Assistant Director People & Culture

Job Description

UW Information Technology (UW-IT) has an outstanding opportunity for an Assistant Director People & Culture to join their team.

About this Opportunity

Reporting to the Associate Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, the Assistant Director People & Culture is responsible for providing organizational leadership and operational oversight for UWIT’s People & Culture function. In alignment with UW and UWIT values, this role is responsible for setting expectations, providing consultation, and ensuring accountability for the delivery of high‑quality human resources and organizational development services that support a positive, inclusive, and effective workplace within UWIT. 

The salary information provided below is for a full-time position.

Key Responsibilities

40%: Leadership and Oversight of UWIT People & Culture Operations

•  Provide consultation and guidance to UWIT senior leaders, managers and supervisors on human resources matters, including performance management, corrective action, and employee relations, while maintaining accountability for outcomes and consistency across UWIT and in alignment with University policies and procedures.

•  Oversee UWIT recruiting activities in coordination with central UW recruiting services, including advising on staffing needs, recruitment strategies, and salary placement within established compensation frameworks.

•  Provide oversight and quality assurance for compensation, leave, and timekeeping practices within UWIT, including monitoring compliance with University policies, identifying trends or risks, and ensuring timely correction of issues.

•  Advise on employee relations concerns and partner with appropriate University offices (e.g., Employee Relations, Labor Relations, Civil Rights Investigation Office) for investigation and resolution, retaining direct ownership of complex, sensitive, or high-risk cases involving senior leaders, significant employee impact, or organizational risk.

•  Interpret federal, state, and University requirements and translate them into UWIT operational practices and guidance, prioritizing issues based on organizational risk, impact, and leadership needs.

•  Support leave administration and accommodation processes, ensuring compliance with FMLA, ADA, and applicable state and University requirements.

•  Ensure continuity of People & Culture services through operational oversight, including direct execution of HR functions when required due to staffing capacity, urgency, or complexity.

35%: Workforce Planning, Organizational Support, and Strategic Contribution

•  Contribute and be a strategic partner to UWIT workforce planning and organizational initiatives by providing analysis, recommendations, and making operational decisions related to prioritization, sequencing, and implementation aligned with UWIT priorities.

•  Partner with UWIT leadership and UWHR on team changes or reorganizations, including hands-on involvement in planning, communication, and execution for complex or high-impact organizational changes.

•  Collaborate with UWIT Finance and leadership to support workforce affordability, position planning, and compensation considerations, exercising delegated decision-making authority for UWIT People & Culture operational priorities within approved frameworks.

•  Provide budgetary oversight and stewardship for UWIT People & Culture, including monitoring expenditures, supporting workforce affordability analysis, and partnering with UWIT Finance to ensure alignment with approved budgets and funding sources.

•  Participate in selected University or UWIT committees and workgroups related to HR operations, workforce planning, or organizational effectiveness, as appropriate to the role’s scope (e.g., Professional Staff Salary Survey Committee).

20%: Staff Leadership and Development

•  Provide day‑to‑day leadership, coaching, and performance management for People & Culture staff.

•  Set clear expectations, support professional development, and conduct performance evaluations.

•  Foster a collaborative, service‑oriented team environment aligned with UWIT values.

5%: Other Duties as Assigned

•  Perform additional duties as needed to support UWIT People & Culture operations and organizational needs.

Required Qualifications

To be considered for this opportunity your application must demonstrate you meet both the minimum qualifications and additional qualifications listed below. Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license, certification, and/or registration.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Organizational Development, Communications or related field or experience. 
• Seven (7) or more years of progressively responsible human resources or organizational leadership experience in a large, complex organization. 
• Management‑level experience in HR and/or Payroll domains 
• Significant experience with complex employee relations issues 
• Advising managers on employee relations, performance management, and recruiting 
• Exercising a high level of confidentiality and handling sensitive information 
• Strong written and oral communication skills 
• Experience with complex personnel systems and managing diverse workloads in a high‑pressure environment 
• Strong leadership, interpersonal, and problem‑solving skills, with demonstrated tact and discretion 
• Ability to learn and apply new technologies 

 Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Organizational Development, Public Administration, Communications 
• SPHR, SHRM, or PHR certification 
• Experience in Labor Relations negotiations and union environments. 
• Experience in a large university, medical center, or other highly regulated environment. 
• Experience with UW Financial and HR/payroll systems. 
• Experience with Microsoft suite. 

Working Conditions

• Hybrid, environment with expectation to be in the office 2-3 days per week. 
• Open office environment 

 About the Team

UW Information Technology (UWIT) is the central information technology organization for the University of Washington, responsible for strategic planning, oversight, and direction of the UW’s IT infrastructure, resources, and services. UWIT provides critical technology support to all three campuses, UW Medicine, and research operations around the world, partnering with the UW community to enable innovation, learning, discovery, and service. 

Compensation, Benefits and Position Details

Pay Range Minimum:

$129,468.00 annual

Pay Range Maximum:

$192,000.00 annual

Other Compensation:

-

Benefits:

For information about benefits for this position, visit https://www.washington.edu/jobs/benefits-for-uw-staff/

Shift:

First Shift (United States of America)

Temporary or Regular?

This is a regular position

FTE (Full-Time Equivalent):

100.00%

Union/Bargaining Unit:

Not Applicable

About the UW 

Working at the University of Washington provides a unique opportunity to change lives – on our campuses, in our state and around the world.  

UW employees bring their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills and dedication to building stronger minds and a healthier world. In return, they enjoy outstanding benefits, opportunities for professional growth and the chance to work in an environment known for its diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty. 

Our Commitment 

The University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful and welcoming community for all. As an equal opportunity employer, the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81.

To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or [email protected]. 

Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law.