Director of Human Resources

The American Indian Higher Education Consortium (AIHEC) is the collective spirit and unifying voice of our nation's Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs). AIHEC supports American Indian and Alaska Native higher education through dedicated research and programmatic initiatives designed to strengthen Native languages, cultures, and Tribal communities. By leveraging its unique position, AIHEC serves as a collaborative partner, providing essential services to member institutions and emerging TCUs. Additionally, AIHEC produces the Tribal College Journal (TCJ), a premier national publication sharing insights on American Indian education.

Position Summary
As a member of AIHEC’s Executive Leadership Team, the Director of Human Resources (HR Director) will be responsible for planning, leading, directing, developing, and coordinating the policies and activities of the Human Resources programs. In this role, the HR Director will help develop and lead a plan for staffing, internal communication processes, performance management, leadership, and professional development. The HR Director will review and refresh the core human resource functions, including hiring processes, onboarding, and performance management.

This position reports directly to the Chief of Staff. 

Key Responsibilities
Strategic Talent & Workforce Planning
● Develop and implement AIHEC’s human resource strategy. 
● Align staffing, recruitment, and retention strategies with organizational goals. 
● Identify workforce needs and talent development best practices.

HR Policy & Compliance
● Develop and implement policies, training, and initiatives to ensure HR compliance, mitigate risks, and oversee employment law adherence.

Talent Acquisition & Onboarding
● Manage the full recruitment cycle, from screening and hiring to onboarding and integration.

HR Program Administration
● Provide oversight of HR operations, including payroll, compensation, benefits, leave, performance management, training, and employee recognition programs.

Employee Relations & Conflict Resolution
● Serve as a senior advisor on employee relations, workplace concerns, investigations, and conflict resolutions, engaging outside employment counsel or HR consultants as needed.

Industry Trends & Best Practices
● Monitor HR trends, regulatory changes, and new technologies to enhance organizational effectiveness.

Financial & Budget Collaboration
● Work with leadership to develop and manage HR-related budgets, including staffing and benefits planning.

Supervision
● Provide supervision of the Human Resources Generalist position and oversee various contractors, vendors, and consultants. 

Qualifications
• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field required; Master’s degree preferred.
• At least five years of HR management experience is required.
• SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) or SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) preferred.

Core Competencies
• HR Leadership & Comprehensive Expertise: At least seven years of progressive HR experience, including three or more in leadership. Demonstrated experience leading all major functions, including knowledge of HR laws, policies, and key concentration areas such as payroll, benefits, compensation, workforce planning, employee relations, and occupational and health safety.
• Payroll & Benefits Management: Demonstrated competency and experience in administering all aspects of payroll and benefits using the ADP Payroll System.
• Strategic Planning & Change Management: Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize multiple tasks under time constraints. Demonstrated experience supporting leadership, managing strategic planning, and implementing organizational change initiatives.
• Employee Relations & Workplace Culture: Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including active listening, conflict resolution, and mediation. Proven ability to manage confidential and sensitive matters with empathy and professionalism while fostering an inclusive and collaborative culture.
• HR Compliance & Risk Management: Deep knowledge of employment laws and regulatory compliance, with experience developing and refining HR policies to support legal and organizational effectiveness.
• Communication & Stakeholder Engagement: Skilled at conveying complex HR topics clearly, facilitating leadership discussions, and preparing reports for board presentations. Ability to build rapport and trust at all levels of the organization.
• Financial & Data-Driven HR Management: Experience managing HR budgets and using workforce analytics to inform hiring, retention, and engagement strategies. Proficiency in HR technology, including HRIS platforms like ADP, Paychex, or Paycom.
• Industry & Cultural Awareness: Prior experience in the nonprofit sector is a plus, along with an understanding of American Indian and Alaska Native Tribal Nations, Tribal Colleges and Universities, Tribal organizations.

Physical Requirements
• Ability to communicate information and ideas, detect, determine, perceive, and observe details, particularly on a screen or on paper.
• Ability to spend more than half of the time viewing computer monitors.
• This position may require remaining in a stationary position 50% or more.
• Ability to communicate effectively in person, over the phone, and in writing.
• Ability to travel independently and attend off-site meetings and events as required by business needs.

Job Location and Travel
• Hybrid/DC-Maryland-Virginia Area (3 days in office required).
• Travel up to 25% for meetings and conferences.

Compensation and Benefits
• Approximately $150,000 annually, based on experience.
• 401(k) with 6% matching
• Premium medical insurance for employees and dependents paid for by the organization.
• Dental, vision, life, accident, hospital indemnity, and disability insurances offered at low cost.
• Holidays and Paid Time Off.

AIHEC’s personnel policies, procedures, and practices prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, religious creed, disability, ancestry, national origin, age, or sex. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we are committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace and provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and applicable state and local laws. If you require accommodation during the application process or in performing essential functions of the role, please contact Human Resources.