Human Resources - Director of Employee Experience

About Sacred Heart University
As one of the nation’s largest Catholic universities and among the fastest-growing private doctoral institutions in the U.S., Sacred Heart University is a national leader in shaping higher education for the 21st century. SHU offers more than 100 undergraduate, graduate and doctoral programs on its Fairfield, Conn., campus. Sacred Heart also has a campus in Dingle, Ireland, and offers online programs. Nearly 10,000 students attend the University’s nine colleges and schools: College of Arts & Sciences; School of Communication, Media & the Arts; School of Social Work; School of Performing Arts; College of Health Professions; the Isabelle Farrington College of Education & Human Development; the Jack Welch College of Business & Technology; School of Computer Science & Engineering and the Dr. Susan L. Davis, R.N., & Richard J. Henley College of Nursing. Sacred Heart, a Laudato Si’ campus, stands out from other Catholic universities as it was established to be led by the laity. This contemporary Catholic university is rooted in the rich Catholic intellectual tradition and the liberal arts and, at the same time, cultivates students to be forward thinkers who enact change—in their own lives, professions and in their communities. The Princeton Review includes SHU in its Best 391 Colleges: 2026 Edition and Best Business Schools: 2025 Edition. Sacred Heart is home to the award-winning, NPR-affiliate station, WSHU Public Radio; a Division I athletics program and an impressive performing arts program that includes choir, band, dance and theatre. www.sacredheart.edu
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To apply

Qualified candidates are invited to submit a completed application and résumé through the University's online application system. Applications submitted outside of the official Careers at SHU website will not be considered. Applicants should not apply through third-party or external job sites, as such postings may be fraudulent or may misrepresent opportunities that are no longer available at the University. A cover letter or statement of interest is preferred for all staff positions.

Sacred Heart University complies with all federal and state employment laws and regulations. Applicants must be lawfully authorized to work for any employer in the United States. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa for this position.

Position Summary
The Director of Employee Experience is a strategic HR leader responsible for fostering a positive, inclusive, and high-performing workplace across the university. This role partners closely with department heads to guide employee relations initiatives, strengthen performance development practices, and enhance training and development and change management initiatives. The position plays a critical role in aligning strategies with institutional goals while ensuring fair, consistent, and compliant employment practices.
Principal Duties & Responsibilities

• Manage employee relations initiatives, including conflict resolution, investigations, and policy interpretation, ensuring equitable and consistent outcomes.
• Partner with department heads and university leadership to address employee concerns, support organizational effectiveness, and promote a positive work environment.
• Support Managers to enhance performance management processes, including coaching managers on feedback, development planning, and performance improvement strategies.
• Support training and development programs that build employee growth, and engagement.
• Provide guidance on complex employee situations, balancing institutional priorities with employee experience.
• Supervise and mentor the HR Business Partner, supporting their professional development and day-to-day work.
• Collaborate with department heads to drive initiatives related to employee engagement, and retention.
• Analyze trends and metrics to inform proactive employee relations strategies and continuous improvement efforts.
• Ensure compliance with applicable employment laws, university policies, and best practices.
• Contribute to broader HR and institutional initiatives as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities & Other Attributes

• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in employee relations/ human resources, with a strong focus on managing complex employee issues.
• Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education, certification, and relevant professional experience.
• Experience working in higher education or similarly complex, mission-driven organizations preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to build strong relationships and collaborate effectively across diverse teams and leadership levels.
• Strong knowledge of employment laws, employee relations practices, and conflict resolution techniques.
• Proven ability to coach and influence managers in performance management and employee development.
• Organizational design; change management expertise preferred
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills

Unusual Working Conditions
May be required to work occasional evening or weekend hours.

This job posting provides an overview of the role's general nature and expected tasks. It is not meant to be a comprehensive list of all duties performed. The university reserves the right to modify or reassign job responsibilities at any time. This posting description does not constitute an employment contract, either explicit or implied.

Sacred Heart University is a space that respects and embraces differences, recognizes the unique contributions that individuals can make, and creates a community that maximizes the potential of all faculty and staff. As an equal opportunity employer, we encourage applications from qualified candidates who reflect the wider world in which we live.