HR Director Jobs in Kentucky

SUMMARY

The Director of Human Resources provides overall leadership, expertise and guidance to the Office of Human Resources and campus leadership in the areas of organizational design and development, employee relations, staff wage and salary administration, staff recruiting, benefits management, training and development, human resources information systems, reviewing and developing human resources policies. The Director serves as a strategic partner to campus leaders, by providing consistent direction on human resources matters, and assists the Vice President for Finance and Administrative Services (VPFAS) in any needed area.

• Provides proactive leadership in planning and managing all areas of human resources, with emphasis in benefits, employee relations, and staff salary administration.
• Ensures compliance, in conjunction with University Counsel, with all applicable state and federal regulations.
• Ensures compliance for human resources area for Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
• Analyzes campus-wide personnel issues and advises VPFAS.
• Interprets and implements University policies and procedures on a daily basis.
• Maintain the University’s faculty and staff compensation program, including providing oversight and guidance for compensation policy and procedures.
• Maintains consistent university-wide employee position descriptions.
• Supervises staff development/training and employee assistance programs.
• Administers employee evaluation systems for exempt and non-exempt staff.
• Administers employment related grievances and termination appeals for staff.
• Manages unemployment insurance claims filed with the state of Kentucky for former Murray State faculty and staff.
• Administers employee benefits for all faculty and staff, including health, life, and disability insurance; tax-saver program (IRS Section 125 plans); Workers’ Compensation program; state retirement programs (Teachers’ Retirement System, Kentucky Employees’ Retirement System and the Optional Retirement Plan); and tax-sheltered annuity programs.
• Manages human resources departmental budget, including managing the University’s self-funded health care plan budget of approximately $16M.
• Manages human resources information systems, including personnel/payroll system, departmental general ledger accounting system, COBRA automated system, and various software packages used in human resource management.
• Provides leadership and assists in the development of Human Resources staff.
• Administers, updates and develops human resources policies.
• Serves in advisory role for VPFAS as needed for administrative projects.
• Assists VPFAS in areas of communication with the University community.
• Other duties as assigned by the VPFAS.

MINIMUM EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution required, in a field related to human resources.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND SKILL REQUIREMENTS

• Candidates must have ten (10) years’ of progressively responsible experience in human resources, with at least five (5) years’ in a leadership level role, and at least five (5) years’ experience within a state higher education institution.
• A broad understanding of human resources issues and the dynamics of a large, complex organization, knowledge of computer applications specifically with an enterprise resource planning system, demonstrated ability to present clear and concise reports orally and in writing, and demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates, administrative officials, and others concerned with personnel matters and administration required.
• Strong leadership skills, sensitivity to the concerns of University employees and represents their interests, be energetic and self-motivated, show enthusiasm for and commitment to the role of higher education, have the ability to build trust and respect, and possess strong interpersonal skills.
• An ability to foster innovation while leading through organizational change.

PREFERRED EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE QUALIFICATIONS

• National professional Human Resources certification is preferred.
• Experience with employer sponsored benefits, such as retirement, health insurance and related contracts preferred.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS WORK HOURS HOURLY RATE/ANNUAL SALARY STAFF GRADE 123

POSTING DETAILS

Posting Date 06/22/2026

Closing Date

Open Until Filled Yes

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLICANTS

Greenwood Asher & Associates (GA&A) is assisting Murray State University in this search. Applications and nominations are now being accepted.

How to Apply:

Please submit application materials through the GA&A candidate portal. Application materials should include:

• A letter of interest that clearly states the applicant’s qualifications for the position.
• A current resume/curriculum vitae.

Submission of application materials as PDF attachments is strongly encouraged.

The search will be conducted with a commitment to confidentiality for candidates until finalists are selected. Initial screening of applications will begin immediately and will continue until an appointment is made.

Inquiries and nominations should be directed to:
Jeremy Duff
Vice President of Executive Search
jeremyduff@greenwoodsearch.com

Shelley Feather

Senior Executive Search Consultant

shelleyfeather@greenwoodsearch.com