Director of Culture, Engagement, and Talent Acquisition

The Director of Culture, Engagement, and Talent Acquisition is a strategic leader responsible for cultivating a positive workplace culture, enhancing employee engagement, and overseeing the talent acquisition process. This role involves developing and implementing initiatives that align with the College’s mission, values, and strategic goals to attract, retain, and develop top talent. The Director will develop long-term strategies and sponsor initiatives that promote a culture of engagement and excellence. The Director will oversee employee engagement programs and initiatives that align with FDTC strategic priorities and participate in formulating college-wide policies related to the Human Resources Department. The Director will oversee and manage the talent acquisition process, talent acquisition team, applicant tracking system, employee onboarding, and all employee engagement initiatives.

Primary Functions:

• Develop and nurture a positive, inclusive, and cohesive culture aligned with our FDTC priorities, values, and mission.
• Develop and execute strategies to enhance employee engagement, satisfaction, and retention.
• Implement regular surveys, focus groups, and feedback mechanisms to gauge employee sentiment and identify areas for continuous process improvement using the Deming Cycle (Planning, Doing, Checking, and Acting).
• Design and manage programs to recognize and reward employee contributions and achievements.
• Develop a comprehensive talent acquisition strategy that aligns with FDTC’s growth and strategic goals.
• Manage and oversee the end-to-end recruitment process, including sourcing, interviewing, and selecting candidates.
• Create and manage onboarding programs to ensure new employees integrate smoothly and effectively into FDTC.
• Establish key performance indicators (KPI) to measure the effectiveness of culture, engagement, and talent acquisition efforts.
• Analyze data to identify trends and insights for engagement, culture, and talent acquisition.
• Regularly report on the status and impact of programs and initiatives to senior leadership and stakeholders.
• Focusing on creating a positive workplace environment, engaging employees, and attracting and retaining top talent.
• Work collaboratively with others in a diverse and inclusive environment.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge and understanding of principles and practices for developing and sustaining a positive organizational culture.
• Knowledge of change management strategies and techniques.
• Insight into employee engagement models, strategies, and best practices.
• Awareness of tools and methods for measuring and improving employee satisfaction and engagement.
• Expertise in recruitment strategies, including sourcing, interviewing, selection, and onboarding processes.
• Familiarity with employer branding and talent market trends.
• Broad knowledge of HR functions, including performance management, employee relations, and compliance.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to inspire and motivate teams.
• Excellent project management skills, including planning, organizing, and executing initiatives.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to effectively convey ideas and influence across all levels within FDTC.
• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships and work collaboratively with diverse groups.
• Conflict resolution and negotiation skills.
• Strong analytical skills to assess data, identify trends, and make data driven decisions.
• Strategic thinking with the ability to align culture, engagement, and talent strategies exceeding FDTC goals.
• Ability to think creatively and develop innovative solutions to enhance culture, engagement, and talent acquisition.
• Ability to adapt to changing circumstances and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Resilience in managing challenges and setbacks.
• Ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams and lead collaborative efforts.
• High emotional intelligence, empathy, and cultural sensitivity in dealing with diverse employee populations.
• Strong focus on achieving measuring outcomes and continuous improvement.

Culture Development: 20%

• Define and promote the College’s culture, values, and vision.
• Develop and implement culture initiatives to create a positive, inclusive, and high-performance work environment.
• Monitor and assess the health of the College’s culture through surveys, feedback, and other tools.
• Develop and implement programs to strengthen FDTC’s culture and core values.
• Act as a cultural ambassador, promoting a positive and cohesive workplace atmosphere.
• Facilitate a culture of belonging and inclusivity among staff and faculty.

Employee Engagement: 20%

• Design and execute employee engagement strategies and programs to boost morale, productivity, and retention.
• Facilitate regular engagement surveys, analyze results, and develop action plans to address areas of improvement.
• Organize College events, recognition programs, and team-building activities to foster a sense of community and belonging.
• Develop and implement programs to enhance employee well being and work life balance.
• Engage employees to improve working relationships, build morale, and increase productivity and retention.
• Maintain knowledge of trends and best practices in change management, workplace development, and continuous process improvement.
• Identify and support opportunities for employees’ professional development and growth.
• Identify skills based training and other trainings as needed.

Talent Acquisition: 35%

• Develop and implement comprehensive talent acquisition strategies aligned with the College's goals and objectives.
• Collaborate with hiring managers and department leaders to understand their talent needs and develop recruitment plans to attract qualified candidates.
• Utilize innovative sourcing techniques to attract a diverse pool of candidates, including passive candidates, through social media, professional networks, and other channels.
• Lead the end-to-end recruitment process, including job posting, candidate screening, interviewing, and selection, ensuring a positive candidate experience throughout.
• Oversee and maintain a robust applicant tracking system to streamline recruitment processes, track candidate progress, and generate reports for analysis.
• Develop and execute employer branding strategies to enhance the College's reputation as an employer of choice.
• Stay up-to-date with industry trends, best practices, and legal requirements related to talent acquisition, ensuring compliance at all times.
• Collaborate with the HR team to develop and implement effective onboarding programs for new hires, ensuring a smooth transition into the College.
• Lead, mentor, and develop the talent acquisition and employee engagement teams.
• Provide guidance on best practices for talent management and succession planning.
• Further develop all aspects of onboarding and offboarding protocols, expectations, and procedures.

Metrics and Reporting: 10%

• Establish and track key performance indicators (KPIs) related to culture, engagement, and talent acquisition.
• Prepare and present regular reports to senior leadership on progress, challenges, and strategic recommendations.
• Continuously assess and improve processes based on data and feedback.

Compliance and Best Practices: 10%

• Ensure all HR practices comply with federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations.
• Stay up-to-date with industry trends and best practices in culture development, employee engagement, and talent acquisition.
• Develop and implement policies and procedures that ensure ethical recruitment, fair hiring practices, and equal employment opportunities.
• Benchmark FDTC’s practices against higher education standards to identify areas for improvement and implement necessary changes.

Other Duties as assigned: 5%

Required Qualification:

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).
• Minimum of 8-10 years of progressive experience in human resources, with a focus on culture, engagement, and talent acquisition.
• Proven experience in leading and developing high-performing teams.
• Proven experience in ensuring success for all employees irrespective of their background
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills.
• Ability to think strategically and execute tactically.
• Proficiency in HR software and tools, such as applicant tracking systems (ATS) and employee engagement platforms.
• Experience facilitating workshops, seminars, and other activities for faculty and staff.
• Strong analytical writing and oral presentation skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s Degree from a regionally accredited higher education institution.
• SHRM Certification
• Experience within a multi-campus environment.
• Evidence of commitment to the philosophy of a comprehensive technical college.

Competencies:

• Strategic Vision: Ability to develop and articulate a clear vision for College culture and talent strategy.
• Leadership: Demonstrated ability to inspire, motivate, and develop teams.
• Communication: Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Problem-Solving: Skilled in identifying issues and developing effective solutions.
• Adaptability: Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

Work Environment:

This role typically operates in an office setting but may require occasional travel for recruitment events, training, and College meetings.