The Marine Biological Laboratory (MBL), North America’s oldest private marine laboratory, seeks a strategic Human Resources leader to serve as its next Director of Human Resources. Recognized as one of the great international centers for investigation and education in the life sciences, the MBL has for over 125 years drawn many of the world’s most accomplished biologists to Woods Hole for research and education programs that are renowned for their intellectual vitality and spirit of collaboration.

Once largely a feature of summers at the MBL, this convening power is now evident year-round. Well over 500 scientists and faculty are involved annually in our research and educational programs – some based at MBL full-time, some coming to the MBL for portions of the year, and some leading or lecturing in our broad range of research courses.

In 2013, the MBL opened a new chapter in its history by formally affiliating with the University of Chicago (UChicago). This relationship links the MBL to the scientific and administrative resources of UChicago and the UChicago-affiliated Argonne and Fermi National Laboratories.

Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, the Director of Human Resources (HR) will lead critical functions of the MBL’s HR strategic initiatives to support the organization’s overall mission. This role will partner with research and administrative teams to develop and deliver the most effective strategies to recruit, develop and retain an engaged workforce which is at the core of our world class scientific research organization.

Core Responsibilities:

• Talent Management – develop recruitment strategies and resource planning to attract, develop, and retain the level of talent required to meet organizational initiatives.
• Compensation – lead compensation management efforts to include participation in salary surveys, compensation philosophy and guidelines, annual reviews and all reward programs.
• Benefits – oversee all benefit-related relationships and programs, perform market evaluation to maintain competitive benefits offerings
• Diversity, Equity & Inclusion – support all DEI initiatives and lead the HR team in creating best practices supporting a diverse, equitable and inclusive culture
• Compliance – ensure that the organization complies with all applicable laws and regulations concerning fair employment practices, employee health and safety, employee relations, and other compliance related programs. Stay current with evolving government impact on organizational policies and practices and communicates all changes in regulations to the general employee community.
  Affirmative Action Plan, FMLA, MPFMA, Accommodation Requests, Worker’s Compensation
• Title IX Coordinator - coordinate the MBL’s efforts to comply with its obligations under Title IX and the Title IX regulations. The Title IX Coordinator is responsible for ensuring that the MBL conducts prompt and impartial investigations in accordance with Title IX and MBL policy. Responsibilities for Title IX reporting extend to all MBL employees and visitors.
• Collective Bargaining Agreement – support guide and train managers to help them maintain effective working relationships with our bargaining unit, serve as the MBL’s leader in contract negotiations, participates in the grievance process, administers the bargaining unit contract.
• Training and Development – design and execute a strategic vision and training program to meet the professional development needs of the organization. Trainings may include individual/team development, compliance training, etc.
• HRIS – oversee all Human Resources Information System activities and initiatives.
• Foreign National Coordination – oversee organization wide foreign national coordinating including serving as Responsible Office (RO) for SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System), partnering with immigration attorney for employment visas (J-1, H – IB) for employees and visitors.
• Provide advice to the Senior Leadership Team and managers and supervisors on all matters related to employment and human resources, participate in strategic and tactical management planning.
• Participate in MBL committees and task groups, taking a leadership role as requested or required. Plan and execute employee activities and recognition events.
• Direct all childcare related activities including but not limited to the planning of and oversight for summer camp for all MBL community members.
• Collaborate with Directors of Education and Research and their teams in the oversight and coordination of various programs to include (but not limited to): hiring and onboarding of all education temporary employees, oversight of Independent Contractor processes, involvement in and oversight of all student programs (high school, undergraduate, graduate, interns, volunteers) to ensure that onboarding and the general MBL experience is a positive one, assume Title IX Coordinator role for all MBL guests and visitors, lead all Visa management and reporting efforts for visitor population.
• Develop and maintain relationships with University of Chicago HR and Legal teams to collaboratively address MBL related issues.
• Professional Memberships – initiate and maintain memberships/involvement in key organizations for shared information and networking opportunities
• Serve as key MBL liaison with University of Chicago legal/HR teams as well as local outside counsel (legal, immigration).
• Effectively train and supervise team of HR professionals.
• Perform other duties as required and or assigned by the Chief Operating Officer (COO) and the Director of the MBL.

Critical Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources/Business or related field, Master’s degree in HR or Business preferred. SHRM-SCP, SHR-CP, SPHR, and/or PHR certification a plus.
• 10 – 15 years of progressively more responsible experience in senior level HR positions, preferably in multi-service organizations with over 200 employees, non-profit experience preferred.
• Successful track record in the areas of employee relations compensation and benefits, talent management, HRIS, DEI, and employee training and development.
• Strong knowledge of HR practices and procedures as well as state and federal legal compliance regulations and policies related to HR.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills.
• Impeccable judgment and superior critical thinking skills.
• Ability to establish relationships with internal (throughout the organization) and external partners and community members.
• Strong sense of collaboration, responsibility, accountability, and commitment to organizational goals.
• Ability to work as a trusted advisor to employees throughout the organization.
• Experience with collective bargaining units preferred.
• Proficiency with MS Office and HRIS software.