Inside Higher Ed
Salary:
$131,827.00 - $204,507.00 Annually
Job Type:
Job Number:
20251025
Closing:
11/20/2025 11:59 PM Pacific
Location:
Merced College, CA
Department The Senior Director of Human Resources at Merced College plays a vital leadership role in fostering a professional, equitable, and innovative workplace that supports the College's mission of transforming lives through education. Reporting to the Vice President of Human Resources, this position provides day‑to‑day leadership for the Human Resources Office, overseeing key functions such as recruitment and selection, professional development, benefits and classification, compliance, and performance management. The Senior Director contributes to the development and implementation of strategic initiatives that enhance employee engagement, operational excellence, and workplace culture. Merced College offers a supportive environment for HR professionals who are passionate about service, leadership, and continuous improvement. The recruitment for this position is key to the College's succession plan, and an innovative and effective candidate may have the opportunity to compete for promotion upon the retirement of the Vice President of Human Resources.
Interview dates are tentatively scheduled for December 9th and 10th.
Merced College is more than a community college—it is a catalyst for transformation, redefining higher education and setting new standards for excellence. Serving nearly 20,000 students each year, we are proud to be a leading center of learning and opportunity in California's Central Valley.
Founded in 1962, Merced College blends a strong tradition of academic excellence with forward‑thinking innovation to create an inclusive and engaging environment for students and employees alike. We commit to the well‑being, growth, and professional success of our team, fostering collaboration and a supportive culture where every employee is empowered to make a difference. Located in the heart of California's Central Valley, the city of Merced offers a welcoming community of more than 90,000 residents, with easy access to the Bay Area, Sacramento, and Yosemite National Park.
If you are passionate about innovation, equity, and student success, we invite you to join the Merced College team.
Mission At Merced College, students are our focus, and we are known by their success. We transform lives through education and workforce development.
Vision Enriching our community through educational experiences and support services:
Degree/Certificate Programs
Transfer
Career Technical Education
Workforce Training
Lifelong Learning
Basic Skills
Community Engagement
Salary Schedule Management Range: DeanSalary placement commensurate with education and experience. Additional compensation for doctorate.
General Description This is an exempt classified administrator position. The incumbent reports directly to the Vice President of Human Resources (VPHR) and serves as the day‑to‑day office manager. The incumbent will independently perform professional work involving judgment in the interpretation and application of collective bargaining agreements, policy and procedure, as well as applicable state and federal laws. The incumbent will assist the Vice President with developing and implementing short and long‑range plans and strategies to meet the District's goals for professional development, compliance, recruitment, selection, compensation and classification, benefits and leaves administration, labor relations, and performance management. The incumbent will contribute significantly to the District's civil rights and equal employment opportunity programs, including serving as an investigator as needed. The incumbent has a high frequency of responsible contact with administrative and professional staff and with other public agencies.
Representative Duties
Provide day‑to‑day leadership and work with staff to ensure a high‑performance, customer‑service‑oriented work environment to support achieving District objectives and service expectations
Recommend and implement approved innovative HR practices, including new HRIS systems or modules, the application of Artificial Intelligence, and trailblazing initiatives in support of the College and its employees
Assist in directing the operations of Human Resources including professional development, employment, promotion, transfer, termination, and reduction in workforce processes for District personnel; recruitment, classification, benefits and leaves administration, performance management, leaves administration, complaint and grievance handling, and other related human resources functions
Assist with conducting employment investigations and writing reports, including Title IX
Direct workflow, including developing and implementing department work plans and objectives; delegate appropriate assignments; assure timely workflow and compliance
Implement approved recommendations for assigned human resources functions which support the strategic plan and other planning documents; implement the philosophy and policies of the college and ensure that the human resources department adheres to and advances the college's mission, vision, and goals
Implement activities within the District's Staffing Plan, Professional Development Plan, and Equal Employment Opportunity Plan
Assist in the administration of compliance with State and Federal legislation, EEO guidelines, relevant sections of the Education Code and Title 5, the reasonable accommodation interactive process pursuant to the guidelines established in the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
Prepare reports and documentation for accreditation and other reporting responsibilities, including writing procedures and manuals as required; recommend updates to human resources related board policies and administrative procedures; assist in preparing strategic plans, program reviews, the educational master plan and other plans and reports as assigned
Provide consultation and technical expertise to administrators, faculty, staff, the public and others concerning Human Resources operations and activities
Establish and implement human resources audit procedures to ensure compliance with laws and regulations; serve as point of contact for outside agency audits
Supervise the maintenance of appropriate personnel records and employment contracts
Support the growth of a holistic professional development program, including the development, design, and delivery of workplace compliance training and professional development opportunities
Conduct job analyses, classification studies, and salary surveys; develop and maintain a job description library; create and revise job descriptions, which comply with the requirements of law
Participate in collective bargaining, labor relations meetings, and grievance meetings as assigned; facilitate conflict resolution as needed to improve employee relations and the effectiveness of supervision by District managers
Lead assigned councils and committees; may represent human resources on various planning and/or operations committees and task forces
Assist with budget development and monitor assigned budget categories
Supervise and evaluate the performance of assigned staff; select, train, coordinate tasks; assign priorities; resolve issues or concerns
Research legal matters and consult with legal counsel on behalf of the district as assigned
Draft board agenda items for review by VPHR
May attend DFEH, employment and/or mediation hearings on behalf of the District
Develop, oversee and maintain the Human Resources information system; work closely with District ITS staff for establishing and/or improving Human Resources functions
Perform other related duties as assigned
Knowledge Of
Principles, methods, and techniques of Public Personnel Administration, including professional development, compliance, recruitment, examination, selection, classification, compensation, grievance procedures, and employment/employee relations
Benefits and leaves administration
Provisions of related California Education Code
State and federal laws and decisions pertaining to human resources, collective bargaining and civil rights
Equal employment regulations and requirements
Human resources information systems
General principles of organization, management and employee supervision, and training
Title 5, Title IX, ADA, OSHA, disability and workers——compensation laws, rules and regulations
District organization, operations, policies and objectives
Effective research, analytical and report writing techniques
ACCJC Accreditation Standard IIIA
Occupations found in community college districts
Collective bargaining under provisions of SB 160 and requirements of the Public Employment Relations Board
Proper English grammar, usage, spelling, and punctuation
Ability To
Demonstrate sensitivity to, and understanding of diverse student & employee backgrounds
Serve as Chief Human Resources Officer when VPHR absent or as assigned on temporary/needed basis
Meet time constraints in rendering advice and reports
Plan, organize, and direct activities and operations of the Human Resources operations
Coordinate and supervise information management systems for Human Resources
Interpret and apply rules, regulations related to operation of a personnel program under Education Code
Perform professional and analytical human resources tasks
Effectively counsel, advise, and interact with supervisors and staff on a wide variety of personnel‐related matters
Understand, interpret and apply policies, laws, rules and regulations
Communicate effectively orally and in writing
Conduct investigations and/or oversee complaint handling, including Title IX complaints
Exhibit interpersonal skills using tact, patience, and courtesy
Prepare reports and make recommendations
Assign, train, supervise, and evaluate others’ work
Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others
Exercise initiative and independent judgment
Manage confidential matters with tact and diplomacy
Work varied hours including evenings and/or weekends
Operate for computer and assigned software
Analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective action plan
Plan, schedule , and organize workload and projects to ensure timeliness
Typical Qualifications
Master's degree from an acceptable accredited institution in occupant
Human Resources management, business administration, public administration, organisational
management, educational management or related field
Equival to stated combination of education and experience
Demonstrated sensitivity to and understanding of diverse student with backgrounds
License or Certificate
A valid California Class “C” driver's license. Travel to locations throughout the district may be required
Title IX certified investigator or coordinator OR the ability and desire to obtain proficiency in Title IX investigations and complaint processing
Physical Demands and Working Environment Work is performed primarily in an office environment with some travel to different sites; incumbents may required work custom hours including environments. (Consolidated).
Environment
Work is performed in an office environment with some travel to different sites; incumbents may have required work extended hours including evenings and weekends
Physical Ability To
Hear and understand speech at normal levels
Communicate so others will be able to clearly understand normal conversation
Read printed matter and computer screens
Stand or sit for prolonged periods of time
Bend, twist, steep, kneel, crawl, push, pull, and other physical movements
Reach in all directions
Work at a desk, conference or equatorial table
Operate office equipment requiring repetitive movements and fine coordination
Being a senior office employee reporting as exemplary and evaluating the professional or the most value
Heard in air
Supplemental Information ...
Interview Information Applicants deemed qualified for position will be invited to participate in onsite oral interviews conducted by a screening committee. A limited number of candidates will be selected to move forward to the interview stage.
Employee Benefits Health benefits for the employee and all eligible dependents cost employee' only $12/ month and provide access to PPO medical coverage, PPO dental coverage, VSP Vision coverage, and more! Please visit our merced College Benefits website for more details about our incredible employee benefits. In addition, sick leave and retirement benefits are also provided.
Condition of Employment Selected candidate must be fingerprinted and tested for tuberculosis trials & ...
Merced College District is an Equal Opportunity Employer Candidate seek it...hs
To apply, visit 2025 Senior Director Human Resources
#J-18808-Ljbffr
$131,827.00 - $204,507.00 Annually
Job Type:
Job Number:
20251025
Closing:
11/20/2025 11:59 PM Pacific
Location:
Merced College, CA
Department The Senior Director of Human Resources at Merced College plays a vital leadership role in fostering a professional, equitable, and innovative workplace that supports the College's mission of transforming lives through education. Reporting to the Vice President of Human Resources, this position provides day‑to‑day leadership for the Human Resources Office, overseeing key functions such as recruitment and selection, professional development, benefits and classification, compliance, and performance management. The Senior Director contributes to the development and implementation of strategic initiatives that enhance employee engagement, operational excellence, and workplace culture. Merced College offers a supportive environment for HR professionals who are passionate about service, leadership, and continuous improvement. The recruitment for this position is key to the College's succession plan, and an innovative and effective candidate may have the opportunity to compete for promotion upon the retirement of the Vice President of Human Resources.
Interview dates are tentatively scheduled for December 9th and 10th.
Merced College is more than a community college—it is a catalyst for transformation, redefining higher education and setting new standards for excellence. Serving nearly 20,000 students each year, we are proud to be a leading center of learning and opportunity in California's Central Valley.
Founded in 1962, Merced College blends a strong tradition of academic excellence with forward‑thinking innovation to create an inclusive and engaging environment for students and employees alike. We commit to the well‑being, growth, and professional success of our team, fostering collaboration and a supportive culture where every employee is empowered to make a difference. Located in the heart of California's Central Valley, the city of Merced offers a welcoming community of more than 90,000 residents, with easy access to the Bay Area, Sacramento, and Yosemite National Park.
If you are passionate about innovation, equity, and student success, we invite you to join the Merced College team.
Mission At Merced College, students are our focus, and we are known by their success. We transform lives through education and workforce development.
Vision Enriching our community through educational experiences and support services:
Degree/Certificate Programs
Transfer
Career Technical Education
Workforce Training
Lifelong Learning
Basic Skills
Community Engagement
Salary Schedule Management Range: DeanSalary placement commensurate with education and experience. Additional compensation for doctorate.
General Description This is an exempt classified administrator position. The incumbent reports directly to the Vice President of Human Resources (VPHR) and serves as the day‑to‑day office manager. The incumbent will independently perform professional work involving judgment in the interpretation and application of collective bargaining agreements, policy and procedure, as well as applicable state and federal laws. The incumbent will assist the Vice President with developing and implementing short and long‑range plans and strategies to meet the District's goals for professional development, compliance, recruitment, selection, compensation and classification, benefits and leaves administration, labor relations, and performance management. The incumbent will contribute significantly to the District's civil rights and equal employment opportunity programs, including serving as an investigator as needed. The incumbent has a high frequency of responsible contact with administrative and professional staff and with other public agencies.
Representative Duties
Provide day‑to‑day leadership and work with staff to ensure a high‑performance, customer‑service‑oriented work environment to support achieving District objectives and service expectations
Recommend and implement approved innovative HR practices, including new HRIS systems or modules, the application of Artificial Intelligence, and trailblazing initiatives in support of the College and its employees
Assist in directing the operations of Human Resources including professional development, employment, promotion, transfer, termination, and reduction in workforce processes for District personnel; recruitment, classification, benefits and leaves administration, performance management, leaves administration, complaint and grievance handling, and other related human resources functions
Assist with conducting employment investigations and writing reports, including Title IX
Direct workflow, including developing and implementing department work plans and objectives; delegate appropriate assignments; assure timely workflow and compliance
Implement approved recommendations for assigned human resources functions which support the strategic plan and other planning documents; implement the philosophy and policies of the college and ensure that the human resources department adheres to and advances the college's mission, vision, and goals
Implement activities within the District's Staffing Plan, Professional Development Plan, and Equal Employment Opportunity Plan
Assist in the administration of compliance with State and Federal legislation, EEO guidelines, relevant sections of the Education Code and Title 5, the reasonable accommodation interactive process pursuant to the guidelines established in the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
Prepare reports and documentation for accreditation and other reporting responsibilities, including writing procedures and manuals as required; recommend updates to human resources related board policies and administrative procedures; assist in preparing strategic plans, program reviews, the educational master plan and other plans and reports as assigned
Provide consultation and technical expertise to administrators, faculty, staff, the public and others concerning Human Resources operations and activities
Establish and implement human resources audit procedures to ensure compliance with laws and regulations; serve as point of contact for outside agency audits
Supervise the maintenance of appropriate personnel records and employment contracts
Support the growth of a holistic professional development program, including the development, design, and delivery of workplace compliance training and professional development opportunities
Conduct job analyses, classification studies, and salary surveys; develop and maintain a job description library; create and revise job descriptions, which comply with the requirements of law
Participate in collective bargaining, labor relations meetings, and grievance meetings as assigned; facilitate conflict resolution as needed to improve employee relations and the effectiveness of supervision by District managers
Lead assigned councils and committees; may represent human resources on various planning and/or operations committees and task forces
Assist with budget development and monitor assigned budget categories
Supervise and evaluate the performance of assigned staff; select, train, coordinate tasks; assign priorities; resolve issues or concerns
Research legal matters and consult with legal counsel on behalf of the district as assigned
Draft board agenda items for review by VPHR
May attend DFEH, employment and/or mediation hearings on behalf of the District
Develop, oversee and maintain the Human Resources information system; work closely with District ITS staff for establishing and/or improving Human Resources functions
Perform other related duties as assigned
Knowledge Of
Principles, methods, and techniques of Public Personnel Administration, including professional development, compliance, recruitment, examination, selection, classification, compensation, grievance procedures, and employment/employee relations
Benefits and leaves administration
Provisions of related California Education Code
State and federal laws and decisions pertaining to human resources, collective bargaining and civil rights
Equal employment regulations and requirements
Human resources information systems
General principles of organization, management and employee supervision, and training
Title 5, Title IX, ADA, OSHA, disability and workers——compensation laws, rules and regulations
District organization, operations, policies and objectives
Effective research, analytical and report writing techniques
ACCJC Accreditation Standard IIIA
Occupations found in community college districts
Collective bargaining under provisions of SB 160 and requirements of the Public Employment Relations Board
Proper English grammar, usage, spelling, and punctuation
Ability To
Demonstrate sensitivity to, and understanding of diverse student & employee backgrounds
Serve as Chief Human Resources Officer when VPHR absent or as assigned on temporary/needed basis
Meet time constraints in rendering advice and reports
Plan, organize, and direct activities and operations of the Human Resources operations
Coordinate and supervise information management systems for Human Resources
Interpret and apply rules, regulations related to operation of a personnel program under Education Code
Perform professional and analytical human resources tasks
Effectively counsel, advise, and interact with supervisors and staff on a wide variety of personnel‐related matters
Understand, interpret and apply policies, laws, rules and regulations
Communicate effectively orally and in writing
Conduct investigations and/or oversee complaint handling, including Title IX complaints
Exhibit interpersonal skills using tact, patience, and courtesy
Prepare reports and make recommendations
Assign, train, supervise, and evaluate others’ work
Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others
Exercise initiative and independent judgment
Manage confidential matters with tact and diplomacy
Work varied hours including evenings and/or weekends
Operate for computer and assigned software
Analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective action plan
Plan, schedule , and organize workload and projects to ensure timeliness
Typical Qualifications
Master's degree from an acceptable accredited institution in occupant
Human Resources management, business administration, public administration, organisational
management, educational management or related field
Equival to stated combination of education and experience
Demonstrated sensitivity to and understanding of diverse student with backgrounds
License or Certificate
A valid California Class “C” driver's license. Travel to locations throughout the district may be required
Title IX certified investigator or coordinator OR the ability and desire to obtain proficiency in Title IX investigations and complaint processing
Physical Demands and Working Environment Work is performed primarily in an office environment with some travel to different sites; incumbents may required work custom hours including environments. (Consolidated).
Environment
Work is performed in an office environment with some travel to different sites; incumbents may have required work extended hours including evenings and weekends
Physical Ability To
Hear and understand speech at normal levels
Communicate so others will be able to clearly understand normal conversation
Read printed matter and computer screens
Stand or sit for prolonged periods of time
Bend, twist, steep, kneel, crawl, push, pull, and other physical movements
Reach in all directions
Work at a desk, conference or equatorial table
Operate office equipment requiring repetitive movements and fine coordination
Being a senior office employee reporting as exemplary and evaluating the professional or the most value
Heard in air
Supplemental Information ...
Interview Information Applicants deemed qualified for position will be invited to participate in onsite oral interviews conducted by a screening committee. A limited number of candidates will be selected to move forward to the interview stage.
Employee Benefits Health benefits for the employee and all eligible dependents cost employee' only $12/ month and provide access to PPO medical coverage, PPO dental coverage, VSP Vision coverage, and more! Please visit our merced College Benefits website for more details about our incredible employee benefits. In addition, sick leave and retirement benefits are also provided.
Condition of Employment Selected candidate must be fingerprinted and tested for tuberculosis trials & ...
Merced College District is an Equal Opportunity Employer Candidate seek it...hs
To apply, visit 2025 Senior Director Human Resources
#J-18808-Ljbffr