Senior Human Resources Director – College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

Cornell University embraces diversity and seeks candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty and staff of all identities and backgrounds. We strongly encourage individuals from underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply.

As part of the university's comprehensive vaccination program , all Cornell employees are required to have and provide proof of an FDA-or WHO-authorized or approved COVID-19 vaccine or have obtained a university-approved disability/medical or religious exemption, regardless of their role and work location.

New hires are required to provide documentation showing full vaccination status (that is, completion of two shots of the Moderna or Pfizer vaccine or one shot of the Janssen/Johnson & Johnson) before their first day of work. If a new hire's vaccination is not complete or information is not received by their start date, the first day of work will be delayed. It is possible in some cases that an offer of employment may be withdrawn.

For additional information on Cornell’s Vaccination Compliance Program click here.

About Cornell College of Agriculture & Life Sciences (CALS)

The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) is a pioneer of purpose-driven science and Cornell University’s second largest college. We work across disciplines to tackle the challenges of our time through world-renowned research, education, and outreach. The questions we probe and the answers we seek focus on three overlapping concerns: 1) We believe that achieving next-generation scientific breakthroughs requires an understanding of the world’s complex, interlocking systems. 2) We believe that access to nutritious food and a healthy environment is a fundamental human right.  3) We believe that ensuring a prosperous global future depends on the ability to support local people and communities everywhere.  By working in and across multiple scientific areas, CALS can address challenges and opportunities of the greatest relevance, here in New York, across the nation, and around the world.

What You Will Do:

As a dual report to the Vice President of Human Resources and the Associate Dean of Finance and Administration, lead the human resource function for the college, a community of over 2,000 faculty, academic, staff and union employees. Design and implement human resources programs, policies, practices and procedures to ensure the recruitment, development and retention of a highly qualified, diverse, and effective workforce in CALS, including the Geneva AgriTech Campus and Cornell Cooperative Extension. Serve as a member of the college's management group and the University's Human Resources (HR) Council.

In this role you will:

• Coach, advise and consult with college leadership on complex HR issues, and lead the planning, development, and implementation of strategic HR initiatives.
• Advise and provide consultation to college leadership, faculty, supervisors and employees on HR policies and procedures and follow through to ensure compliance.
• Oversee talent management, recruitment & professional development.
• Lead employee relations and engagement.
• Solve complex customer needs through your collaboration with Central Human Resources Offices that deliver extensive expertise in Organization design and development; Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion; Compensation and Workforce Analytics; Labor Relations; Recruitment and Employment.

What You Will Bring:

We seek candidates who hold a bachelor’s degree and have a minimum of seven years of demonstrated experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience in the following areas:

• Strategic direction to influence leadership.
• Guidance and direction in recruitment, hiring and professional development.
• Employee relations and employee engagement/climate program management.
• Organization design and development.
• Supervisory experience to lead a highly skilled and motivated team of thirteen HR professionals.

Candidates who meet preferred qualifications including an advanced degree, extensive experience in Higher Education Human Resources Leadership and international human resources may be considered for an enhanced working title of Assistant Dean of Human Resources.

Rewards and Benefits:

• Salary is based upon experience/qualifications and is within the following range:  $150,000 to $175,000.
• This position is located in Ithaca, New York and will offer a hybrid remote work schedule.
• Comprehensive health care options, generous retirement contributions, access to wellness programs, and employee discounts with local and national retail brands and more.
• Our leave provisions include three weeks of vacation and 13 holidays: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and the day after, and an end of the year winter break from December 25-January 1.
• Impressive educational benefits include tuition-free Extramural Study and Employee Degree Program, tuition aid for external education, and Cornell Children's Tuition Assistance Program.
• You can also view additional information regarding job competencies, staff skills for success and pay ranges. Actual compensation offer will be based on available budget and the finalist’s skills and experience.

No Visa Sponsorship is available for this position.

Relocation assistance is available.

Background check may be required.

Notice to Applicants:

Please read the required Notice to Applicants statement by clicking here. This notice contains important information about applying for a position at Cornell as well as some of your rights and responsibilities as an applicant.

EEO Statement:

Diversity and Inclusion are a part of Cornell University’s heritage. We are a recognized employer and educator valuing AA/EEO, Protected Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations. Cornell University is an innovative Ivy League university and a great place to work. Our inclusive community of scholars, students, and staff impart an uncommon sense of larger purpose, and contribute creative ideas to further the university's mission of teaching, discovery, and engagement.

To apply, please submit a resume/CV and cover letter in either Microsoft Word or PDF format, preferably as one document, here.