Institute for Medical Research at the Durham VA Health Care System

Human Resources Director

The Institute for Medical Research (IMR), an affiliate of the Durham VA Health Care System (DVAHCS), is looking for a full-time Human Resources Director to provide overall strategic HR (Human Resources) leadership to Investigators, IMR (Institute for Medical Research) and employees, as needed, to manage and direct all HR tasks for the benefit of all parties. This position requires a high degree of organization, accuracy, confidentiality, and integrity in the interaction with Investigators, study staff, and others.

Location:  This position is in-office. This position is located in Durham, North Carolina and candidates must be willing to relocate prior to start date.

Duties and Responsibilities:

The primary job duties of the Human Resources Director position include, but may not be limited to:

• Assists in the development and implementation of human resources polices, programs and services, including, but not limited to, recruitment, selection, retention, legal compliance, employee benefits, compensation, employee relations, payroll, performance management, employment practices and procedures and employee communications.
• Advises Management team to ensure compliance with all federal state and local laws related to employee benefits, compensation, employment, and training. Remains current with changes in human resources and employment law.
• Along with Management, develops and maintains a human resources information system that meets personnel information needs.
• In tandem with Chief Financial Officer, oversees all employee benefit programs including medical, dental, life and disability insurance, 403(b) plans, leave programs, unemployment compensation, contracts with third party administrators, employee benefit audits, workers’ compensation insurance and COBRA, etc.
• Oversees the 5500 for the 403(b) and provides information as needed.
• Directs and oversees personnel record keeping related to new hires, employee reviews, promotions, transfers, separations and exit interviews.
• Directs and oversees classification programs and performance appraisal programs, which includes evaluating and classifying positions and job descriptions.
• Directs and oversees compensation of employees to ensure pay and benefits are appropriate to attract, recruit, and retain high caliber individuals to perform the organization’s mission.
• Consults with legal counsel as appropriate, and/or as directed by the Executive Director/CEO or Board on employment personnel matters.
• Counsels senior Management and Principal Investigators in the resolution of complex HR, employee relations, including promotions, terminations and other organizational development matters.
• Assists Principal Investigators with hiring questions, paperwork, WOC (Without Compensation) processing and all items related to bringing on new staff.
• Provides assistance to the Executive Director/CEO and other administrative staff, as needed.

Required Competencies

Meeting Basic Work Expectations: 

• Complies with basic job requirements and tasks, begin work on time as scheduled, arrives promptly to meetings, and proactively informs others when problems are encountered that may limit ability to meet job expectations.

Accepting Responsibility:

• Takes accountability for delivering on commitments; owns mistakes and uses them as opportunities for learning and development.

Managing Time: 

• Accurately estimates time required to complete actions and job assignments, adheres to a schedule and timetables and is sensitive to the use of other people’s time.

Supporting Co-Workers:

• Assist staff with questions as they arise. Contributes to team performance by providing encouragement and support.  Helps others overcome obstacles to successfully accomplish goals.

Managing Stress: 

• Uses healthy and effective methods to manage stress and reacts effectively when faced with high pressure situations.

Supporting Company Goals and Procedures:

• Actively supports IMR’s goals and values; gives priority to organizational needs and concerns when making decisions, understands and follows IMR’s policies and procedures. Encourages others to follow work rules and calls attention to actions that may violate IMR’s policies and procedures.

Solving Complex Problems: 

• Effective at thinking through complex problems and able to read, analyze, define problems, collect data, and draw valid conclusions. Uses traditional and innovative approaches to identify effective solutions and seeks to accept and build off the ideas of others for solutions that may not have been previously considered.

Attentive Listening and Communications: 

• Uses active listening techniques to avoid distractions and shows an interest in what the speaker has to say; is open to other viewpoints and clarifies points of contention; demonstrates patience while listening to others and does not interrupt, and proactively provides appropriate and timely communications to Management.

Serving Principal Investigators and other staff: 

• Has excellent knowledge of IMR’s services and provides necessary support and follow-up to Investigators, VA (Veterans Affairs) and Duke staff and other parties as needed.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree and 5 years of progressively responsible Human Resources experience.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects and priorities.
• Skilled in efficiently working under pressure with changing deadlines and be able to multi-task within a fast-paced environment.
• Able to read, analyze, define problems, collect data, and draw valid conclusions.
• Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills; must be proactive and flexible.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills and able to communicate with all parties in a professional manner.
• Able to exercise independent judgement and professional discretion when handling confidential information.
• Proficient in computer software programs including Work, Excel and Outlook, among other
• Ability to learn and use fund accounting via Sage/Intaact accounting software.
• Ability to devise solutions to complex challenges and facilitate resolution.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to clearly communicate orally and in writing.
• Outstanding planning, prioritizing and organizational skills.
• Eligible to work in the United States.

Physical Requirements: The physical requirements and activities that are required to perform the essential functions of the position include, but may not be limited to, as follows:  Must be able to occasionally lift, pull and push a minimum of 25 pounds, stand for extended periods of time, sit for extended periods of time, squat, kneel, and stoop, regularly use fingers, hands for computer work.

Supervisory Controls: The position of Human Resources Director is under the direct supervisor of the Executive Director/CEO.

The prior statements describe the general nature and level of work being performed. This is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties required. Employees may be directed to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.

Salary Range: $85,000 - $110,000 per year

Status:  Exempt

Start Date:  Expected start date will be 4- 6 weeks after the offer but is somewhat flexible and contingent upon completion and approval of VA paperwork.

Employee Benefits: IMR offers a competitive benefits package which includes health, dental, vision, short- and long-term disability insurance. IMR offers a matching 403b retirement savings plan, and paid holiday, vacation, and sick leave. Please visit https://imr.org/benefits/ for information about employee benefits.

All IMR employees are required to obtain a Workers Without Compensation (WOC) appointment at the Durham VA Health Care System (DVAHCS).  As a result, the successful candidate must undergo a federal background check and may be subject to a physical and drug test. Participation in the vaccination programs may be required for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Workers Without Compensation (WOC) appointments. We will not sponsor applicants for work visas.  

Equal Opportunity Employer, including disabled persons and Veterans.

Click here to apply to this position and others directly on the Institute for Medical Research Careers Page!