Director, Human Resources Services, UT Institute of Agriculture

Director, Human Resource Services

The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture (UTIA), located in Knoxville, TN is seeking a Director, Human Resource Services. This outstanding opportunity will provide leadership, vision, and direction for HR operations reflective of the services and mission of UTIA. The Director reports to the UTIA Chief Operations Officer and serves as the senior human resources leader on the UTIA Executive Committee. Responsible for the day-to-day HR functions of the Institute, the Director provides oversight of HR consultants and departmental staff within UTIA.

The ideal candidate for this exciting leadership position pursues and encourages innovative solutions and collaboration to meet the changing needs of the organization. The Director will develop strategic direction and goals, guide implementation, and develop innovative HR approaches for the Institute to ensure effectiveness while also capitalizing on opportunities for consistency and efficiency. Essential to our environment is a leader who demonstrates uncompromised honesty, integrity and trustworthiness. We are interested in candidates whose reputation is one of a trusted relationship-builder with an unfailing commitment to transparency and excellence. Equally important is a dedication to the importance and applicability of diversity, equity and inclusion in all aspects of operations.

The Director is expected to provide strategic vision, leadership, and expertise in human resources. Responsible for Institute-wide human resources policies and procedures, the Director works closely with HR colleagues at UT Knoxville and throughout the UT System in the design and development of human resources initiatives. In addition to guiding institutional decision-making on issues related to both faculty and staff workforces, the Director is responsible for ensuring that employment practices are lawful, and that the application of human resources initiatives remain in alignment with the institute’s’ mission.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher learning and demonstrated human resources leadership typically acquired through seven (7) years’ experience.
• Proven experience in key areas such as supervisory, employee relations, professional development, compensation, performance management, employee engagement, succession planning, recruitment and change management.
• Demonstrated experience consulting and advising senior-level leaders in broad areas of human resources.
• Demonstrated experience dealing with highly sensitive and confidential employment situations.
• Experience with large enterprise resource planning (ERP) system (e.g., SAP, Oracle, Workday).

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree in HR or a related field from a regionally accredited institution of higher learning.
• Professional certification (SPHR, SHRM-SCP).
• Experience in higher education.
• Experience in a multi-campus university system or multi-location organization.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of shared governance and related dynamics within faculty and staff populations.
• Demonstrated ability to achieve results through partnership and influence.
• Knowledge of, and commitment to affirmative action and equal employment opportunity.
• Knowledge of state laws, statutes, and federal laws and regulations related to employment and other areas of HR.
• Ability to translate vision, strategic direction, and long-term goals into specific projects and initiatives.
• Ability to resolve complex, controversial and/or unprecedented issues and challenges.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills.
• Excellent oral, written and presentation skills; exceptional listening skills.
• Ability to foster an organizational culture that supports intra-organization teamwork and collaboration.
• Ability to make sound, consistent, and fair data-informed decisions.

Knoxville, TN is a hidden gem with a beautiful and walkable downtown, a diverse music scene, active neighborhoods, unique restaurants, and a robust offering of outdoor and cultural activities.

For full consideration, candidates should apply electronically and include a cover letter addressing their interest in, and qualifications for the role, a resume, and a list of professional references by January 22, 2023. To express interest or to make a nomination, please contact Brooke Swart, Executive Recruiter at bswart@utk.edu.

About UT Institute of Agriculture Through its statewide presence and its international work, the UT Institute of Agriculture is creating a global impact on society’s most pressing issues. UTIA is home to the Herbert College of Agriculture, UT AgResearch and its ten centers across the state, the UT College of Veterinary Medicine, and UT Extension, which has a presence in all ninety-five Tennessee counties. It also boasts the Smith Center for International Sustainable Agriculture as well as the State Botanical Garden of Tennessee. Through teaching, research, and outreach, UTIA seeks to support food, fiber, and energy systems; enrich the economy; enhance biodiversity and environmental quality; develop the workforce; and strengthen the health of humans and animals.

Mission As a land-grant institute, we provide Real. Life. Solutions. through teaching, discovery, and service.

Vision Over the next decade, we will excel as an Institute by developing solutions and services that advance agriculture, education, natural resource management, human and animal health, and our communities.

Values

• Respect
• Science-based solutions
• Diversity
• Responsiveness to constituent needs
• Transparency
• Accountability