Associate Human Resources Director

Job ID60011 Location Columbia Full/Part TimeFull-Time Hiring Department School of Medicine Human Resources Job Description Why This Role Matters The School of Medicine HR function is at an inflection point. We have built a solid foundation — a talented team, strong institutional relationships, and deep operational knowledge. Now we are ready to take it to the next level. This is not a maintenance role. We are looking for a true leader who is energized by building, elevating, and transforming. You will partner directly with the HR Director to shape a lean, high-performing HR team that operates with discipline, speed, and strategic influence across one of the most complex academic medical environments in central Missouri. You are the right person if: you thrive in ambiguity, hold yourself and others to a high standard, and get genuine satisfaction from developing people, eliminating waste, and driving results - all at the same time. Position Overview Reporting directly to the HR Director, the Associate HR Director serves as the operational and developmental engine of the SOM HR team. This leader owns day-to-day execution, leads priority HR projects with limited supervision, and ensures the team is consistently moving toward a higher standard of service, efficiency, and impact. Success in this role means the HR Director can focus on enterprise-level strategy, confident that operations and team development are in expert hands. This role navigates substantial organizational complexity across the UM System, MU campus, and MU Health Care — requiring political savvy, relationship depth, and the ability to align stakeholders across distinct governance structures. Key Responsibilities Develop & Elevate the HR Team Operational lead, coach, mentor, and accountability partner for HR Partners (HRPs) and HR staff Co-create and implement standard work for the HR team — establishing clear expectations, routines, and performance disciplines Identify individual development needs and build tailored growth plans that accelerate capability and career readiness Foster a team culture of continuous improvement, shared accountability, and proactive client service Lead High-Impact HR Projects Own and drive priority HR initiatives from design through execution with limited supervision Build project plans, manage timelines, engage stakeholders, and deliver results on complex, cross-functional work Serve as the HR Director's deputy on special projects, committees, and institutional task forces Translate strategic direction into concrete, sequenced action plans with clear owners and milestones Refine Processes & Create Operational Efficiency Conduct ongoing assessment of HR workflows, identifying waste, bottlenecks, and inconsistencies Design and implement process improvements that increase throughput, reduce error, and improve the experience for faculty, staff, and leaders Apply lean principles to build scalable, repeatable HR operations across SOM units Develop documentation, toolkits, and job aids that standardize best practices across the team Navigate Complex Organizational Structures Operate fluently across the UM System, MU campus, and MU Health Care — understanding the distinct priorities, governance structures, and stakeholder dynamics of each Build and maintain relationships with UM System HR Centers of Expertise (Recruitment, L&OD, Benefits, etc.) to align SOM needs with system resources Identify when to escalate, when to partner, and when to act — moving with appropriate speed across a matrixed environment Represent the SOM HR function with credibility and influence at all levels of the organization Strategic Partnership & Leadership Consultation Support HRPs with department leaders on workforce planning, organizational design, and people strategy Provide expert consultation on employee relations, performance management, and change management Serve as a trusted, candid advisor to leaders — willing to deliver difficult feedback and navigate complex interpersonal dynamics with professionalism HR Operations & Compliance Oversight Ensure consistent, high-quality delivery of HR services across assigned SOM departments Monitor compliance with university policy and applicable employment law; proactively address risk Oversee onboarding, orientation, and off-boarding processes to ensure a seamless employee lifecycle experience Shift

Shift Type:

Monday - Friday 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Minimum Qualifications A bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience and at least 6 years of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired is necessary Preferred Qualifications

Education:

Advanced degree (Master's or higher) in HR, Business Administration, or a related field

Credentials:

Professional HR certification: SHRM-CP/SCP or

SPHR/PHR

Years of Experience:

7-10+ years of HR experience, including direct supervisory or team leadership responsibilities

Niche Professional Interests:

Ability to navigate and influence across matrixed, multi-entity organizations. Experience in higher education, academic medical centers, or similarly complex institutions

Leadership Approach:

Demonstrated experience developing HR professionals and building team capability Anticipated Hiring Range

Salary Range:

$95,000 - $110,000 annually

Grade:

GGS - 012

University Title:

ASOC DIR HUMAN RESOURCES

Internal applicants can determine their university title by accessing the Talent Profile tile in myHR. Application Materials In addition to the Online Application, please provide Resume and cover letter. Sponsorship Information

Visa Sponsorship Information:

Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States. The University will not sponsor applicants for this position for employment visas. Community Information Columbia offers small-town friendliness with big city features and a high quality of life for people of all ages and interests. Founded on education and known as an ideal college town, its location also makes it an attractive spot for businesses and travelers. Located on Interstate 70 and U.S. Highway 63, Columbia is right in the middle of the state and the nation. Just a couple hours' drive from St. Louis and Kansas City, Columbia is Boone County's largest population center offering big-city culture, activities, and resources with a low cost of living. Columbia is home to a variety of restaurants and entertainment venues and hosts more than a dozen festivals each year. If you want to grow your career, continue your education, raise a family, and retire, Columbia is a good place to be! Benefit Eligibility This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, paid time off, short- and long-term disability, paid parental leave, paid caregiver leave, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/totalrewards/benefits.