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Executive Director of Talent Strategy and Engagement
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Position Number: 1054339
Location: Worcester, MA
Position Type: Human Resources

Executive Director of Talent Strategy and Engagement

About Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI)
Founded in 1865 in Worcester, Massachusetts, WPI is one of the nation's first engineering and technology universities. Its 14 academic departments offer more than 50 undergraduate and graduate degree programs in science, engineering, technology, business, the social sciences, and the humanities and arts, leading to bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees. WPI's talented faculty work with students on interdisciplinary research that seeks solutions to important and socially relevant problems in fields as diverse as the life sciences and bioengineering, energy, information security, materials processing, and robotics. Students also have the opportunity to make a difference to communities and organizations around the world through the university's innovative Global Projects Program. There are more than 45 WPI project centers throughout the Americas, Africa, Asia-Pacific, and Europe.

Located in the heart of Worcester, MA, New England's second largest city, WPI's sprawling campus is set on a secluded hilltop in an area that is home to 13 colleges, several top notch museums, shopping centers, and diverse arts and entertainment. The WPI community consists of approximately 460 faculty members and 680 staff.

Where science and technology meet real-world challenges
WPI was founded in 1865 to create and convey the latest science and engineering knowledge in ways that are most beneficial to society. WPI's founding motto of Theory and Practice continues to underlie our academic programs. WPI graduates emerge ready to take on critical challenges in science and technology, knowing how their work can impact society and improve the quality of life.

Distinguished faculty
Our world-class faculty is both renowned and accomplished. In the National Survey of Student Engagement, WPI ranked first for student-faculty interactions, a measure of the quality and quantity of time spent by faculty with undergraduate students. Our Distinguished faculty were ranked top in the nation by the Wall Street Journal for Combining Scholarly Research with Classroom Instruction.

Cutting-edge research
WPI's research is internationally recognized for breakthroughs and innovations in biotechnology, fuel cells, nanotechnology, information security, and more.

Opportunity and Challenge
WPI is seeking a strategic leader for the newly created role of Executive Director of Talent Strategy and Engagement. Reporting to the Vice President for Talent Development and Chief Diversity Officer, the Executive Director will bring leadership, vision, integrity and a team-oriented philosophy in support of human capital efforts at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI). In this new role, the Executive Director will be responsible for building and delivering future-focused practices that align with WPI's values and cultivate a strong, inclusive community through innovative talent management, talent acquisition, performance coaching, leadership development, workforce planning and all aspects of employee engagement.The Executive Director of Talent Strategy and Engagement will lead a team of Human Resources professionals responsible for employee and labor relations, compensation, benefits, payroll, HR compliance and training.

The successful candidate will be an experienced and driven leader who will work collaboratively with the Vice President and the Executive Director for Diversity and Inclusion Strategy to design and provide a comprehensive talent engagement approach focused on attracting, developing and retaining diverse talent across the University. As part of these efforts, the Executive Director must bring a leadership style that is highly responsive, proactive service orientation that facilitates trust and inclusion. The Executive Director will promote a culture of openness and inclusive participation of all constituents by working collaboratively with academic leadership, administrators, and other relevant committees at WPI to further the institution's efforts related to talent and engagement.

Specific Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

Talent Innovation, Visibility and Reputation
Design and deliver an integrated talent management vision and framework to build organizational capacity in support of WPI's mission and strategic objectives. Present and execute innovative ideas and best practices to support organizational advancements in talent engagement and retention. Develop best-in-class infrastructure and practices to acquire, develop and retain outstanding talent.

Engagement and Inclusion
Design distinctive employee experiences that strengthen engagement and build an inclusive culture. Develop, manage and execute total reward programs (compensation, rewards & recognition, employment benefits) that align with the WPI's talent objectives, including annual wage and salary surveys, data analysis and benchmarking; Develop and oversee a comprehensive employee relations strategy that incorporates leadership and management development, strengths based coaching, conflict resolution, effective performance management coaching and labor relations strategies.

High Performance Learning Culture
Create an agile learning culture where knowledge is shared through relevant, best-in-class approaches and offerings that strengthen individual and organizational capabilities and competencies. Partner with academic leaders to craft effective faculty development approaches.

Organizational Effectiveness
Lead a team culture and model behaviors that upholds personal integrity, ethical management, professionalism, and confidentiality. Assess internal effectiveness to ensure value added operations and services. Identify, inform and make recommendations to the Vice President of Talent Development and CDO regarding internal and external issues that affect the organization. Create and monitor analytics to inform recruitment, engagement and operational progress toward using key performance metrics.

Compliance
Oversee and ensure HR compliance with federal and state employment laws (such as FLSA, ADA and FMLA), and other governing or accrediting bodies. Accountable for all aspects of the University's Affirmative Action Program to ensure complete compliance and appropriate advertising, analysis, and reporting. Oversee and provide leadership for the activities of the Title IX coordinators including compliance-related responsibilities and reporting.

Other functions: This position description is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements. The Executive Director may be required to perform other job-related duties as requested.

Required Qualifications:

A bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Organizational Development, business administration or related area of study is required; a master's degree or certification as a Professional in Human Resources (PHR), Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) is preferred.

8-10+ years' experience of progressive leadership in a college or large, complex organizations creating and leading talent management or strategic HR initiatives and programs.

Essential Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Ability to be a positive change agentwithinWPI's distinctive university culture.
Establish and maintain effective work relationships with students, faculty, staff, and external community.
Work as a strategic visionary, connecting best practice programs and initiatives to the university's mission and established goals
Provide administrative guidance within area of responsibility, providing consultation, direct training and supervision as needed.
Apply budgetary and fiscal planning techniques within financial constraints.
Conceptualize and prioritize objectives and exercise independent judgment to integrate resources, policies, and information to develop procedures, solutions, and other outcomes.
Ability to communicate effectively presenting to diverse audiences, in person, by phone and in writing.

The Executive Director works under minimal supervision and successful performance is based on the effective operation of the HR department as well as achievement of specified goals and objectives. The Executive Director's annual performance evaluation is conducted in accordance with the University Policies & Procedures.

Application Instructions
Interested persons are encouraged to apply immediately submitting cover letter and resume. All submissions will be carefully reviewed. Only those considered the best match with the position requirements will be contacted. Submit electronically to Patricia Duarte, Interim HR Director at pdduarte@wpi.edu

We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate against applicants due to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status or disability. We are looking for individuals who value creativity, diversity, inclusion, and collaboration.

A Pre-employment criminal records check is required