TBR | The College System of Tennessee

Southwest Tennessee Community College is a comprehensive, multicultural, public, open—access college. Southwest has four campuses/centers from which it offers over 100 programs and over 20 technical certificate programs.

We foster student success, transform lives, and increase the educational level of a growing community in Shelby County. Southwest is a Tennessee Board of Regents institution, accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

Title: Director - People & Culture (Human Resources)

Employee Classification: Other Professionals

Institution: Southwest Tennessee Community College

Department: People & Culture

Campus Location: SWTCC - Union Avenue Campus

Job Summary

The Director of People and Culture is an administrative leadership position that reports directly to the Vice President of People and Culture. This position provides operational leadership and management for all core human resources functions at Southwest Tennessee Community College, ensuring that HR practices are compliant, efficient, and service-focused in support of the College’s mission, values, and strategic planning.

The Director leads the daily operations of the People & Culture division, overseeing talent acquisition, benefits administration, classification and compensation, performance management systems, employee relations, leave administration, compliance, and records management. This position ensures the accuracy and integrity of HR processes, data, and systems, maintaining alignment with TBR policies and applicable state and federal regulations.

Serving as the operational anchor of the People & Culture division, the Director ensures consistency, accuracy, and service excellence across all HR processes. The role translates strategic initiatives into operational practice, advancing a culture of equity, accountability, and continuous improvement. The Director collaborates closely with the Vice President, senior leadership, and campus stakeholders to evaluate service delivery models, optimize HR workflows, and strengthen employee engagement and institutional effectiveness.

Job Duties

• Provide operational leadership and oversight for the daily functions of the People & Culture division, ensuring consistent, compliant, and high-quality service delivery across all areas of human resources operations.
• Lead daily human resources operations, including talent acquisition, benefits administration, classification and compensation, performance management systems, employee relations, leave administration, compliance, and records management.
• Talent Acquisition & Onboarding: Oversee full-cycle recruitment and selection processes to attract and retain top talent; collaborate with Learning and Organizational Development to ensure effective onboarding, professional development, and succession planning initiatives.
• Classification, Compensation, and Faculty HR: Manage position control, classification reviews, and salary analyses; recommend equitable and competitive compensation structures; oversee job description management and faculty-related functions, including contracts, tenure review, salary placement, and credential verification.
• Benefits, Leave, and Compliance: Administer leave programs and benefits plans; ensure legal and policy compliance; conduct internal audits and risk assessments to maintain regulatory adherence under federal, state, and TBR guidelines.
• Employee Relations and Performance Management: Address complex employee concerns and complaints with fairness, discretion, and timeliness; provide guidance on corrective actions, conflict resolution, and performance management processes that align with institutional values and policies.
• HR Information Systems (HRIS) and Data Integrity: Maintain the accuracy and security of HR data; oversee Banner and related systems; leverage analytics to inform strategic decisions, measure service effectiveness, and support strategic planning metrics.
• Leadership and Team Development: Supervise, coach, and develop members of the People & Culture team; foster a collaborative, accountable, and growth-oriented culture that emphasizes customer service and continuous improvement.

Minimum Qualifications

• A Master’s degree from an accredited institution in Business Administration, Human Resources, or a related field.
  
• Minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible human resources experience with advanced functional knowledge of HR policies, processes, and business acumen.
  
• Must have direct supervisory experience overseeing the functional areas within scope of this position, including talent acquisition, classification and compensation, benefits administration, employee relations, compliance, and records management.
  
• Minimum of three (3) years of experience leading a professional team responsible for developing and executing HR programs and services across key functional areas.
  Or a minimum of eight (8) years of combined experience in human resources operations and program delivery with increasing responsibility across the functional domains listed above. 

Certification Requirements

• Professional in Human Resources (PHR) or Senior Professional (SPHR); or Society for Human Resources Management – Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) or Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP). 

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience in a higher education environment.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Human Resources Expertise
  
  • Deep understanding of the operations and services within a comprehensive human resources program, especially in a higher education setting.
    
  • Proficient in human resources disciplines, including talent acquisition, classification and compensation, employee relations, and organizational development.
    
  • Skilled in applying core principles of effective recruitment strategies that are aligned with the College’s goals, workforce planning, and staffing needs.
    
  • Knowledgeable in employment/labor laws, employment regulations, and compliance standards at the federal, state, and local levels. 
    
• Operational Leadership
  
  • Demonstrated ability to lead and manage human resources programs aligned with institutional goals and values.
    
  • Experience in developing and administering human resources policies, procedures, and strategic initiatives.
    
  • Strong business acumen with the ability to align human resources functions with long-term organizational planning.
    Capable of analyzing and improving human resources service delivery methods and operational effectiveness. 
• Technology and Data Proficiency
  
  • Familiarity with human resource information systems and data analytics for decision-making and reporting.
    
  • Ability to gather, interpret, and present data to support strategic planning and continuous improvement. 
• Budget and Program Management
  
  • Skilled in preparing and managing complex departmental budgets.
    
  • Experience in program development, implementation, and evaluation. 
• Leadership and Team Development
  
  • Proven ability to lead, coach, and develop high-performing teams.
    
  • Knowledge of supervision principles, performance evaluation, and staff development.
    
  • Effective in delegating responsibilities and fostering accountability. 
    
• Conflict Resolution and Employee Relations
  
  • Proficient in handling employee grievances, investigations, and conflict resolution with fairness and discretion.
    
  • Ability to build and maintain a positive, respectful workplace culture. 
    
• Communication and Collaboration
  
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly and concisely.
    
  • Skilled in delivering presentations and facilitating training for various audiences.
    
  • Collaborative mindset with the ability to build effective relationships across departments and with external partners. 
    
• Analytical and Decision-Making Skills
  
  • Capable of analyzing complex problems, evaluating alternatives, and implementing effective solutions.
    
  • Adept at assessing organizational needs and making data-informed adjustments to policies, procedures, and practices. 
    
• Professionalism and Representation
  
  • Ability to represent the College with professionalism and integrity in internal and external engagements.
    
  • Commitment to ethical practices and continuous professional development.

Physical Demands / Working Conditions

• Standard office environment with minimal noise levels.
  
• A collaborative academic setting with cross-functional engagement.
  
• Will require travel to different locations across the College.
  
• Must be able to sit, stand, and walk for extended periods.
  
• Ability to lift and carry up to 25 pounds.

The intent of this job description is to provide a representation of the types of duties and responsibilities that will be required of positions given this title and shall not be construed as a declaration of the total specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position. Employees may be directed to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.

Candidates who are called for an interview must notify Human Resources in writing at least five (5) days in advance of any reasonable accommodation needed prior to the date of the interview.

First consideration will be given to current Southwest Tennessee Community College employees who meet the minimum qualifications for the position.

In order to be considered for the position, the following items must be uploaded:

• Resume
• Cover letter
• Unofficial Transcripts

A summary of our benefits can be found below: 

https://www.southwest.tn.edu/hr/benefits-overview.php

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

The TBR does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, ethnicity, or national origin, sex, disability, age, status as a protected veteran or any other class protected by Federal or State laws and regulations and by Tennessee Board of Regents policies with respect to employment, programs, and activities. 

The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies:  LeVetta Hudson, Vice President of People & Culture, myhr@southwest.tn.edu, 737 Union Ave, Memphis, TN 38103, 901-333-5000. See the full non-discrimination policy.