Vermont Law and Graduate School is seeking a Human Resources Director to provide strategic HR leadership while ensuring institutional employment compliance. Reporting to the Vice President of People and Operations, this onsite role partners with campus leadership, legal counsel, and managers to support employment practices, employee relations, immigration administration, leave and accommodation programs, policy development, faculty employment administration, and workplace investigations.

Position Overview

The Director serves as a core HR leader responsible for institutional employment compliance, employee relations, immigration administration, and leave and accommodation programs. The role develops and implements HR policies and programs, coordinates required compliance reporting, and ensures employment practices align with applicable federal, state, and local laws. The Director also supports a positive employee experience by advising leaders and managers and overseeing workplace investigations and corrective recommendations.

Key Responsibilities

Provide strategic oversight of institutional employment compliance programs, including internal audits and corrective action initiatives.
Monitor changes in federal, state, and local employment laws and assess institutional impact.
Conduct audits of personnel records, I-9 documentation, leave administration, and employment practices.
Coordinate required reporting including EEO, IPEDS, ABA, DOL, and related surveys; maintain required notices, postings, and compliance documentation.
Review and update HR policies, employee handbooks, and procedures.
Partner with legal counsel on compliance issues and risk mitigation strategies.
Advise managers and leadership on employment practices, policy interpretation, and HR procedures, including disciplinary matters, performance management concerns, conflict resolution, and other employee relations topics.
Coordinate employment-based immigration processes with outside counsel and support H-1B, O-1, and permanent residency sponsorship activities when applicable.
Track visa expirations and employment authorization requirements and ensure compliance with Form I-9 and employment eligibility verification processes.
Administer FMLA, parental leave, military leave, ADA accommodations, PWFA accommodations, and related programs, including coordinating the interactive process and maintaining required documentation.
Conduct and oversee workplace investigations, prepare investigation documentation and recommendations, and advise supervisors and leadership on next steps.
Draft faculty employment contracts, renewals, and amendments; track adjunct and faculty contracts to support accurate record keeping.
Support MAPLE Initiative Fellow onboarding including tracking secondment agreements.
Serve as HR liaison to the Vice Dean for Faculty and Faculty Appointments Committee.
Develop and maintain standard contract templates and employment documentation.
Oversee payroll process to ensure faculty contracts and related documents are accurately processed and implemented through payroll in accordance with approved terms.
Directly supervise HR Generalist and HR Business Partner; provide guidance, training, and mentoring to HR team members, and assist in establishing department priorities and goals.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Legal Studies, Higher Education Administration, or a related field.
Seven to ten years of progressive Human Resources experience.
Demonstrated experience interpreting and applying complex employment laws and HR compliance requirements.
Experience leading workplace investigations and employee relations matters.
Experience developing and implementing HR policies and organizational procedures.
Strong relationship building and management skills.
Experience drafting contracts, policies, and employment documentation.
Demonstrated leadership experience, preferably managing HR staff and programs.
Exceptional written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills; ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment.
Advanced proficiency with Microsoft 365 applications and HRIS platforms.
Master’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Legal Studies, Higher Education Administration, or related field.
Experience in higher education and supporting faculty employment administration.
Experience coordinating employment-based immigration matters.
SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, SPHR, or related certification.
85% computer-related work; primary work performed while sitting and/or standing at a desk.
Must be able to work legally within the United States without sponsorship.
Ability to perform all essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.

Tools and Technologies

Microsoft 365
HRIS platforms

Benefits

Full benefits (medical, dental, vision, etc.).
403b including 4% employer contribution.
3 weeks of paid vacation in addition to paid personal and sick days.
11 paid holidays plus two weeks of paid days off for Summer and Winter breaks.
Employee Assistance Program.
VLGS course participation with tuition assistance.
Flexible schedule potential.

Compensation and Location

Salary: USD 85,000 - 117,000 per year
Location: South Royalton, VT (onsite)

Supervisory Responsibilities

Directly supervise HR Generalist and HR Business Partner.
Provide guidance, training, and mentoring to HR team members.
Assist in establishing department priorities and goals.

Application Requirements

Please attach a resume and cover letter for consideration.
If applying from a third-party site and unable to attach additional materials, apply directly at https://www.vermontlaw.edu/community/about-vls/employment-opportunities or email required documents to [email protected].
As part of the Americans with Disabilities Act compliance commitment, candidates who meet the qualifications and require accommodations to apply should contact Human Resources at [email protected].

Human Resources Director

Job Description