University HR Senior Director of Talent Management and Workforce Engagement

Chartered by the state of Georgia in 1785, the University of Georgia is the birthplace of public higher education in America and is the state's flagship university (https://www.uga.edu/). The proof is in our more than 240 years of academic and professional achievements and our continual commitment to higher education. UGA is currently ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report. The University's main campus is located in Athens, approximately 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs approximately 3,100 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University's enrollment exceeds 41,000 students including over 31,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 19 schools and colleges, including our newly established School of Medicine.

The University of Georgia has been a leader for more than 235 years for one reason: Our people. People will always be the heart of our success. Our team is composed of talented human resource professionals focused on helping the people of this great institution reach their potential and build the foundation for the next 235 years. Please visit http://hr.uga.edu/ to learn more about our mission, vision, staff, and more!

This is a full-time, on-site position based in Athens, Georgia. The work schedule is Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Applicant screening will begin immediately. To be fully considered, the application packet should include 1. A cover letter detailing how the applicant's credentials and experience meet the needs, responsibilities, and qualifications stated in the posting; 2. A current resume and 3. A list of references and their contact information.

Please note that successful applicants are responsible for ensuring their eligibility to work in the United States (i.e. a citizen or national of the United States, a lawful permanent resident, a foreign national authorized to work in the United States without need of employer sponsorship) on or before the effective date of your appointment, and maintain eligibility without sponsorship throughout your appointment.

The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status or other protected status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR ( hrweb@uga.edu).

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 26 institutions of higher education and learning, as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct.

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.

Bachelor's degree in a related field and 12 years of professional experience to include 3 years in a leadership role.

The Senior Director of Talent and Workforce Engagement is a key contributor to the success of UGA's greatest resource: its people! Reporting to the Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer, this senior director will shape the university's talent acquisition strategy, leading efforts to attract, engage, and retain top talent across the employee lifecycle. As a University Human Resources Leadership Team member, they will engage with various internal and external constituents to ensure a positive candidate experience, develop a robust talent pipeline, and address complex and sensitive faculty and staff matters. They utilize qualitative and quantitative analytics to create, execute, and evaluate strategies to identify, attract, recruit, and retain top talent, as well as to oversee employee- and organization-focused activities.

This position provides strategic leadership and oversight for the university-wide employee relations and workforce engagement program, promoting a positive and productive work environment that supports the success of UGA's workforce. The Senior Director also leads the development and execution of comprehensive workforce planning and organizational design initiatives, ensuring the university's structures, roles, and talent strategies are aligned to meet current priorities and future institutional needs.

Central to this role is the responsibility for continuing to cultivate UGA's employer brand. This includes strengthening our reputation as an employer of choice, driving enterprise-wide engagement and retention strategies, and partnering with executive leaders to build a high-performing, future-ready workforce. With a bold, data-driven approach, the Senior Director ensures that all efforts are rooted in growth, recognition, shared values, and aligned with the university's mission to proactively create and maintain a positive work environment for all.

Be advised a credit check will be required for all positions with financial responsibilities. For additional information about the credit check criteria, visit the UGA Credit Background Check website.

Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including, a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials (including reference checks) as they relate to the job-based requirements of the position applied for; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. You may also be subject to a pre-employment drug test for positions with high-risk responsibilities, if applicable. Please visit the UGA Background Check website.

Strategic Recruitment & Talent Acquisition
Provide leadership and oversight of university-wide recruitment, overseeing strategy, processes, and systems.

Workforce Planning and Organizational Design
Lead the development and implementation of strategic organizational design initiatives, policies, and programs

Employee Relations & Workforce Engagement
Provide leadership and oversight for the university-wide employee relations and workforce engagement program

Leadership & Strategic Planning
Provide strategic leadership as a member of the UHR leadership team

Process Improvement & Operational Efficiency
Drive operational excellence through data-driven process improvement and system optimization.