Deputy Chief Human Resources Officer / Human Resources Director College of Nursing

Description:

Job Description Summary:

The Deputy Chief Human Resources Officer / Human Resources Director - College of Nursing serves as the senior HR leader supporting the College of Nursing while also functioning as a key strategic partner to the Chief Human Resources Officer. In this dual-capacity role, the individual serves as the dedicated HR Business Partner to the College of Nursing, providing strategic and operational leadership across talent strategy, workforce planning, employee relations, performance management, and organizational effectiveness for the University's largest academic unit. In addition, the role supports the CHRO in advancing institutional HR initiatives and strengthening enterprise-wide HR practices, ensuring alignment between college-level workforce strategies and the University's broader human capital priorities. This highly visible leadership position requires close collaboration with the Dean, Associate Deans, and Department Chairs, while also contributing to institutional HR leadership and cross-university initiatives.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Key Responsibilities Human Resources Leadership - College of Nursing Serve as the senior HR advisor and strategic partner to the College of Nursing leadership team. Partner with the Dean and academic leadership to develop and implement workforce strategies aligned with enrollment growth, program expansion, and evolving healthcare workforce needs. Provide strategic guidance on faculty and staff workforce planning, organizational design, and leadership effectiveness within the College. Lead and advise on complex employee relations matters, ensuring consistent, fair, and legally compliant resolution of issues. Support faculty and staff performance management processes, leadership coaching, and professional development initiatives. Strengthen hiring effectiveness by working closely with academic leaders and the University's Recruitment team to support timely and high-quality hiring of faculty and staff. Utilize workforce data and hiring trends to inform strategic planning and capacity management across academic programs. Ensure position management, approvals, and hiring practices are efficient, compliant, and aligned with institutional standards. Organizational Effectiveness & Leadership Support Partner with College leadership to strengthen engagement, accountability, and collaboration across academic and administrative teams. Support leadership development and coaching for department chairs and academic leaders. Identify organizational challenges and recommend solutions that enhance operational effectiveness and workforce performance. Employee Relations & Compliance Provide oversight and guidance on complex employee relations issues within the College of Nursing. Ensure HR practices align with federal and California employment laws, university policies, and higher education regulatory requirements. Partner with HR leadership and legal counsel as needed to address sensitive matters and mitigate institutional risk. Deputy CHRO Responsibilities (Secondary / Institutional Role) Serve as a strategic partner to the CHRO in advancing key HR initiatives and strengthening HR practices across the University. Provide guidance and support to HR Business Partners serving other academic units and business units as needed to promote consistency and alignment in HR practices. Support enterprise HR initiatives related to organizational effectiveness, talent strategy, employee engagement, and leadership development. Contribute to institutional workforce planning and strategic HR initiatives that support the University's mission and long-term growth. Represent HR leadership in cross-functional initiatives or committees as delegated by the CHRO. Minimum Qualifications Bachelor's degree required Organizational Development, or related field 8+ years of progressive HR leadership experience, in complex, matrixed organizations. Demonstrated experience partnering with executive leaders in a consultative HR Business Partner capacity. Strong knowledge of employment law, performance management practices, and employee relations. Ability to balance strategic thinking with hands-on execution. Strong interpersonal, communication, and influencing skills. Preferred Qualifications Master's degree in human resources, Organizational Development, or related field preferred. 8+ years of progressive HR leadership experience, complex, matrixed organizations, preferably in higher education Experience supporting faculty or academic environments is highly desirable.

Work Environment:

Hybrid position: This is a hybrid position, and in-office attendance will vary depending on meetings, events, and other needs. Collaboration with a multidisciplinary team in a dynamic academic setting.

Employee Status:

Regular Exemption Status:

United States of America (Exempt)

Time Type:

Full time

Job Shift:

Pay Range:

Pay range of $123,600 through $175,000 Samuel Merritt University currently provides base salary ranges for all positions-on job advertisements-in the United States based on local requirements. Individual compensation will ultimately be determined based on a variety of relevant factors including but-not limited to qualifications, geographic location, and other relevant skills. SMU is a health sciences institution offering high-quality instruction, outstanding faculty, and state-of-the-art facilities. We have a deep commitment and proven track record of preparing professionals to address today's healthcare needs. Our Mission We educate students to become highly skilled and compassionate healthcare professionals who positively transform the experience of care in diverse communities. Our Vision Samuel Merritt University will become nationally recognized as a premier, multi-specialty health sciences institution. Expert faculty and staff will shape an inclusive learning environment where all students experience best teaching practices and state-of-the-art learning approaches. The University will select and support students who will flourish in the rigorous academic programs, learn to practice expertly, and pass licensure or certifications examinations on their first attempt. Our Philosophy of Teaching and Learning We see faculty and students as partners in the teaching and learning process. Our programs, curricula, and courses are designed to encourage active, experiential learning as well as collegial, scholarly, and effective communications. We believe that clinical and practical applications, including interprofessional education, provide a critical foundation for learning in the health professions. SMU graduates use sound reasoning, evidence-based care, and clinical expertise to respond to the needs of the people they serve. Community and Diversity We're more than a top health professions university. SMU is committed to training students in the importance of social determinants of health and how to care for patients from diverse backgrounds with integrity and compassion. Our Values If you're interested in transforming the care experience in diverse communities, SMU could be the place for you. SMU students learn to advance health equity and make a lasting impact on individuals' health and community well-being. At the core of our educational values are hands-on, experiential learning; the promotion of diversity and inclusion; and community-service outreach, locally and globally.

We embrace:

A learning environment where we challenge ourselves and our students to think critically, seek mastery, and act compassionately A collegial environment where we are fair, respectful, and behave with integrity A collaborative environment where we partner with one another and with others in the community An innovative environment where we take reasoned risks and move nimbly A results-oriented environment where we provide and expect exceptional performance and service The Employee Polygraph Protection Act prohibits most private employers from using lie detector tests either for pre-employment screening or during the course of employment. Details can be found on our website at: https://www.samuelmerritt.edu/employee-polygraph-protection-act