Director of Human Resources Operations

Director of Human Resources Operations

Salary

$73,600.00 - $98,300.00 Annually

Location

800 Mickelson Dr, Rapid City, SD

Job Type

Full-Time

Job Number

2026-23

Department

Human Resources

Opening Date

07/17/2026

Closing Date

7/31/2026 11:00 PM Mountain

• Description
• Benefits

Position Description

Under the direction of the Dean of People and Culture, the Director of People Operations is responsible for the effective administration of human resources programs, services, and systems that support employees throughout the employment lifecycle. This position oversees recruitment, onboarding, employee records, benefits administration, performance management processes, policy administration, credentialing, and compliance activities. The Director ensures compliance with applicable laws, regulations, accreditation requirements, and institutional policies while providing responsive, professional, and solution-focused support to employees and supervisors.

Position Essential Duties

• Administer and continuously improve human resources processes and programs, including recruitment, onboarding, employee records, benefits administration, performance management, and separation processes.
• Coordinate and oversee recruitment, interviewing, selection, and hiring processes to attract and retain qualified employees.
• Ensure compliance with federal and state employment laws, accreditation requirements, and institutional policies and procedures.
• Maintain oversight of employee records, HR systems, credentialing documentation, background checks, and personnel files.
• Serve as the primary administrator of HR information systems and employee data, ensuring accuracy, confidentiality, and data integrity.
• Advise supervisors on the consistent application of HR policies, performance management practices, employee relations matters, corrective action procedures, and grievance matters.
• Conduct and coordinate workplace investigations in accordance with college policy and applicable laws while maintaining confidentiality, fairness, and thorough documentation.
• Build and maintain positive working relationships across the college while serving as a trusted resource for employees and supervisors regarding workplace concerns, policies, and employment practices.
• Develop, review, and recommend updates to HR policies, procedures, position descriptions, employee handbooks, and related documentation.
• Provide timely, accurate, and professional communication to employees and supervisors regarding HR policies, procedures, benefits, employment actions, and organizational requirements.
• Develop, coordinate, and continuously improve onboarding processes that provide all employee groups with a consistent, welcoming, and compliant introduction to the College, its culture, and employment expectations.
• Support compensation and classification processes, including position reviews, market analyses, and pay administration activities.
• Prepare, maintain, and submit required federal, state, accreditation, and institutional reports.
• Coordinate and support supervisor training related to HR policies, employment practices, performance management, compliance, and other operational human resources topics.
• Coordinate employee benefits administration and serve as a liaison with benefit providers and internal stakeholders.
• Chair and participate in institutional committees, providing leadership and human resources expertise to support employee engagement, compensation, wellness, policy development, and other strategic organizational initiatives.
• Recommend operational improvements that increase efficiency, consistency, compliance, and customer service within HR operations.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources Management preferred
• Minimum of 4-6 years' experience in a progressively responsible Human Resources position
• Higher Education experience preferred
• SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP preferred
• Knowledge of employment laws and other government compliance regulations
• Knowledge of OSHA and Workers' Compensation regulations and applications
• Experience with HRMS/HRIS systems
• Microsoft Office proficiency including Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of federal and state employment laws, regulations, and HR best practices.
• Knowledge of recruitment, onboarding, benefits administration, performance management, and employee records administration.
• Ability to interpret and apply policies, procedures, laws, and regulations consistently and fairly.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment when handling sensitive information.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong customer service orientation and ability to build positive working relationships.
• Exceptional written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to facilitate professional and productive conversations regarding workplace concerns and employee relations matters.
• Experience preparing reports, analyzing data, and maintaining accurate records.
• Proficiency with HRIS systems, applicant tracking systems, Microsoft Office applications, and database management tools.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to build trust and credibility with employees, supervisors, and leadership through professionalism, consistency, responsiveness, and sound judgment.
• Utilize AI-enabled tools, when appropriate, to support and enhance daily HR functions.

EOE/Statement of Non-Discrimination/Annual Security Report

WDTC subscribes to the fullest extent to the principle of the dignity of all people and their labors and will take action to ensure that applicants are employed, assigned, and promoted without regard to race, color, ancestry, national origin, pregnancy, marital status, religion, creed, age, sex, sexual orientation, genetic information, citizenship, political affiliation, disability, status as a veteran, or any other status protected under applicable federal, state or local law. Every available opportunity will be taken in order to assure that each applicant for a position is selected on the basis of qualifications, merit, and ability. Inquiries may be directed to the Director of Human Resources at 605-718-2407. (07.2025)

ANNUAL SECURITY REPORT/CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS:

The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act requires that the college's Annual Security Report which includes crime statistics be made available to prospective employees and prospective students upon request. Western Dakota Tech's Annual Security Report includes statistics for the previous three years concerning reported Clery crimes that occurred on campus and on public property within or immediately adjacent to and accessible from the campus. The report also includes institutional policies concerning campus safety and security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault prevention and response, timely warnings, emergency response, and other matters. You may obtain this information through the Western Dakota Tech website athttps://www.wdt.edu/assets/docs/uploads/consumer-information/securityreport.pdf (Download PDF reader). A printed copy of the report may be obtained by writing to the Office of Institutional Effectiveness and Student Success, Western Dakota 800 Mickelson Dr., Rapid City, SD 57703 or by calling (605) 718-2931.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER - MUST COMPLY WITH THE IMMIGRATION REFORM AND CONTROL ACT OF 1986

Western Dakota Technical College offers a wide range of excellent benefits. We provide generous PTO and sick leave, competitive health benefits, and eligibility with the South Dakota Retirement system. Read more about our organization offerings.

Employer Western Dakota Technical College

Address 800 Mickelson Dr

Rapid City, South Dakota, 57703

Phone 605-718-2407

Website http://www.wdt.edu