Director, Faculty and Academic Staff Affairs

Company: College of Charleston
Location: East Lansing
Posted on: September 17, 2023

Job Description:

Position Summary Unit Summary The Office of the Vice Provost and Associate Vice President for Faculty and Academic Staff Affairs (FASA) reports to the Provost. Faculty and Academic Staff Affairs has four primary roles in the oversight and support of faculty, academic staff and executive management at Michigan State University. This includes:

• To develop policies, resources, and processes relevant to academic careers and work. Maintaining faculty affairs and advising academic leaders and other constituencies on interpretation and application of university policies related to faculty and academic staff.
  • Provide leadership and consultation on complex employment situations for appointment processes for faculty and academic staff during the academic career lifecycle (to include but not limited to: recruiting, retention, academic labor bargaining and contracts, tenure and promotion policies; evaluation and promotion of non-tenure-system faculty and academic specialists, compensation and salary equity matters; and retirement processes)
    • Promote professional development, leadership development, and mentoring opportunities for faculty and academic staff. Collaborate with academic leadership on the improvement of organizational culture and address performance, conduct, and compliance issues (including Title IX-related issues) for faculty, academic staff, and executive management. Position Summary The Director of Faculty and Academic Staff serves as a member of the FASA team in support of the day-to-day functions of the FASA Office. The Director serves as leadership partnerwith unit leaders across the University, providing expert advice, exerting nuanced judgment, and proposing solutions in complex situations, in comportment with university policy and processes. The Director reportsto the Assistant Provost for FASA (Culture, Performance, Conduct andCompliance). Responsibilities
      • Provide expert advice, based on deep knowledge of the university policy and regulatory framework, to college, school, department, and unit leaderson how to strategically navigate academic human resource and employeerelations matters in alignment with MSU policies and organizational objectives.
      • Work with unit leaders under delegated authority from the Vice Provost and Assistant Provost to ensure adherence to University, state, and federalemployment laws and policies, collective bargaining agreements, Title IX,Clery and other compliance requirements.
      • Identify opportunities for improvement and coordinate closely within FASA to improve and sustain a positive working environment toensure the institution's commitment to a diverse, inclusive, and resilientworkforce where all employees feel valued for their contributions.
      • Coordinate closely with Assistant Provost leading organizational culture,performance, conduct and compliance to ensure and support leadershipaccountability in these areas.
      • Serve as FASA liaison and collaborate with MSU Human Resources, Office of theGeneral Counsel, Office of Vice President for Research and Innovation, Office ofInstitutional Equity, Office for Institutional Diversity and Inclusion, Office of Audit,Risk and Compliance, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, the FacultyGrievance Office, and other units on subject areas assigned, to provide and exchange information, and/or resolve issues.
      • Maintain required documentation regarding HR processes and decisions, includingkeeping timely compliance records
      • Support and collaborate with the Office for Faculty and Academic Staff Development onfaculty/academic staff success, advancement, and leadership programs.
      • Represent FASA on workgroups,taskforces, projects, and search committees as assigned.
      • Perform other related duties as required. Academic Labor Relations (note: this section may not be applicable to all Directors)
        • Lead or participate in contract negotiations as a member of the administration's academic collectivebargaining teams (to include but not limited to the Union forNon-tenure Track Faculty and Graduate Employees Union).
        • Lead and/or serve on labor/management committees administering the collective bargaining agreements representing the university's position.
        • Communicate with stakeholders (including central and college human resources offices, unionrepresentatives, managers, and employees) to resolve workplace issues governedby collective bargaining agreements, including conducting grievances and investigations; develop strategies for resolution and make recommendations andprovide guidance to senior university officials relating to academic employeerelations.
        • Provide strategic analysis of academic labor agreements and employmentpolicies at other institutions to inform labor negotiation strategy and/or policydevelopment. Compile, analyze data and create reports to support universitylabor strategy. Skills and behaviors that contribute to success and effectiveness of the role:
          • Demonstrated integrity, transparency, self-efficacy, and continuous learning
          • Demonstrated success in creating an environment focused on diversity, equity, inclusion, and mutual respect
          • Hands-on HR functional experience; balancing strategic thinking with tactical execution
          • Strong collaborative focus
          • Demonstrated knowledge of the implications of data related to the institution
          • Demonstrated experience in dealing with conflict and diffusing difficult situations
          • Ability to identify needs and provide creative problem-solving, including creating customized solutions
          • Proven ability to influence and work effectively across all levels in the organization
          • Continuous/process improvement experience and mindset
          • Strong communication, coaching and facilitation skills
          • Demonstrated change management skills Equal Employment Opportunity Statement All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status. Required Degree Masters Minimum Requirements
            • Master's degree in human resources or a related field and at least seven (7) years of experience in human resources, labor relations or a closely related field; OR a bachelor's degree and at least 15 years of experience in human resources or closely related field.
            • Experience in human resources functions, policies and procedures and applicable employment laws;
            • Demonstrated ability to convene and foster effective collaboration among individuals representing differing viewpoints, interests or positions; analytical and critical thinking skills;
            • Demonstrated decision-making and problem-solving skills. Desired Qualifications
              • Knowledge of academic culture, including the unique characteristics of a major research university.
              • Applicable work experience in higher education, including familiarity with employment policies and procedures, conflict resolution, and administrative experience or ability.
              • Strong knowledge of national and global HR issues within higher education. Required Application Materials All applications should include, as separate documents, a resume or CV and a letter of interest addressing the themes in the position announcement. Position is open until filled; however, for fullest consideration, candidate materials should be received by September 15, 2023. Review of Applications Begins On 09/15/2023 Remote Work Statement MSU strives to provide a flexible work environment and this position has been designated as remote-friendly. Remote-friendly means some or all of the duties can be performed remotely as mutually agreed upon. Website https://fasaffairs.msu.edu/ MSU Statement Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years. One of the top research universities in the world, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 200 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges.

Keywords: College of Charleston, East Lansing , Director, Faculty and Academic Staff Affairs, Executive , East Lansing, Michigan