Director – Workforce Relations Transformation - HR Policy & Compliance

Job Function Summary:

The Director drives the transformation of workforce policy across UCSF while establishing the HR Compliance function and building the governance infrastructure that shapes how policy is developed, interpreted, implemented, communicated, monitored, and continuously refined across the institution. Reporting to the Vice President of Workforce Relations & Compliance, the Director works in concert with the VP to set the strategic agenda for policy, HR compliance, communications, and process transformation, serving as a driving force behind the reinvention of UCSF's Labor and Employee Relations (LER) function.

The Director works in close partnership with the LER Transformation Lead and LER Operational Leadership to ensure transformation priorities, compliance requirements, policy interpretations, and operational practices are aligned and effectively embedded across the function. The position also partners closely with Human Resources Centers of Expertise, Academic Personnel, Legal Affairs, Compliance, and executive leadership to ensure workforce policies and practices are practical, consistent, legally compliant, and responsive to the evolving needs of UCSF.

The Director establishes and develops the HR Compliance function, including the governance, processes, accountability mechanisms, monitoring, and reporting necessary to identify and mitigate workforce-related compliance risk and strengthen institutional accountability. In partnership with the Vice President of Workforce Relations & Compliance, the LER Transformation Lead, and LER Operational Leadership, the Director helps define clear roles and accountabilities and ensures compliance is effectively integrated into LER strategy, transformation initiatives, and ongoing operations. The Director works across HR and in close coordination with Legal Affairs and enterprise Compliance to translate regulatory, UC system, and institutional requirements into sustainable HR practices and strengthen the proactive identification, escalation, and mitigation of workforce-related compliance risk.

The Director establishes governance for maintaining and communicating workforce policies and related guidance, ensuring changes are accurately documented, communicated to key stakeholders, and implemented consistently across Campus and Health.

The Director also serves as a key UCSF voice in shaping and influencing workforce policy at the University of California system level, bringing forward UCSF's operational experience, workforce needs, and institutional perspective to inform systemwide policy development and evolution. The Director assesses new and existing UC policies and requirements to determine where UCSF has opportunities to strengthen policy interpretations, tighten processes and controls, clarify expectations, and improve consistency of application across Campus and Health. This leader proactively identifies areas where greater institutional rigor, standardization, or governance will reduce risk and improve organizational effectiveness.

The Director identifies opportunities to simplify workforce policies and administrative processes, standardize practices across Campus and Health, reduce unnecessary complexity, and improve the consistency, transparency, and efficiency of workforce relations services. As part of this mandate, the Director proactively identifies opportunities to leverage artificial intelligence, automation, and other emerging technologies to improve access to and understanding of workforce policies, support timely and consistent responses to policy questions, strengthen compliance monitoring and risk identification, and streamline administrative processes. The Director champions solutions that make it easier for employees, managers, and HR professionals to navigate policies and requirements while creating simpler, more intuitive, and customer-oriented experiences and maintaining appropriate governance, controls, and human oversight.

Working collaboratively across Human Resources, Labor Relations, Employee Relations, Academic Personnel, Legal Affairs, and Compliance, the Director implements governance frameworks, policy modernization efforts, compliance infrastructure, technology-enabled solutions, and operational improvements that strengthen compliance, improve the employee and manager experience, and enable the broader transformation objectives established by executive leadership.

Serving as a strategic advisor to executive leadership, the Director provides consultation regarding workforce policy, HR and workforce compliance, organizational governance, UC system policy and its implications for UCSF, and emerging workforce issues while leading initiatives that improve organizational consistency, operational effectiveness, employee experience, risk management, and institutional accountability.

Department description:

The Workforce Policy, Compliance & Communications function provides enterprise leadership for workforce policy governance, strategic compliance initiatives, and workforce communications across UCSF Campus and UCSF Health.

The department develops and maintains UCSF Human Resources policies, establishes governance processes supporting policy implementation and continuous improvement, oversees executive-designated workforce compliance initiatives, and coordinates workforce communications that support organizational priorities. Through collaboration with Human Resources, Labor and Employee Relations, Academic Personnel, Legal Affairs, Compliance, and executive leadership, the department advances consistent workforce practices while supporting UCSF's strategic goals and reducing institutional risk.

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Public Administration, Public Policy, Organizational Leadership, Employment Law, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• 8 – 10 years progressive leadership experience in Human Resources, workforce policy, labor and employee relations, compliance, organizational governance, or a related field
• Expert knowledge of workforce policy development, governance, and implementation
• Comprehensive understanding of California employment law and organizational personnel policies and governance
• Knowledge of collective bargaining agreements and their interaction with workforce policy, while recognizing the respective roles of Labor Relations and UC Office of the President
• Experience leading complex cross-functional initiatives and influencing executive decision-making
• Experience interpreting employment laws, organizational policy, and regulatory requirements
• Demonstrated experience developing enterprise policies, governance frameworks, and organizational standards 
• Demonstrated success leading organizational change and continuous improvement initiatives 
• Strong strategic planning, policy analysis, organizational development, and change management skills
• Exceptional analytical, communication, facilitation, negotiation, and relationship management skills 
• Demonstrated ability to develop enterprise strategy, governance frameworks, and operational standards
• Demonstrated commitment to equity, inclusion, and fostering a respectful workplace
• Demonstrated ability to influence executive leaders and build consensus across complex organizations
• Ability to balance strategic business objectives, operational effectiveness, legal compliance, and employee experience
• Excellent written, verbal, and executive communication skills

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree, Juris Doctor, or other advanced degree in a related discipline
• SHRM-SCP, SPHR, or comparable professional certification
• Experience within higher education, academic healthcare, or a highly regulated organization
• Experience participating on systemwide committees, governance groups, or multi-organizational collaborations

Budgeted Job Salary Range: 219,000 to 249,000