Operations and Human Resources Director

Human Resources Director University of West Los Angeles (UWLA) Location: Inglewood, CA Position Overview The University of West Los Angeles (UWLA) is seeking an experienced and strategic Human Resources Director to lead and oversee all aspects of the university's human resources operations. This role is responsible for developing and implementing HR policies, ensuring legal compliance, supporting leadership, and fostering a positive and high-performing workplace culture. The ideal candidate is a seasoned HR professional with strong leadership experience, deep knowledge of California employment law, and a background in higher education or similarly regulated environments. Key Responsibilities Strategic Leadership Maintain, develop, and implement HR strategies aligned with UWLA's mission and growth objectives Serve as a trusted advisor and partner to help guide the executive leadership in HR matters Sustain and build scalable HR systems and processes Takes ownership and is proactive to the HR needs of the institution Compliance & Risk Management Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws Oversee, maintain, and develop policies and employee handbooks Conduct and/or manage investigations and employee relations issues Talent Acquisition & Retention Oversee full-cycle recruitment (onboarding through separation) Develop and implement hiring strategies Implement onboarding and retention programs Employee Relations Provide guidance and take ownership of performance and discipline review process Foster a professional and inclusive culture Handle sensitive and privileged employee matters Compensation & Benefits Make recommendations for compensation structures and benefits Conduct salary benchmarking Oversee payroll coordination Performance Management & Development Implement and initiate the oversight of performance reviews Support employee growth and training HR Operations Oversee the management of HR systems and recordkeeping Ensure audit readiness and compliance Maintain confidentiality of records and communications University Operations: Collaborate with department heads to streamline and improve operational processes. Coordinate facility management and maintenance tasks. Support the planning and execution of university events and activities. Identify areas for process improvement and implement solutions as needed. Assist the University President on various tasks and projects. Qualifications Required Bachelor's degree in HR, Business, or related field 5+ years HR experience, including leadership Strong knowledge of California employment law Experience in employee relations and compliance Preferred Master's degree in HR, Business, or related field SHRM or PHR certification Experience in higher education or regulated environments Familiarity with immigration-related employment frameworks Experience in the Private For-Profit sector Familiarity with Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972 is a federal civil rights law (20 U.S.C. §1681-§1688) Key Competencies Strategic thinking Strong communication skills High discretion and professionalism Problem-solving and conflict resolution Compensation Competitive salary commensurate with experience, plus benefits including health, retirement, and paid time off. Why UWLA Join a mission-driven institution dedicated to student success and global impact. This is an opportunity to build and shape HR infrastructure at a growing university.