| Location | VA |
| Salary | $105,933–$135,000 Per Year |
Position Details
Position Information
Working Title Assistant Director, Human Resources Operations Position Number FA404 FLSA Exempt Appointment Type Full Time Sensitive Position No Sensitive Position Statement
A sensitive position requires a fingerprint-based criminal history check.
This is NOT a sensitive position.
Campus Security Authority Yes Campus Security Authority Statement
This position is designated as a Campus Security Authority. A Campus Security Authority (or CSA) is defined as an "official of the institution with significant responsibility for student and campus activities." A CSA is required to immediately report any crime that is reported to them to the University Police who will then review, evaluate, and investigate the reported crime. Annual training is required by the Department of Education for all personnel who have been designated as a Campus Security Authority.
Designated Personnel Yes Designated Personnel Statement
This position is a "designated position" meaning this position could potentially be required to work (depending on the event) during an emergency closing.
Statement of Economic Interest No Statement of Economic Interest Statement
This position does NOT require a Statement of Personal Economic Interest.
Restricted Position No Restricted Position Statement
A restricted position would be subject to availability of funding.
This is NOT a restricted position.
Chief Objective of Position
Reports to the Executive Director of Human Resources and serves as a key leader in the administration of the University's employee relations program. Provides strategic oversight of the University's recruitment and selection processes, ensuring compliance with applicable federal and state laws, regulations, and institutional policies governing faculty and staff searches. Oversees the collection, analysis, and submission of data required for federal and state reporting. Directly supervises the Recruitment Team and the Human Resources Business Partner - Employee Relations. Leads the selection, implementation, and ongoing administration of the University's Applicant Tracking System (ATS) and background check system and processes. Serves as the system administrator and primary subject matter expert, ensuring system integrity, optimizing functionality, and promoting effective utilization across the institution.
Work Tasks
Employee Relations:
Leads the University's employee relations program. This includes serving as an employee relations liaison with departments and enhancing the University's environment by establishing and promoting effective employee relations strategies through proactive means such as training programs, workshops, and individual meetings.
Analyzes problem situations and creatively works with employees and managers to find alternative methods of dispute resolution. Provides or coordinates mediations, as needed.
Serves as the contact for investigations. Interviews employees and managers, as needed, to ascertain the facts surrounding alleged issues in order to resolve employment problems. Provides advice, assistance, and counsel to employees and managers in the positive resolution of work-related problems, concerns, and grievances.
Leads the internal investigation process. Ensures accurate documentation and processes to ensure timely, consistent, and appropriate intervention. Responsible for preparing and maintaining employee relations files to include letters, department communications, and investigation notes. Tracks investigation progress through to completion. Serves as employee relations liaison for departments.
Collaborates with the department and supervisors regarding unsatisfactory probationary and annual reviews to ensure proper documentation has been provided and, when appropriate, training is scheduled to ensure the success of the employee.
Analyzes problem situations and creatively works with employees and managers to find alternative methods of dispute resolution. Provides or coordinates mediations, as needed.
Consults and works closely with the Director of Institutional Compliance/Title IX Coordinator on related issues, policies, and needs. Serves as the Title IX liaison.
Consults with the Executive Director of Human Resources as to related DHRM and Employee Dispute Resolution (EDR) policies, as well as performance planning and evaluation, and other issues, needs, and recommended actions. Serves as a consultant to faculty, staff, and supervisors on EDR and DHRM policies and procedures concerning employee relations, dispute resolution, performance planning and evaluation, and required reporting.
In collaboration with the Executive Director of Human Resources, represents the University in the Commonwealth's grievance process.
Ensures compliance with federal and state regulations, policies, and procedures for employee relations issues.
Reporting/ Data:
Serves as the lead on all VEC documentation and hearings. Is responsible for accurate and timely quarterly payments.
Is responsible for data collection and submission for annual EO, IPEDS, and various VA state and federal required reports.
Is responsible for the collection of monthly HR data to include recruitment, benefits, employee relations, and training and development.
Tracks employee relations issues to review ongoing trends and identifies opportunities for training. Monitors and tracks grievance activity to assure compliance with DHRM required data collection and reporting needs. Provides monthly data pertaining to employee relations and turnover.
Conducts employee exit surveys, tracks possible trends and attrition issues, and reports findings to the Executive Director on an ongoing basis.
Equal Opportunity Search Compliance:
Responsible for the review of recruitment and selection practices to ensure compliance in faculty and staff searches. Reviews job postings, recruitment strategies, and selection procedures to ensure compliance with equal opportunity and affirmative action policies. Monitors and assesses the university's hiring practices to identify and address potential biases or disparities. Conducts reviews of recruitment and hiring processes to ensure adherence to legal and institutional requirements. Offers guidance and support to departments and search committees on best practices for hiring.
Recruitment:
Provides leadership and oversight of the University's recruitment and selection processes, ensuring compliance with Virginia Department of Human Resource Management (DHRM) policies, federal laws and regulations, and University policies and procedures.
In collaboration with the Executive Director of Human Resources, establishes and maintains a budget for marketing plan as it pertains to recruitment. Leads the development, coordination, and execution of a comprehensive recruitment calendar in partnership with the recruitment team, ensuring recruitment is strategically planned, effectively communicated, and aligned with recruitment goals.
Serves as the primary point of contact for external workforce development programs, including DOD SkillBridge, and proactively identifies, develops, and maintains partnerships with community organizations and other external stakeholders to support recruitment and organizational goals.
Operations:
Hires, trains, supervises, evaluates, and recommends personnel actions for those individuals under direct and indirect supervision within the Human Resources Department.
Collects and analyzes relevant data to make recommendations to the Executive Director of Human Resources on strategic process improvements.
Serves as the designated representative for the Executive Director of Human Resources, assuming leadership of the Human Resources function and acting as the primary point of contact during the Executive Director's absence.
Ensures HR practices adhere to federal, state, and local employment laws (FLSA, FMLA, ADA, EEO, etc.)
Reviews HR policies and coordinates with the Executive Director of Human Resources to ensure they are updated based on regulatory changes and organizational needs.
Strategic Planning & Organizational Alignment:
As needed, serves as the project manager for projects within the Human Resource Department.
As needed, leads change-management efforts related to new systems and processes within the Human Resource Department.
Leads the selection, implementation, and ongoing administration of the University's Applicant Tracking System (ATS) and background check system and processes. Serves as the system administrator and primary subject matter expert, ensuring system integrity, optimizing functionality, and promoting effective utilization across the institution.
General Duties:
Serves as the primary contact for all federal and state reporting. In collaboration with the Executive Director of Human Resources, is responsible for ensuring data is accurate and submitted timely.
Working with the Executive Director of Human Resources, Public Information Officer, President, or VPs, coordinates fulfillment of public information requests in a timely manner.
Collaborates with the Executive Director to implement department goals and objectives and strategic planning.
Assists, as needed, with coordinating special events within the Human Resources Office.
This position is designated as a "responsible employee" who has the authority to redress sexual violence, who has the duty to report incidents of sexual violence or other student misconduct, or who a student could reasonably believe has this authority or duty.
Develops and maintains very positive and professional customer service and/or relations within the office/department and with all constituencies to include students, faculty, staff, guests, and employees.
Demonstrates a positive and professional attitude and treats everyone with dignity and respect.
Fully supports the "Student's First" value at CNU and routinely goes the extra mile in providing service.
Reviews and communicates safety issues to assure a safe and healthy workplace and a reduction in work related absence.
Partners with the Executive Director of Human Resources and senior leadership to align Human Resource practices with overall strategic plan- Strategic Compass.
Performs other duties as assigned.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities (KSA's) related to position
Required Education
Master's degree, or a bachelor's degree with significant experience that equates to an advanced degree.
Additional Consideration - Education
SHRM-SCP or SPHR certification.
Experience Required
Additional Consideration - Experience
Salary Information Salary $105,933 to $135,000, Commensurate with Education and Experience CNU Information
Christopher Newport University is anchored in excellence, and that is reflected in our ranking as the #1 regional public university in Virginia and #3 among regional public universities in the South. We are an inclusive and kind community, founded on our shared values of honor, scholarship, service, and leadership. We offer an outstanding liberal arts education provided by dedicated, gifted teacher-scholars who are supported by a compassionate team of faculty and staff. Our 4,500 undergraduate and graduate students pursue more than 90 areas of study, as they live and learn on a largely residential campus. CNU's on-campus performing and visual arts centers offer Broadway shows, world-class performances, engaging exhibitions, transformative lectures and classes, and more. Our athletics program is the winningest at any level in Virginia.
Christopher Newport University is in the heart of Newport News, a vibrant city with breathtaking scenery and unique experiences. The city and region offer affordable neighborhoods, local and name-brand shops, diverse dining options, local parks and water access, and fun recreational opportunities. Whatever your interests and goals, you belong at CNU! For further details and information about Christopher Newport, visit cnu.edu.
Is this position telework eligible? Yes Telework Eligibility Disclaimer
This position is eligible for periodic telework as determined by the department. Eligibility is not guaranteed, and is subject to supervisor approval. Eligibility will depend on the likelihood of the employee's success in a telework arrangement and the supervisor's ability to manage telework. Departments and/or Human Resources may modify or revoke eligibility at any time. Employees will be required to sign a Telework Agreement.
Posting Detail Information
Posting Number AP470P Number of Vacancies 1 Posting Date 08/14/2026 Review Begin Date Application Instructions
Interested parties are requested to submit a cover letter; current resume; and the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of at least three professional references at the time of application.
This position will be posted until filled, however review of applications will begin on 08/31/2026.
Search finalists are required to complete a CNU sponsored background check.
Christopher Newport University (CNU) will make a reasonable effort to accommodate persons with disabilities in the application and/or interview process. Persons with disabilities who require accommodation should contact the CNU Human Resources Office by calling (757) 594-7145.
Quick Link for Internal Postings https://jobs.cnu.edu/postings/21111 EEO/Diversity Statement(s)
Christopher Newport University, an EO Employer, is fully Committed to Access and Opportunity.
Notice of Non-Discrimination & Title IX Policy Statement
Supplemental Questions
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Applicant Documents
Required Documents
Optional Documents