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HR Professional Development & Employee Relations Director (HEO)

POSITION DETAILS

ABOUT JOHN JAY COLLEGE

John Jay College of Criminal Justice is a senior college of the City University of New York (CUNY) and an internationally recognized leader in educating for justice. Led by President Karol V. Mason, John Jay is a federally designated Hispanic-serving institution, it is ranked third in the nation in Black student success, and it is a top ten institution for promoting student social mobility. John Jay is proud to serve a diverse and dynamic student body of 15,000 students that includes nearly fifty percent students who are first in their family to attend college as well as students who are immigrants, from low-income families, or from other historically underrepresented groups in higher education.

A Carnegie designated Research Institution, the College participates in the doctoral programs of the Graduate Center of CUNY, and offers bachelor’s and master’s degrees both in traditional criminal justice-related fields of study as well as in a robust portfolio of liberal arts and sciences programs that highlight themes of justice across the arts, sciences, humanities, and social sciences. The College seeks staff and faculty members who thrive in multicultural academic environments and are committed to access and excellence in higher education.

POSITION OVERVIEW

Reporting to the Assistant Vice President for Administration, the Director of Professional Development & Employee Relations will lead the development, implementation, and evaluation of comprehensive professional development programs at John Jay College. This role is crucial in fostering a supportive and productive work environment by addressing employee relations concerns and enhancing workforce capabilities through targeted training. The Director will serve as a thought partner to the Assistant Vice President and college leadership to assess employees training needs, design effective programs, and measure their impact across in-person, virtual, and online platforms.

The ideal candidate will be an experienced leader in learning and development and employee relations, with a strong ability to assess organizational needs and deliver results-driven training programs that align with institutional goals while being a resource to managers and staff, fostering a culture of continuous learning, fairness, and collaboration consistent with CUNY and College values.

Key responsibilities include, but not limited to the following:

+ Design, implement, and evaluate a comprehensive professional development strategy aligned with the College’s Strategic Plan and CUNY’s 2023–2030 Roadmap, including leadership development, compliance training, and workforce capability initiatives.

+ Manage and optimize use of learning management systems (e.g., LinkedIn Learning, CUNY Brightspace, or Workday Learning) to deliver, track, and report training participation and impact across the campus community.

+ Develop and facilitate training modules, workshops, and learning pathways for staff and supervisors on topics such as communication, customer service, leadership, change management, and artificial Intelligence (AI).

+ Advise supervisors and staff on performance management, conflict resolution, and policy interpretation in accordance with CUNY policies, PSC/CUNY contracts, and College procedures.

+ Partner with campus stakeholders to assess and strengthen organizational culture through engagement surveys, recognition programs, and inclusive workplace initiatives that foster trust, accountability, and belonging.

+ Coordinate campus-wide compliance training (e.g., ESPARC, Workplace Violence Prevention, GBVT) and ensure adherence to CUNY and state/federal HR policies, maintaining accurate training and certification records.

+ Lead development of employee recognition and appreciation initiatives (e.g., BRAVO Employee Recognition Program, service milestones, awards ceremonies) that celebrate contributions and support retention.

+ Collect and analyze training and employee relations metrics; prepare periodic reports, dashboards, and recommendations for senior leadership to guide decision-making and measure program impact.

QUALIFICATIONS

+ Bachelor’s degree and eight years’ related experience required, preferably in a higher educational institution.

+ Communicates clearly and persuasively in written, verbal, and presentation formats;

+ Skilled facilitator and trainer.

+ Demonstrated ability to connect professional development and employee relations programs to institutional mission and strategic goals.

+ Demonstrated acumen using data and feedback to evaluate program effectiveness and drive continuous improvement.

+ Demonstrates commitment to equity, inclusion, and respect for diverse perspectives and experiences.

Preferred Qualification

SHRM-CP/SHRM-SCP, PHR/SPHR, or equivalent HR certification.

CUNY TITLE OVERVIEW

Directs employee relations, communications, and related activities in a campus or unit.

- Serves as the primary resource on policies and management practices related to employee relations

- Directs work-related dispute and conflict resolution services (mediation, conciliation, negotiation) and participates in investigations

- May manage Labor Relations grievances and cases

- Identifies training needs and provides programs on employee relations and communications

- Prepares and distributes employee communications using various media

- Works collaboratively with Human Resources, Legal, and Labor Relations personnel and with management in other functions

- Performs related duties as assigned.

CUNY TITLE

Higher Education Officer

FLSA

Exempt

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

$113,982 – $126,201

Salary commensurate with education and experience.

CUNY's benefits contribute significantly to total compensation, supporting health and wellness, financial well-being, and professional development. We offer a range of health plans, competitive retirement/pension benefits and savings plans, tuition waivers for CUNY graduate study and generous paid time off. Our staff also benefits from the extensive academic, arts, and athletic programs on our campuses and the opportunity to participate in a lively, diverse academic community in one of the greatest cities in the world.

HOW TO APPLY

If you are viewing the job posting on any website other than CUNYFirst, please follow the instructions below:

1. Go to www.cuny.edu and click on "Employment"

2. Click "Search job listings"

3. Search by Job Opening ID number 31415

4. Click on "More Options to search for CUNY jobs"

5. Click on the "Apply Now" button and follow the instructions.

Once you have registered or logged in with your user name and password, upload your cover letter, resume and the names and contact information of three professional references as one document.

CLOSING DATE

The review of resumes will begin on January 12, 2026

The posting closes on January 16, 2026

JOB SEARCH CATEGORY

CUNY Job Posting: Managerial/Professional

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

CUNY encourages people with disabilities, minorities, veterans and women to apply. At CUNY, Italian Americans are also included among our protected groups. Applicants and employees will not be discriminated against on the basis of any legally protected category, including sexual orientation or gender identity. EEO/AA/Vet/Disability Employer.

Job ID

31415

Location

John Jay College