| Job Description: |
The Lastinger Center Assistant Director of Human Resources ensures the efficient operation of the department while fostering a positive work environment that aligns with institutional values and strategic goals. This position serves as a strategic partner and provides guidance in areas such as employee relations, recruitment, compliance, training, and HR systems. This position works closely with the College of Education HR department, UF HR, and the Lastinger Center Assistant Center Director. This position is time-limited.
The University of Florida Lastinger Center for Learning’s mission is to improve the quality of teaching, learning, and childcare. We research, develop, and scale educational innovations for adults and children that put all learners on trajectories for lifelong success. Specifically, the Center targets kindergarten readiness, 3rd grade reading proficiency, and algebra proficiency as critical milestones in children's educational trajectory that are predictive of success in school and life. The Center works at the nexus of research, practice, and policy to develop sustainable systems that leverage educational technologies and improve the implementation of research-based practices. Housed in one of the nation's elite public research universities, the Center operates as a dynamic, entrepreneurial workplace focused on executing UF's service mission to strengthen the human condition and improve the quality of life. The Lastinger Center is committed to attracting, hiring, and retaining top talent by valuing diversity of thought, skill, and experience. As an equal opportunity employer, we believe in fostering environments where team members feel included, valued for their differences, and empowered to do their best work.
Job responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
Strategic HR Leadership
- Collaborate with the Assistant Center Director to establish and implement operational goals that support the Center’s strategic objectives.
- Provide comprehensive oversight of all HR-related activities within the Center, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and compliance with university policies.
- Analyze and evaluate HR business processes to identify opportunities for improvement and implement strategies to streamline operations and drive continuous quality enhancement.
- Partner with senior leadership to offer insights and recommendations on strategic workforce planning and talent management.
- Oversee recruitment strategies to attract and retain high-quality employees, ensuring fair hiring practices aligned with Center and university goals.
- Lead the Center’s comprehensive onboarding program, ensuring a seamless experience from job offer through the first three months.
- Lead the development and execution of initiatives aimed at enhancing employee engagement, retention, and organizational culture.
- Collaborate with Center leadership to define required skills and competencies for each role.
- Act as a primary consultant to staff and supervisors, providing strategic HR advice and identifying effective solutions to center needs.
- Represent the Center on university committees and task forces as needed, contributing to broader institutional initiatives.
Employee Relations and Performance Management
- Conduct sensitive employee relations conversations with professionalism and empathy, addressing workplace concerns, conflicts, and performance issues to support a respectful and productive environment.
- Provide guidance and support in managing employee relations matters, ensuring fair and consistent approaches to conflict resolution, grievances, and disciplinary actions.
- Serve as a trusted advisor to faculty and staff, offering support on sensitive HR matters and facilitating positive working relationships across the Center.
- Proactively identify potential employee relations issues and collaborate with leadership to resolve conflicts and promote a healthy work environment.
- Investigate and resolve employee concerns, conduct thorough inquiries, and recommend appropriate resolutions.
- Provide coaching and support to supervisors on performance management, conflict resolution, and employee development.
- Implement strategies to improve retention of high-performing faculty and staff, including training, and clear career progression pathways.
- Partner with leadership to align individual performance goals with the Center’s strategic objectives.
- Support the UF Engaged performance management process, ensuring timely completion across the Center.
Compensation
- Advise Lastinger Center Executive Leadership and the HR team on job analysis, classification, and compensation structuring in accordance with UF guidelines.
- Conduct job analyses to develop and maintain accurate, up-to-date job descriptions and classifications.
- Recommend appropriate job classifications and salary ranges, ensuring internal equity and alignment with market standards.
- Provide guidance on compensation policies, pay practices, and review cycles to support informed decision-making.
- Support managers with compensation-related advisories and respond to pay-related inquiries.
- Review and validate preliminary and final paylists to ensure accuracy and compliance.
- Maintain a general understanding of UF benefit offerings and available resources.
- Assist in communicating benefit options, updates, and resources to employees in a clear and accessible manner.
Team Management
- Oversee daily HR operations, including recruitment, onboarding, classification and compensation, benefits, and employee development.
- Ensure all HR processes comply with university policies, state and federal labor laws, and accreditation requirements.
- Serve as the primary HR liaison between the center and COE.
- Provide mentorship, coaching, and constructive feedback to HR team members, fostering professional growth and alignment with organizational goals.
- Delegate tasks and monitor performance to maintain productivity, service quality, and responsiveness across HR functions.
- Conduct regular team meetings to align priorities, monitor progress, and encourage collaboration.
- Empower the HR team through cross-training in key leadership areas, building versatility and preparing staff for expanded responsibilities.
- Develop and maintain documentation on internal controls and process guides to support consistency and compliance.
- Conduct regular performance evaluations and support employee development through coaching and training.
- Encourage continuous learning and career growth, offering guidance and support to help team members achieve their goals and contribute to the Center’s success.
- Collaborate with the Lastinger Center Organizational Excellence team and COE/UF HR to develop and implement training programs for associates.
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