Assistant Director, Human Resources

Job Posting Title:Assistant Director, Human Resources----Hiring Department:Academic Administration and Planning----Position Open To:All Applicants----Weekly Scheduled Hours:40----FLSA Status:Exempt from FLSA----Earliest Start Date:Immediately----Position Duration:Expected to Continue----Location:UT MAIN CAMPUS----Job Details:PurposeThe Assistant Director of Human Resources serves in a collaborative leadership role supporting the Director of Human Resources in delivering HR services for the Executive Vice President and Provost (EVPP) portfolio. This role provides operational oversight of HR processes, supports employee relations activities, and ensures consistent execution of Workday HR functions. The Assistant Director works closely with the Director to translate strategic HR priorities into effective day‑to‑day operations, ensuring high‑quality, compliant service delivery.  The ideal candidate will be a motivated, adaptable leader with strong problem-solving and communication skills, and able to inspire a team of HR Coordinators.Responsibilities 1. Human Resources Operations and SupervisionSupport the Director of Human Resources in executing HR strategy and priorities through delegated responsibilities and operational leadership.Provide direct supervision to two Human Resources Coordinators, including task delegation, coaching, performance feedback, and evaluations.Serve as a mentor and resource to the coordinator, reinforcing consistent practices, professional growth, and effective management of transactional HR work.Keep the Director informed of operational issues, trends, and emerging needs, elevating matters as appropriate. 2. Workday HR Management Manage day‑to‑day business processes, including recruitment, onboarding, position management, compensation actions, and employee lifecycle changes.Review and approve Workday transactions for staff, students, contractors, and affiliates in alignment with established policies and escalation protocols.Serve as a subject matter expert on Workday and HR procedures, providing guidance to supervisors, unit partners, and campus stakeholders in coordination with the Director.Act as a backup to HR operational roles to ensure continuity of service. 3. Process Development and Operational CoordinationPartner with the Director to design, refine, and implement HR processes that align with EVPP portfolio priorities and institutional standards.Lead operational aspects of process documentation, workflow improvements, and implementation of delegated initiatives.Coordinate integration of new units or functions into existing HR workflows, ensuring consistency and sustainability across the portfolio. 4. Employee Relations Support Support employee relations efforts by conducting initial analysis, gathering documentation, and advising on routine and complex cases under the guidance of the Director.Collaborate with the Director and campus partners to address sensitive personnel matters and ensure appropriate resolution pathways.Provide consultative support to supervisors on policy interpretation, performance management, and workplace concerns, and escalating issues as needed. 5. Compliance, Records, and Professional DevelopmentEnsure operational HR practices adhere to university policies, applicable laws, and records retention requirements.Participate in HR trainings, meetings, and professional development opportunities to remain current and support consistent application of HR standards. 6. Analysis, Reporting, and Special ProjectsAssist the Director with Workforce and Workday reporting, including position management, classification review, compensation data, and ad‑hoc analysis.Lead or support special projects as delegated, contributing operational expertise to portfolio and Academic Affairs initiatives.All other duties as assigned.Required QualificationsBachelor’s degree in human resources, business administration, or a related field.At least five years of experience in human resources or a related field, including compliance and staff life-cycle management, with process review.At least five years of supervisory and training in management.Strong leadership abilities with the capability to inspire, motivate, and engage staff.Proven experience with conflict resolution and managing difficult conversations in a professional setting.Ability to apply critical thinking and intellectual curiosity by asking meaningful questions that uncover context, clarify objectives, and support informed decision-making.Exceptional attention to detail, including proven ability to create/assess written documentation, ensuring content is complete and clear.Proven communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to provide feedback constructively and foster open, two-way communication. Ability to adapt to varying unit-level processes and procedures to provide consistent guidance across different teams.Demonstrated ability to handle sensitive information and maintain confidentiality.Detail-oriented with excellent organizational and time management skills.Strong understanding of UT Austin’s best HR practices, labor laws, and regulations.Ability to work independently and manage multiple processes and tasks simultaneously, managing competing priorities in a timely and efficient manner.Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.Preferred QualificationsExperience in an academic environment, including knowledge of the full HR lifecycle for faculty, staff, and student employees. Experience in a dean or vice president-level office.Extensive experience with Workday. SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP certification. Salary Range$86,500 + depending on qualificationsWorking ConditionsMay work around standard office conditions.Repetitive use of a keyboard at a workstation.Applicants must be legally authorized to work for any employer in the United States. This position is not eligible for sponsorship of work visas.This is an Austin, TX-based position.On-site work is the standard exp