Director of Human Resources
American University of Kuwait (AUK)
Kuwait
Ref: HP609-11 		American University of Kuwait (AUK)

The Role


The Role

Position Description:

The Director of Human Resource provides leadership for the development and implementation of programs that meet the human resource needs of the University. The primary responsibilities include compensation, benefit management, payroll, personnel policies and procedures, recruitment, employee skills and development program and advice and counsel to the University administration on human resource management and policies.

Duties and Responsibilities:

In consultation with the Executive Director of Finance and Administration, prepares and maintains the annual Human Resources Strategic Plan detailing the steps that must be taken during the year to achieve departmental goals. Manages implementation of the Strategic Plan and achievement of goals.

Executes and directs the overall university staff recruitment process, including but not limited to supervising the advertising for positions, identifying prospects, interviewing, and extending offers to candidates.

Implements personnel policies and practices; revises and maintains policies and procedures over time.

Advises AUK leaders on operations and policy.

Recruits and supervises local HR office staff.

Reports progress to the Executive Director of Finance and Administration.

General and Ongoing Duties and Responsibilities:

Provides strategic, proactive, and innovative leadership to the University on a full range of human resources functions.

Takes responsibility for planning, organizing, and implementing a comprehensive human resource program including employment and compensation, employee relations, human resources information management, training and development, benefits administration, workers' compensation, and payroll administration.

Serves as a catalyst for developing, implementing, and evaluating a complex system of comprehensive human resources policies, programs and processes for faculty, administration, professional and trades, and support staff within the University environment.

Formulates and recommends policies and procedures concerning human resource management.

Interprets and communicates human resources information to employees.

Provides support to the Executive Director of Finance and Administration in aligning long-range human resource initiatives with University goals and objectives.

Oversees administration and day-to-day management of all benefit programs.

Leads the design, implementation and evaluation of a comprehensive skill development program.

Ensures that the University is in compliance with all laws and government regulations relating to human resources issues and benefits.

Establishes and maintains confidential employee records; responds to authorized requests for information.

Conducts searches and screens applicants for non-academic staff positions; responds to inquiries regarding employment; maintains legally prescribed records.

Counsels employees in work-related disputes while ensuring that the interests of both the employee and the University are protected.

Ensures accurate and timely payment of wages/salaries to university employees.

Reviews report-monitoring activities, anticipates problems and ensures accurate recording of transactions to the financial system.

Authorizes or approves actions such as issuance of manually generated payroll related checks when necessary.

Analyzes and resolves complex problems involving payroll issues, payroll staff and University employees.

Collaborates with the Executive Director of Finance and Administration, other Directors and AUK officials to achieve the objectives of the University.

Requirements


Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Human Resource Management, or closely related field.

Six years professional experience in Human Resources, preferably in higher education, and five years supervisory experience including the supervision of professional staff.

Experience in building human resources or similar functions into strategic units in large and complex organizations.

Ability to establish and maintain standards of performance.

Knowledge of all Human Resources functions including employment practices, employment and workplace laws, compensation, benefits, employee relations, policy development, payroll, and performance appraisal.

Knowledge of performance management, quality improvement, change management, strategic planning, organization assessment, and leadership.

A results- and goal-oriented focus, with the stability, persistence, and patience necessary to work effectively with a variety of internal and external constituents.

Demonstrated commitment to providing customer service, energetic and innovative personality, excellent human relations and communication skills, sensitivity to respond appropriately to the needs of faculty and staff.

Demonstrated analytical aptitude, problem-solving skills, and excellent judgment.

Knowledge of Kuwaiti labor law would be desirable.

SHRM is a plus and highly desirable.

The ability to speak and write fluently in English.

About the Company


About the Company

The American University of Kuwait (AUK) is an independent, private, equal opportunity, and co-educational liberal arts institution of higher education. The educational, cultural, and administrative structure, methods and standards of AUK are based on the American model of higher learning. The language of instruction is English.

Established by Amiri Decree 139 in 2003, AUK was accredited in 2006 and re-accredited in 2008, by the Council for Private Universities, Ministry of Higher Education - State of Kuwait.

AUK offers students a quality education based on an American college model. The faculty, administration, and staff work hard to create a caring environment where every aspect of student's development gets attention and support. The course of study is designed to prepare students for the contemporary world where critical thinking, communication skills, and life-long learning have become imperative. The Liberal Arts education fulfills student's educational goals and requires rigorous effort in the Major discipline (field of study); it also brings the rewards of a broad general education useful in their future career, whatever field they choose.

This Position is closed or expired