Executive Director, People Strategy & Partnerships

Special Instructions to Applicants

Priority consideration will be given to active UCLA employees or UCLA preferential rehires. External applicants may be considered if the applicant pool is not sufficient.

This position REQUIRES that a RESUME and COVER LETTER be submitted in addition to the UCLA Application. Please have ALL FILES ready when applying.

Department Summary

Campus Human Resources (CHR) provides a full range of human resource management services through its various Centers of Excellence, including Benefits, Compensation and Classification, Employee and Labor Relations, HR and Payroll Operations, Learning and Organizational Development, Staff and Faculty Counseling, and Talent Acquisition and Workforce Planning. CHR also leads and supports campus-wide human resources strategies, programs, initiatives, and special projects designed to strengthen UCLA’s workforce and advance the University’s mission.The People Strategy and Partnership function strengthens the connection between CHR expertise and the college, schools, departments, and administrative units it serves by providing integrated strategic HR partnership, portfolio leadership, organizational guidance, and accountability. The function is designed to promote greater consistency, clarity, efficiency, responsiveness, and shared accountability across the UCLA Campus HR environment. Position Summary

Reporting to the Vice Chancellor and Chief People Officer, the Executive Director, People Strategy & Partnerships provides executive leadership and strategic direction to advance HR transformation and service delivery across UCLA. As a key member of the Campus Human Resources (CHR) leadership team, the Executive Director oversees the newly established People Strategy & Partnerships unit, leading a complex portfolio of HR services and strengthening partnerships with campus colleges, schools, departments, and administrative units. The role focuses on enhancing operational efficiency, consistency, compliance, accountability, and organizational effectiveness while providing strategic guidance on complex workforce challenges. Working collaboratively with CHR Centers of Excellence and campus leadership, the Executive Director drives continuous improvement, optimizes resources, and ensures HR strategies and services align with institutional priorities.

UCLA seeks a proactive, collaborative, and forward-thinking leader who thrives in a dynamic environment and brings strong strategic judgment, relationship-building skills, and a commitment to operational excellence. The ideal candidate will demonstrate the ability to navigate complex organizational challenges, build trusted partnerships, lead transformational initiatives, and translate strategic priorities into practical, sustainable solutions. This is an exciting opportunity to shape a more integrated, responsive, and strategically aligned HR service delivery model that empowers campus leaders, strengthens organizational effectiveness, and advances UCLA's mission of teaching, research, and public service.

Salary & Compensation

*UCLA provides a full pay range. Actual salary offers consider factors, including budget, prior experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business considerations. Salary offers at the top of the range are not common. Visit UC Benefit package to discover benefits that start on day one, and UC Total Compensation Estimator to calculate the total compensation value with benefits. Qualifications

Experience in higher education and/or the public sector human resources field. (Required)

8-10 Years Of progressive Human Resources management in a larger organization. (Required)

Experience with UC systemwide personnel policies and applicable laws and regulations (Preferred)

Experience managing HR consultation and operations across multiple clients in complex, decentralized environments. (Required)

Strong leadership and management skills with the ability to motivate, coach, and evaluate staff. (Required)

Expertise in strategic planning, performance measurement, and continuous improvement initiatives. (Required)

Knowledge of process improvement methodologies (e.g., Six Sigma) to enhance quality and efficiency. (Required)

Ability to balance customer service with compliance while developing creative, constraint-aware solutions. (Required)

High level of political acumen and interpersonal skills to build relationships with and influence diverse stakeholders. (Required)

Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including translating complex information for varied audiences. Demonstrated ability to handle extremely difficult or volatile situations/individuals effectively. (Required)

Team-building skills with the ability to collaborate, provide feedback, and foster a supportive work environment. (Required)

Knowledge of HR, payroll, and financial systems, and ability to leverage technology for operational effectiveness. (Required)

Analytical and strategic thinking skills, with attention to detail and ability to solve complex problems. (Required)

Knowledge of employment laws, policies, and labor agreements, with discretion in handling confidential information. (Required)

Ability to develop budget plans and administer financial resources, exercising care and fiscal responsibility. (Required)

Education, Licenses, Certifications & Personal Affiliations

Bachelor's Degree in a related area and/or equivalent combination of education and experience/training. (Required)

Master's Degree in human resource management, business administration, or a related discipline. (Preferred)

CCP, SPHR, or SHRM-SCP certification (Preferred)

Special Conditions for Employment

Background Check: Continued employment is contingent upon the completion of a satisfactory background investigation.

Live Scan Background Check: A Live Scan background check must be completed prior to the start of employment.

Schedule

8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Union/Policy Covered

99-Policy Covered Complete Position Description

https://universityofcalifornia.marketpayjobs.com/ShowJob.aspx?EntityID=38&JDName=Human%20Resources%20Manager%203%20(41273838)

Reporting to the Vice Chancellor and Chief People Officer, the Executive Director, People Strategy & Partnerships provides executive leadership and strategic direction to advance HR transformation and service delivery across UCLA. As a key member of the Campus Human Resources (CHR) leadership team, the Executive Director oversees the newly established People Strategy & Partnerships unit, leading a complex portfolio of HR services and strengthening partnerships with campus colleges, schools, departments, and administrative units. The role focuses on enhancing operational efficiency, consistency, compliance, accountability, and organizational effectiveness while providing strategic guidance on complex workforce challenges. Working collaboratively with CHR Centers of Excellence and campus leadership, the Executive Director drives continuous improvement, optimizes resources, and ensures HR strategies and services align with institutional priorities.

UCLA seeks a proactive, collaborative, and forward-thinking leader who thrives in a dynamic environment and brings strong strategic judgment, relationship-building skills, and a commitment to operational excellence. The ideal candidate will demonstrate the ability to navigate complex organizational challenges, build trusted partnerships, lead transformational initiatives, and translate strategic priorities into practical, sustainable solutions. This is an exciting opportunity to shape a more integrated, responsive, and strategically aligned HR service delivery model that empowers campus leaders, strengthens organizational effectiveness, and advances UCLA's mission of teaching, research, and public service.

Experience in higher education and/or the public sector human resources field. (Required)

8-10 Years Of progressive Human Resources management in a larger organization. (Required)

Experience with UC systemwide personnel policies and applicable laws and regulations (Preferred)

Experience managing HR consultation and operations across multiple clients in complex, decentralized environments. (Required)

Strong leadership and management skills with the ability to motivate, coach, and evaluate staff. (Required)

Expertise in strategic planning, performance measurement, and continuous improvement initiatives. (Required)

Knowledge of process improvement methodologies (e.g., Six Sigma) to enhance quality and efficiency. (Required)

Ability to balance customer service with compliance while developing creative, constraint-aware solutions. (Required)

High level of political acumen and interpersonal skills to build relationships with and influence diverse stakeholders. (Required)

Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including translating complex information for varied audiences. Demonstrated ability to handle extremely difficult or volatile situations/individuals effectively. (Required)

Team-building skills with the ability to collaborate, provide feedback, and foster a supportive work environment. (Required)

Knowledge of HR, payroll, and financial systems, and ability to leverage technology for operational effectiveness. (Required)

Analytical and strategic thinking skills, with attention to detail and ability to solve complex problems. (Required)

Knowledge of employment laws, policies, and labor agreements, with discretion in handling confidential information. (Required)

Ability to develop budget plans and administer financial resources, exercising care and fiscal responsibility. (Required)