Whatcom Community College is seeking an experienced human resources practitioner to serve as Associate Director for Human Resources (ADHR). The ADHR role will independently provide high-level professional human resource services. The ADHR reports to the Executive Director of HR working under their general guidance the ADHR assists with planning, organizing, and managing the day to day operations of the human resources department. Work includes applying specialized knowledge and using independent judgment in resolving problems and interpreting and applying established policies, regulations, rules, and collective bargaining agreements. The ADHR serves as the Title IX lead investigator and coordinator for the college, with campus-wide visibility and responsibility for supporting identified civil rights compliance areas covering students, employees, and public access to programs and facilities. Advises college leaders concerning a variety of human resources matters such as labor relations, employment practices, and policy implementation.
Responsibilities
Title IV Coordination and Investigation
-Leads and coordinates the college’s compliance with legal and regulatory obligations related to Title IX and related laws/regulations regarding discrimination.
-Acts as a neutral third party investigator for reports of gender discrimination, sexual harassment, and sexual violence involving members of the campus community. Maintains confidentiality and professional relationships in dealing with sensitive confidential information.
-Develops, conducts, and coordinates training, awareness, and outreach campaigns related to sex/gender-based discrimination.
-Works collaboratively with stakeholders to develop and review related college policies and procedures in accordance with legal obligations and industry best practices.
-Supports the college’s membership in the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine’s Action Collaborative on Preventing Sexual Harassment in Higher Education Partner Network. This includes participating on the Lead Team on campus, communicating with NASEM, and attending related meetings when possible.
-Ensures all parties in an investigation have equal rights and protections as required by law or policy.
-Leads, provides training for and collaborates with other Whatcom Community College employees assigned to work as Title IX deputies or investigators.
Labor and Employee Relations
-Supports the administrative and union teams with data, research, and information for labor negotiations.
-Interprets and administers policies, regulations, and contracts to ensure consistency and adherence to legalities and best practices.
-Manages and/or conducts, as appropriate, investigations related to discrimination/harassment, bias, performance issues, college policy/procedure violations, or other matters necessitating internal investigations.
Leaves and ADA Accommodation
-Administers leave programs and policies in accordance with federal and state employment laws (e.g., FMLA, ADA, USERRA, WAPFML, Pregnancy Discrimination Act Policies and Procedures and Collective Bargaining Agreements.
-Serves as subject matter expert for leave programs under the general direction and guidance of the EDHR. Takes a leading role in interpreting and implementing new leave laws, policies and processes.
-Reviews and approves/denies leave requests based on relevant medical information, military orders or other criteria to ensure compliance with applicable laws, policies, procedures and collective bargaining agreements. Works directly with employees to ensure all relevant documentation is submitted for timely review.
-Leads and supports other HR staff to coordinate administrative aspects of leave including ensuring appropriate and timely communications and notifications and tracking hours used/taken. Works closely with supervisors and Payroll to ensure that leave tracking and pay for employees on leave is accurate and correct.
-Coordinates the reasonable accommodation process under the ADA and applicable policy. Collaborates with the EDHR to evaluate requests for accommodations, participates in the interactive process with the employee and department manager to identify accommodation options, and assists with the implementation of reasonable accommodations.
Other Duties & Responsibilities:
-Assists with the preparation of annual federal and state reports such as AA/EEO, IPEDs, surveys and similar.
-Assists with the development, review, and implementation of HR policies and procedures.
-Assists with unemployment claims processing.
-Assists with Worker’s Compensation program administration.
-Maintains records and prepares reports related to assigned areas of expertise.
-Leads, participates in or coordinates projects, committees or task forces as assigned by the EDHR.
-Performs confidential administrative work as required in support of the Executive Director.
-May supervise staff.
-Performs other related work of a similar nature and level.
Minimum Qualifications:
-Bachelor’s degree in human resources management, Organizational Development, Business or related field.
-Three or more years of professional HR work with a full range of HR programs and services such as Title IX, labor relations, performance management, leave and accessibility, training and development, and compliance.
OR equivalent combination of education and years of experience.
-Skill in using spreadsheets, word processing, and database management software. Excellent writing skills for reports, correspondence, case summaries, policies, findings of fact, class specifications, and other human resources applications.
-Experience that demonstrates cultural competence (including an awareness and understanding of historically minoritized populations) that demonstrates a commitment to work with others to create an educational and work environment that affirms commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.
-Demonstrated ability to work effectively with a variety of constituencies, administrators, faculty, staff and students.
-Management skills including problem analysis and decision-making, strategic and project planning and organizing, adaptability/flexibility, tolerance for ambiguity, stress tolerance, maintenance of composure, time management and the ability to solve problems with and for individuals and groups.
-Maintain the confidentiality and privacy of privileged communications, including employee medical information.
Preferred Qualifications:
-SPHR, PHR, CLRP, or similar professional certification.
-Two years of supervisory or lead experience.
-Relevant experience with a public sector employer.
Salary and Appointment:
-This is a full-time Administrative/Exempt position. Exempt from Washington State civil service law with an annual salary based on a range of $80,000.00-$92,000.00.
Benefit Package:
-The position comes with a full benefit package, including health, dental, life, long-term disability insurance and a retirement plan.
-Accrues 8 hours per month of sick leave and 14.67 hours per month vacation leave.
Additionally, as a Washington State, public higher education institution, WCC offers the following:
-Whatcom Community College is a qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program (PSLF). If you work for the College full time, have had Direct Loans and are on an eligible repayment plan, you are eligible to apply.
-Full-time employees are eligible to apply and participate in the Whatcom Community College Employee Tuition Program, which provides a tuition waiver for available and eligible WCC courses.
-Full-time employees may qualify for Washington State Paid Family Medical Leave (PFML) benefit.
Start Date:
-As soon as can be arranged with the successful candidate.
Application Due Date:
-For guaranteed consideration, applications packets should be received by Friday, April 5th, 2024 at 5:00 pm. Position open until filled.
How To Apply
A completed application consists of an online application and:
-Cover letter which includes a diversity statement that addresses how you have committed to equity and inclusion in the past and how you might support a diverse workplace and educational environment through this position.
-Current resume.
-Official transcripts of any degrees listed as part of the minimum requirements will be required upon hire, but not as part of the application process.
-List of 5 professional references with contact information.
Please apply on our website: https://www.whatcom.edu/job-info
