Position Summary
Lead with purpose. Drive HR excellence. Shape the future.
Michigan State University is seeking a visionary and strategic leader to serve as the Director of the Solutions Center within the Human Resources division. This dynamic role offers the opportunity to lead a team of 25 HR professionals in delivering high-impact services across support staff hiring, academic hiring, employment compliance, and employee records.
As a key member of the HR senior leadership team, the Director will champion operational excellence, foster a culture of continuous improvement, and align HR initiatives with university-wide priorities. If you're passionate about people, systems, and strategy—and thrive in a collaborative, mission-driven environment—this is your opportunity to make a lasting impact.
Salary
The salary range for this position is fixed at $185,000 – $210,000. Final compensation will be determined based on relevant experience within this range.
Remote work capability
This position is based in East Lansing, Michigan, on the campus of Michigan State University. Human Resources embraces flexible work options, and this position allows for a hybrid work schedule (if desired), with regular onsite work required 3 days per week. All work schedules are assessed for impact to the work outcomes of the individual, team, and department – and must be pre-approved by the supervisor.
What You’ll Do
- Strategic Leadership: Review, design, and implement innovative HR service delivery models that enhance efficiency, compliance, and responsiveness to institutional needs.
- Operational Oversight: Lead and continuously improve processes related to hiring, employment changes, employment compliance, and employee records.
- Team Development: Supervise, mentor, and develop HR leaders and professionals, fostering a high-performing, inclusive, and resilient workforce.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with internal HR teams and departments as well as university partners to ensure integrated and responsive services.
- Strategic Alignment: Translate university and divisional priorities into actionable plans that support long-term success and positive employee experiences.
- Advisory Role: Provide expert guidance on complex HR matters, ensuring sound judgment and alignment with institutional values.
- Professional Engagement: Represent HR on university committees and initiatives, staying current with trends and best practices.
Key Competencies
- Strategic Thinking: Ability to align HR operations with institutional goals and anticipate future needs.
- Leadership & Influence: Proven success in leading diverse teams and driving organizational change.
- Operational Excellence: Strong skills in process improvement, compliance, and service delivery.
- Collaboration & Communication: Builds trust and partnerships across departments, teams, and the institution; communicates effectively with stakeholders at all levels.
- Talent Development: Committed to mentoring and growing HR professionals through inclusive leadership.
- Judgment & Integrity: Handles sensitive issues with discretion, fairness, and a commitment to institutional values.
- Adaptability: Navigates complexity and change with resilience and innovation.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.
Required Degree
Bachelors -Human Resources Administration, Business Administration, or a related field.
Minimum Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Human Resources Administration, Business Administration, or a related field.
- Minimum of eight years of progressive experience in HR employment services.
- At least five years of experience in a leadership role including direct management of others.
- Experience in hiring and compliance, including demonstrated understanding of employment law, regulatory requirements, and best practices for job postings and hiring processes.
- Demonstrated experience managing complex, multi-functional teams and operations.
Desired Qualifications
- Higher education experience preferred.
- Experience in a complex, unionized environment.
- Experience leading HR projects that have organization-wide impact, including initiatives focused on compliance, policy alignment, and process improvement.
- Experience navigating highly decentralized organizational and work structures.
Required Application Materials
Remote Work Statement
MSU strives to provide a flexible work environment and this position has been designated as remote-friendly. Remote-friendly means some or all of the duties can be performed remotely as mutually agreed upon.
Website
https://hr.msu.edu/
MSU Statement
Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years. One of the top research universities in the world, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 200 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges.
