Application Instructions:

Employment History Include your last ten (10) years of employment history, or length of your employment history if less, including all positions (even those that are not relevant to this position) and periods of unemployment. 

Job location is at 10240 Science Center Dr, San Diego, CA 92121

The Human Resources Department of the Salk Institute of Biological Sciences is recruiting up to three (3) Director level positions to help build, support and enhance numerous HR functional areas.  The Director, Human Resources, will act as a strategic business partner, reporting to the Vice President, Human Resources, and working in collaboration with the Office of Equity and Inclusion and Office of General Counsel, in developing, implementing, and evaluating ongoing HR policies, programs, functions and activities to ensure alignment with the overall goals of the Institute. The Director will have expertise and experience to oversee at least two of the following HR functional areas:  HR operations (HR business partners and their related duties), benefits, compensation, HRIS (including implementation), immigration services, employee relations and performance management, and training. 

The Director has frequent contact with internal and external stakeholders, peers, and executives.  The position is expected to exercise considerable discretion in carrying out responsibilities independently with sound, professional judgment and innovative problem-solving skills.  The position is also expected to remain up to date on relevant state/federal legislation, regulatory changes, EEO requirements and HR best practices.  Work is performed under minimal supervision and the incumbent receives little instructions on routine work and limited instructions on new assignments.

Distinguishing Characteristics

This is a stand-alone position. This position is distinguished from other classes by its responsibility for managing and overseeing day-to-day human resources services and operations.

Essential Functions

The following duties ARE NOT intended to serve as a comprehensive list of all duties performed by all employees in this classification, only a representative summary of the primary duties and responsibilities. As this recruitment is for up to three (3) positions, incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional, position-specific duties. Candidates must identify in their application at least two of the following areas for which they have the required expertise and experience: 

HR Operations:  Ensures, either by oversight of or by directly providing, the ongoing day-to-day human resources operations, including: all employment related personnel actions such as onboarding and new hire orientation, compensation actions (salary increase, funding changes, reclassifications, promotions, equity and market adjustments), reasonable accommodation, performance reviews and management, and separations for all laboratory and administrative staff. Supports all aspects of client’s interaction with and use of HR services. Builds rapport with and maintains good working relationship with lab and administrative staff and management. Responsible for recommending and establishing long-range human resource strategies and practices for the organization to meet Institute objectives.  Provides guidance to supervisors and staff members regarding the interpretation and application of Institute policies, ensuring consistency of application, adherence to applicable laws and regulations and establishing appropriate expectations dependent on individual situation.  Ensures compliance with applicable federal and state employment regulations and statutes.

Compensation:  Evaluates, implements and oversees the Institute’s wage and salary structure and compensation policies. Conducts job analysis/evaluations, salary administration and design of base salary and variable cash compensation programs.  Ensures compliance with applicable federal and state compensation regulations and statutes. Prepares compensation models and projections. Analyzes, evaluates and makes recommendations based on models and projections. Participates in executive compensation preparation.

Benefits:  Plans and directs the overall design, implementation, communication, and administration of the Institute’s benefit programs including medical, dental, life, accident, disability, Workers’ Compensation, COBRA, flexible spending accounts, supplemental insurance programs, leave plans and 403(b) Plan. Develops and documents procedures to streamline processes and ensure benefit plans are consistently administered in compliance with Institute policies and government regulations such as ERISA, IRS, and DOL, and works with HR team to educate Managers on all benefits related programs. Evaluates and ensures the programs adhere to government regulations and support the Institute’s strategic objectives. Oversees the benefits team on the implementation of Workers’ Compensation and leave of absence administration.  Coordinates benefits support through intradepartmental interface for smooth workflow.

HRIS:  Proactively evaluates, assesses, implements and enhances human resource systems, including webs maintained by human resources, in conjunction with user areas and information systems in order to improve efficiency and effectiveness.

Immigration Services: Oversees Salk’s immigration program for foreign scholars, acting as liaison function to attorneys, staff, and state/federal agencies pertaining to immigration issues. Ensures proper processing of all immigration applications, visas, and visa extensions required by United States and foreign governments for J-1 students and scholars. Ensures organizational compliance with all immigration codes and regulations.  Advises students, scholars and faculty about government regulations.

Employee Relations and Performance Management:  Oversees the policies, procedures and programs of Salk’s employee relations team, developing and improving programs related to employee achievement, morale and satisfaction. Provides employee relations services to scientific and administrative staff including policy interpretation, job-related counseling, and conflict resolution. Participates in the investigation and resolution of ongoing employee relations problems, anticipates problems whenever possible, and develops, recommends, and initiates appropriate steps for resolution. Provides knowledgeable advice on legislative, regulatory, policy, and current practices related to employment issues.  Ensures compliance with state and federal laws, regulatory guidance, and Salk’s policies related to the areas of equal opportunity employment and civil rights including, sexual harassment; discrimination, harassment and retaliation; and reasonable accommodation. Serves as Salk’s Title IX Compliance Officer and Equal Employment Opportunity Officer to oversee the Institute’s compliance obligations and ensures the effectiveness and consistency of these programs.

Training & Development:  Designs, developments, implements, and delivers training and/or training programs on behalf of Institute to management and staff.  Oversees and implements effective needs assessment, content design & development, facilitation of trainings, implementation of training programming, planning & logistics, compliance tracking, learning management system, training evaluation, and vendor/provider relations. Implements programs and training to support the Institution’s diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) planning and program initiatives. Develops, administers and or oversees the administration of learning and development programs supporting employee growth opportunities.

Additional Director duties may include:

• Builds, develops, coaches and supports an effective team. Maintains effective oversight that promotes positive staff morale while continuously striving for improved customer service and process efficiency.  Provides continuous staff development opportunities to ensure staff possess sufficient training and required skill levels to perform their assigned tasks in a proficient manner; ensure proficiency is maintained in current technologies.  Promotes and supports teamwork within the department.
• Manages and supervises the work of staff, including: planning, assigning and scheduling work; reviewing work and ensuring quality standards; and making decisions on hiring, termination and pay adjustments.
• Participates in developing department goals, objectives, and tracks expenditures in relation to budget providing regular detailed reports and analysis.
• Represents Salk by presenting and participating at conferences. Participates in professional organizations and builds strategic relationships through networking.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Experience

Required:

• At least 8-10 years of increasingly responsible experience in human resources or comparable experience. Experience must include hands-on responsibility for more than one functional area of human resources.
• 3+ years of management level responsibility.

Preferred:

• Experience in an academic or research setting.

EDUCATION

Required:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience in Human Resources with emphasis on employee relations, issues resolution, conflict management, performance management, or related training, etc.

Preferred:

• Human Resources Certificate or PHR or SPHR certificate.

Skills and Abilities

Required:

•  Demonstrated commitment to equal opportunity, diversity, and inclusion in employment operations and supporting organizational goals in these areas.
• Must be experienced and comfortable with common computer system applications, reporting software, relational databases and must be proficient in  Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Knowledge and experience with California and Federal employment laws and practices.
• Strong organizational and time management skills. Keen attention to detail.
• Excellent oral and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality.
• Excellent customer service skills.
• Ability to multitask and be flexible in a dynamic environment.
• Sense of urgency, willingness to do what it takes.
• Thrives working in a team environment.

Preferred:

•  HR Operations, HRIS, Compensation, Benefits, Immigration Services, Employee Relations, Performance Management, Training & Development, Leaves of Absence, Reasonable Accommodation, Workers’ Compensation, Recruitment, or Wellness.
• OFCCP recruitment and compliance regulations.
• Negotiation, mediation, and conflict resolution principles.

 SPECIAL CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

•  Must be willing to work in an animal-related research environment.
• Satisfactory completion of the Institute’s background investigation.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule as needed based on workload and deadlines.
• Willing to sign an Employee Confidentiality Agreement.

 Working Conditions

 Physical Demands: Positions in this class typically require: sitting, talking, hearing, listening, and repetitive hand motions.

 Working Environment: Positions in this class typically require employees to work in: an office environment. Occasional travel may be required.

Disclaimer

The above statements are intended to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this job classification. They are not designed to contain or be interpreted as an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, skills, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.