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Head of Human Resources

The Head of Human Resources will provide overall strategic HR leadership to the school, including all domestic and international locations and serve as a key member of the school’s leadership group. 

The position will oversee the development and implementation of Human Resources policies, programs and services, including talent acquisition, employee relations, organizational development, training, compensation and benefits, legal compliance and performance management.

The Head of Human Resources will develop Human Resources strategies and implement processes and programs to assist executive management in accomplishing business objectives. The position will provide leadership to foster a corporate culture consistent with the value system and mission of the school.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Organizational and Leadership Development

  • Provide leadership in the development of a performance assessment system and implement programs and tools to manage organizational change.
  • Create and deliver leadership development tools and training for managers – both domestic and international.
  • Assist global locations in achieving best practices for recruiting and staffing, cultural improvement and organizational development.
  • Assist in incorporating remote staff into the school’s work culture.

Talent Management & Staffing

  • Develop a talent management process. Partner with managers to develop and implement professional development opportunities, career paths and succession planning.
  • Manage an effective orientation program that emphasizes the critical importance and value of welcoming and integrating new employees into the corporate culture and educating them on Thunderbird’s mission and policies.
  • Conduct job analysis and develop job descriptions to establish the specific requirements of individual jobs within each department.
  • Develop staffing strategies and implementation plans and programs to identify talent within and outside the school for positions of responsibility.

Compensation & Benefits

  • Develop progressive and proactive compensation programs to provide motivation, incentives and rewards for effective performance. 
  • Participate in the negotiation of faculty contracts and establish consistent guidelines for the contracts.
  • Conduct yearly compensation reviews for new and current positions to ensure competitiveness.
  • Work with benefits providers to provide the most comprehensive and value effective employee benefits packages available.

Employee Relations & Communication

  • Consult with management, supervisors, employees and HR staff regarding the handling of difficult personnel and conflict resolution issues that affect performance and business relationships.
  • Establish employment involvement and communication and recognition vehicles to keep employees involved, informed and motivated (i.e., employee surveys, meetings, suggestion boxes, employee recognition programs, newsletter, etc.)
  • Develop, implement and administer an effective performance management system.
  • Periodically review and update the Employee Handbook.

Employment Law & Compliance

  • Maintain knowledge and compliance of international HR policies, programs, laws and issues. Understand the differences of domestic and international policies and programs and coordinate the integration of all such programs. Audit compliance with country-specific regulatory bodies.

Planning & Budgeting

  • Manage the HR budget and other financial measures of the Human Resources department.
  • Continually assess the competitiveness of all HR programs and practices against comparable organizations, industries and markets.

EXPERIENCE/EDUCATION

  • A minimum of 12-15 years of broad Human Resources experience including five years in a leadership role. 
  • Experience in an educational or non-profit environment is a plus. International human resources experience would be a plus.
  • Demonstrated ability to develop strategic human resources initiatives and manage tactical implementation programs that support the mission of the organization.
  • An effective leader who can manage on the platform of continuous evolution of the culture of a global education organization.
  • Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field. Graduate degree is a plus.

COMMUNICATION/PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

A commitment to global citizenship including intercultural communications skills is essential. Ability to effectively communicate with geographically dispersed employees.

  • Ability to build open, trustworthy relationships with other leaders of the school and with employees. Exceptional interpersonal skills are essential.
  • Excellent communication skills in order to effectively communicate at all levels internally and externally. A person who is persuasive with compelling oral and written communication skills. 
  • A customer-centric manager who possesses the skills and abilities that enable him/her to be influential in the organization and to facilitate change.
  • An energetic and committed leader with a positive attitude who has an open and straightforward operating style. Dynamic and fact-driven with the flexibility to change approach as necessary.
  • Developmental orientation toward self and staff members with a commitment to continuous learning. Professional image and business-oriented demeanor.
  • Confident with a high sense of responsibility, quality, ethics and integrity. 
  • A resourceful, action-oriented individual who possesses a strong sense of urgency, and who has the ability to overcome obstacles to achieve results in a timely fashion.

SUPERVISION

Leads the Human Resources department, in addition to outside consultants.

CONTACTS

Interacts at the executive level within Thunderbird and external contacts includes consultants, candidates and board of trustees using persuasive and negotiating skills.

Applicants should send a cover letter and resume: Thunderbird School of Global Management, Attn: Human Resources Ref. 1928, 1 Global Place Glendale, AZ 85306 or email to HRresumes@thunderbird.edu EEO/MFDV

Positions open until filled. Relocation costs are not paid. In compliance with Federal and State equal employment opportunity laws, Thunderbird School of Global Management is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants are considered for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, veteran status, non job-related disability, or any other protected group status.