adirondack mission, goals, and strategic plan.  The Director provides HR support and internal consulting to all employee groups.  Supports the execution of business strategy through the alignment of HR processes, procedures and information technology software support. The Director provides leadership and direction in personnel areas, with an emphasis on recruitment and staffing, talent acquisition, performance management and evaluations, labor and employee relations, training and development, employee recognition, new hire orientation, consultation and efficient HR processes. In partnership with the College Executive Team this position provides strategic planning, policy formulation, budgetary decisions, and problem solving to ensure organizational effectiveness.

• Serves as a key member of the President's executive staff, contributing to strategic decision-making and organizational planning.

• This position advises senior leadership administrators, faculty and staff on human resource matters including the interpretation of collective bargaining agreements, immigration, labor law and labor relations.

• Makes appropriate recommendations to College leaders regarding action in relation to all personnel matters utilizing industry standards, best practices, investigation outcomes and compliance with federal and state laws and regulations relating to Human Resources and Payroll.

• Manages the activities of the Human Resources team, providing supervision and assistance to direct reports in achieving priority institutional objectives; evaluates team progress toward goals and objectives.

• Oversees the Faculty Student Association of SUNY Adirondack College and SUNY Adirondack’s, annual benefit open enrollments, Retiree benefit program enrollments, retirement plans and properly communicates changes or enhancements to programs as required. This includes plan design review for the FSA plan design.  Maintain strong communication with both Marshall & Sterling and Upstate (FSA) insurance brokers. Establishes and maintains credibility throughout the organization with management, faculty and staff.

• Provides advice and guidance to the management team along with all other employees in relation to all personnel matters utilizing industry standards, best practices, investigation outcomes and compliance with federal and state laws and regulations relating to Human Resources and Payroll.

• Develops, administers and communicates HR policies, procedures, handbooks and directives; maintains knowledge of current trends in the HR field, new and innovative human resource programs and services within higher education, and of laws and/or court case decisions that affect the college, faculty or staff.

• Assists in establishing/managing policies and programs to support the professional development of employees to foster growth and development and to enhance employee engagement.

• Investigate, coach and consult with management on issues affecting morale, performance, development to determine root cause along with recommendation and implementation of any next steps, includes but not limited to counseling memo, performance improvement plans (PIP) or separation of employment.

• Works with Sr Human Resources Administrators to develop and continually improve the onboarding and new employee orientation strategies for new hires, including supporting the hiring managers and search committees.

• Ensures the timely processing of both SUNY Adk and FSA payrolls as well as the timely reporting of 941s, retirement contributions and distribution of W2s. Acts as a backup to process in the absence of Payroll Coordinator.

• Ensures that Civil Services Rules and Regulations are adhered to for all matters related to support staff including recruitment and for the term of employment.

• Develops new job descriptions and updates current job descriptions as necessary, in collaboration with department managers and union representatives. Prepares materials for the College Board of Trustees and SUNY approval.

•  Responsible to develop, train, coach and monitor the performance management systems and processes, ensuring competencies are being met based on job descriptions. Aligns training needs based on evaluations.

• Supports and facilitates professional development at all levels of the organization. 

• Manages and supports the development and implementation of new initiatives in the Human Resources Department, such as organization-wide customer service, communication processes and re-organization. Programs may include, but are not limited to, specific training and development programs to enhance performance, correct deficiencies, or to prepare employees for more significant responsibilities; and, general development programs to increase employees' knowledge and understanding of the college, its vision and mission.

• Serves as a College and Human Resources representative on appropriate internal and external committees.

• Assists in providing necessary reports and metrics for critical analyses of the HR function and the effective utilization of human (people) resources of the college.

• Initiates and participates in networking and benchmarking efforts, utilizing collaborative educational efforts whenever possible. 

• Develop and maintain a working relationship with the campus community so that the Human Resources department can meet the organization’s needs.

• Conducts special projects as directed, and assumes additional responsibilities as requested.

• Other duties as assigned by the President.

Required Skills

The Director of Human Resources must have demonstrated success in consulting, communicating, ability to exercise good judgment and influencing skills with the ability to adapt style to all levels of management and employee classes.   Must be proficient in Microsoft office with demonstration of excellent oral and written communication skills. Demonstrated supervisory and management skills. Experience in Ellucian Banner Computing System preferred.

Educational Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred.   

Years of Experience
Minimum of 6 to 8 years of experience in human resource administration, preferably in a collective bargaining environment.

Working Conditions & Physical Requirements
Office worksite with travel between buildings and tours of candidates. Occassional lifting of 5lb - 10lb.

Direct Reports

Human Resources Administrator

Sr Human Resources Administrator (2)

Payroll Coordinator

Salary Range
$91,989 - $102,588
The selected candidate’s salary will be determined based on factors that include the available budget, internal equity, and the final candidate’s qualifications, experience, education and other job-related credentials. This hiring range is provided as SUNY Adirondack’s good faith estimate of the expected hiring range at the time of posting.

Full consideration will be given to applications received by September 4, 2026.
 
We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. SUNY Adirondack is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.