Job Details
Senior Director, Human Resources

Senior Director, Human Resources
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. Don't miss this opportunity to create a lasting and rewarding career as a leader at Merced College.
Interview dates are tentatively scheduled for December 9th and 10th
Merced College is more than a community college - we are 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. Committed to the well-being, growth, and professional success of our team, we foster 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.
Merced College Mission
At Merced College, students are our focus, and we are known by their success. We transform lives through education and workforce development.
Merced College 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.
Examples of Duties
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; ensure programs are in accordance with applicable laws, codes, policies, procedures and best practice
- 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, Equal Employment Opportunity (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), and other related laws and regulations
- 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 in order to ensure compliance with applicable 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 are in compliance 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, and 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 the 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 employer/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 the provisions of SB 160 and the requirements of the Public Employment Relations Board
- Proper English grammar, usage, spelling, and punctuation
Ability to:
- Demonstrate sensitivity to, and understanding of, the diverse academic, socio-economic, cultural, ethnic, and disability backgrounds of community college students
- Serve as the Chief Human Resources Officer during the absence of the Vice President or as assigned on a temporary/as needed basis
- Meet time constraints in the rendering of advice and reports
- Plan, organize, and direct the activities and operations of the Human Resources operations
- Coordinate and supervise information management systems for Human Resources
- Interpret and apply rules and regulations relating to the operation of a personnel program under the 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 both 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 the work of others
- Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others
- Exercise initiative and independent judgment
- Manage confidential matters with tact and diplomacy
- Work various hours including evenings and/or weekends
- Operate a computer and assigned software
- Analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action
- Plan, schedule, and organize workload and projects, ensuring timelines are met
Typical Qualifications
Required:
- Master's degree from an acceptable accredited institution in human resources management, business administration, public administration, organizational management, educational management or related field
- The equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Demonstrated sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, and ethnic backgrounds of community college students
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 DEMAND AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT
The conditions herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individual with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.
Environment:
- Work is performed primarily in an office environment with some travel to different sites; incumbents may be required to 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, stoop, kneel, crawl, push, and pull
- Reach in all directions
- Work at a desk, conference table or in meetings of various configurations
- Operate office equipment requiring repetitive hand movement and fine coordination including use of a computer keyboard
Vision:
- See in the normal visual range with or without correction
Hearing:
- Hear in the normal audio range with or without correction
Supplemental Information
How to Apply:
- Submit a complete application by the closing date/time on the Merced College career pages athttps://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/mccd
- Letter of interest addressing your qualifications for the position (cover letter)
- Resume
- List of three professional references (no reference letters permitted)
- Legible, unofficial college transcripts (undergraduate and graduate); transcripts must include the degree major and date the institution granted the degree; official copies are not required unless applicant is hired
- Diversity Statement: The Merced College District has a diverse staff and student population. As such, applicants must demonstrate sensitivity to the needs of a diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability and ethnic backgrounds of community college students and the community at large. Please describe your leadership efforts and professional experience promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in a work setting. Please do not include any personally identifying information. Limit your response to one (1) page.
- If applicable, foreign transcripts must include a U.S. evaluation and translation completed by an approved organization.
- If applicable, Equivalency Review Form (Required for applicants who do not possess the stated minimum educational qualifications and are seeking consideration on the basis of equivalency) https://www.mccd.edu/about-merced-college/divisions/human-resources/equivalency/
Interview Information:
Applicants deemed highly qualified for the 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:
Employee Benefits: Health benefits for the employee and all their eligible dependents cost employee's only $12 per 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:
The selected candidate must be fingerprinted and tested for tuberculosis at his/her own expense prior to the start of employment. In compliance with the Immigration Reform Act of 1986, all new employees are required to verify their identity and the right to work in the United States. All offers of employment are subject to approval by the Board of Trustees. The applicant must be able to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodations.
Individuals with disabilities may request any needed accommodation to participate in the application process. Please submit your request with your application to the Human Resources Office.
Merced Community College District is an Equal Opportunity Employer
To apply, visit https://www.schooljobs.com/careers/mccd/jobs/5122979/senior-director-human-resources
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