Human Resources Director at MRA Recruiting Services Milwaukee, WI

Position Summary

The Human Resources Director provides strategic leadership and operational oversight of all human resources functions for Alverno College. This role partners with senior leadership to align HR strategies with institutional mission, values and strategic priorities, while ensuring compliance with all applicable laws and fostering a positive, inclusive workplace culture.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as a trusted advisor to executive leadership on workforce planning, organizational design, and culture.
• Develop and implement HR strategies aligned with institutional goals.
• Lead initiatives that support employee engagement, retention and performance excellence.
• Provide guidance on employee relations matters, including conflict resolution and investigations.
• Promote a culture of respect, inclusion and accountability.
• Support leadership in fostering psychological safety and effective team dynamics.
• Oversee recruitment, hiring and onboarding processes for faculty and staff.
• Ensure equitable and inclusive hiring practices.
• Partner with leadership to identify workforce needs and succession planning strategies.
• Design and oversee performance management systems aligned with institutional mission-driven frameworks.
• Support leadership development and employee growth initiatives.
• Guide goal setting, feedback and performance improvement processes.
• Oversee compensation strategy, benchmarking and internal equity.
• Administer employee benefits programs and ensure competitive offerings.
• Lead compensation studies and recommend adjustments.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state and local employment laws.
• Develop, implement and maintain HR policies and procedures.
• Oversee audits, reporting and risk mitigation strategies.
• Oversee HRIS and payroll coordination and maintain data integrity.
• Use HR metrics and analytics to inform decision-making.
• Lead a team of three HR professionals.

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration or related field.
• 7–10 years of progressive HR experience, including leadership roles.
• Demonstrated knowledge of employment law and HR best practices.
• Strong interpersonal, communication and leadership skills.
• Strong technical aptitude and ability to maximize HR systems; experience with HRIS implementation a plus.
• Demonstrated experience creating, improving and documenting HR processes, workflows and procedures to increase efficiency, consistency, compliance and service quality.
• Demonstrated experience leading and developing a team, including setting expectations, coaching performance, building capability and fostering accountability.

Preferred:

• Master’s degree in HR, Organizational Development or related field.
• HR certification (e.g., SHRM‑SCP, SPHR).
• Experience in higher education or nonprofit environments.

Work Environment

This position operates in a collaborative higher education environment and may require occasional evening or weekend commitments.

Benefits

• Eligibility for health, dental, vision, disability and retirement plan enrollment for employees and eligible dependents.
• Tuition benefits available for employees and qualified dependents.