Director of Human Resources, College of Science
The George Mason University, College of Science (COS), invites well qualified applicants to apply for our position as Director of Human Resources.
Mason Science is committed to advancing access, justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (A-JEDI) throughout our STEM community, including within our hiring and retention practices. At Mason Science, our values include fostering an organizational culture that promotes anti-racism, belonging, respect, and civility. We believe that a diversity of opinions, cultures, and perspectives is what provides vibrancy, innovation and growth to an academic community. By prioritizing inclusive excellence in academics, teaching, research, and global engagement, we strive to attract a diverse pool of faculty and staff who exemplify the Mason Science mission and vision.
About Us:
The College of Science at George Mason University blends traditional science education with sought-after programs in molecular medicine, climate dynamics, planetary science, forensic science, environmental studies, and geoinformation science to prepare students for exciting careers at the cutting edge of interdisciplinary scientific domains.
While serving as a vital community and regional resource for teaching and learning through hands-on programming for kindergarten through 12th grade (K–12) students, teacher training, and outreach programs, the college also undertakes pioneering research endeavors that offer insight and solutions to the complex issues that challenge today’s world. The COS community includes more than 4,100 undergraduate students; 1,000 graduate students; and 970 faculty and staff. To learn more visit https://science.gmu.edu/
Responsibilities:
Reporting to the Chief Business Officer (CBO) of the College of Science, the COS Director of Human Resources will lead the strategic planning and implementation of the College’s HR-related initiatives and processes, including employee relations, recruiting and retention, and equity matters (in collaboration with the Director of DEI); provide overall leadership, supervision, management, and coordination of the College’s HR functions, including supervision and development of the COS HR team; oversee the development and implementation of related policies and procedures; serve as chief HR liaison for the College with University administration, and collaborate with peers in other colleges/units; work closely with the CBO and other members of the College’s senior leadership team to ensure optimal resourcing in support of the College’s vision for excellence in academics, teaching, research and service.
In collaboration with central University offices, the Director of HR will provide leadership and expertise to the College in key strategic areas including workforce planning, compensation, performance evaluation, and recruitment and retention. This includes developing and maintaining key metrics and reporting to assist College leadership and supervisors in related decision-making. Additionally, the incumbent will work with individuals, supervisors, College leadership and central HR Employee Relations to address all employee relations issues and promote a well-defined and transparent disciplinary system (i.e., corrective action, performance improvement plan).
Additional duties include but are not limited to:
- Lead the development and implementation of HR policies and procedures for the College that promote transparency, effectiveness and efficiency in the College’s processes;
- Ensure COS policies are in alignment with University policies and procedures;
- Provide leadership in faculty and staff compensation analyses and initiatives, including related to recruiting and retention efforts;
- Collaborate with central administration offices (such as Human Resources & Payroll, the Office of the Provost, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, University Counsel) to further the College’s mission, projects, and priorities;
- Partner with HR leaders in other academic units to share best practices, develop policies and procedures, and problem-solve;
- In collaboration with the Director of DEI and other college leadership, serve as a partner in establishing and maintaining A-JEDI culture of civility, belonging, collaboration and respect;
- Oversee the annual evaluation process of administrative faculty, classified and research staff, providing guidance to departments as needed;
- Work closely with Department Chairs and Faculty Affairs leadership to facilitate the annual evaluation process of instructional, research and adjunct faculty;
- Oversee key processes executed by the HR team, including visas and other work authorization documentation; tenure-line faculty renewal, promotion, and tenure process (RPT); term faculty reappointment, multi-year contract, and promotion process (RMP).
Required Qualifications:
- Master’s degree in a relevant field or a Bachelor’s degree accompanied by extensive relevant experience;
- Knowledge of principles and practices of human resources, employee relations policies and procedures, and inclusive excellence hiring practices;
- Demonstrated ability to act with integrity and maintain confidentiality;
- Knowledge and experience in the leadership and management of human resources strategy, planning, and execution;
- Knowledge of the importance of A-JEDI in higher education, human resources, and employee relations;
- Ability to work in partnership with and across various internal and external stakeholders (e.g., faculty, staff, supervisees, administrative faculty, university HR team);
- Knowledge of cultural responsiveness and its role in higher education, human resources, and employee relations;
- Ability to communicate with all colleagues and supervisees in a manner that is both professional and compassionate;
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively with minimal supervision.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience in management of HR matters preferably within a higher education setting.
Special Instructions to Applicants
For full consideration, applicants must apply for position number FA44BZ at https://jobs.gmu.edu/; complete and submit the online application and include: (1) a cover letter; (2) resume, (3) a diversity statement [see prompt below]; and (4) a list of three professional references with contact information.
Diversity Statement Prompt: Please include a diversity statement that expresses your views on the importance of access, justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (A-JEDI) as it relates to HR and employee relations. Be sure to include any relevant past experiences and/or achievements related to this work (upload as ‘Other Doc’).
George Mason University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, committed to promoting inclusion and equity in its community. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or veteran status, or any characteristic protected by law.