Shawnee State University seeks passionate, strategic, and inspiring candidates for their next Director of Human Resources.
SHAWNEE STATE UNIVERSITY
Shawnee State University (SSU), located in Portsmouth, Ohio, is an open access regional public institution known for its commitment to providing exceptional, student-focused education. Established in 1986, with historical roots dating to 1945, SSU serves as a vital educational and cultural center in the Appalachian region. The university primarily functions as a teaching institution with a strong emphasis on delivering personalized learning experiences that foster academic excellence, practical skill development tied to workforce needs, and lifelong learning.
SSU offers a comprehensive range of academics, with over 70 undergraduate programs and several graduate programs spanning key fields such as its nationally-ranked game design programs, business, health sciences, education, engineering technologies, advanced manufacturing, and the arts and sciences. The university’s dedication to creating an environment that nurtures student success is evident in its small class sizes and a low student-to-faculty ratio, allowing for personalized attention and meaningful student-faculty interactions.
Serving a student body of approximately 3,300, the majority of which are the first in their families to go to college, SSU includes both on-campus and online learners, catering to the needs of traditional, non-traditional, and distance education students. The university’s flexible learning options and targeted support services help ensure that students can pursue their academic goals regardless of their backgrounds or schedules. This commitment to inclusivity and accessibility contributes to the university’s role as a regional leader in educational advancement and community engagement. See the SSU Strategic Plan (2021 – 2026).
The university’s picturesque 62-acre campus is situated along the scenic Ohio River, offering a serene backdrop conducive to both study and leisure. State-of-the-art facilities, including advanced laboratories, modern classrooms, residence halls, and recreational spaces, enrich the student experience and support a well-rounded education. SSU also integrates technology throughout its curriculum to equip students with the skills necessary to thrive in a fast-changing global environment.
Shawnee State University’s partnerships with regional businesses and industries enhance its focus on practical, career-oriented education. The university emphasizes workforce development through collaborations that provide students with internships, experiential learning, and direct pathways to employment upon graduation.
UNIVERSITY LEADERSHIP
Dr. Eric Andrew Braun was appointed as the eighth President of Shawnee State University in 2024, bringing innovative and entrepreneurial leadership during a transformative period in higher education. Over his 15-year tenure at SSU, he has excelled in areas including enrollment management, finance, fundraising, development, and government relations.
From 2015 to 2023, Dr. Braun served as Vice President for Advancement & Enrollment Management, overseeing recruitment, admissions, development, alumni relations, athletics, financial aid, and workforce partnerships. He played a key role in developing SSU’s Kricker Innovation Hub, a space designed to foster regional entrepreneurship and creativity, and secured essential support to realize the project.
Dr. Braun began his senior leadership at SSU in 2009 as Executive Director for Development and President of the SSU Development Foundation. A Portsmouth, Ohio native, he holds an undergraduate and law degree from Wake Forest University and a doctorate in organizational leadership from Vanderbilt University. He is admitted to practice in multiple courts, specializing in corporate law and real estate. Dr. Braun serves on various boards, including the Ohio Chamber of Commerce and OhioMeansJobs, contributing to economic and educational development.
THE OPPORTUNITY
As the senior Human Resources leader, the Director of Human Resources is responsible for the overall leadership, strategic planning, coordination, and execution of the Human Resources (HR) function. This leader is responsible for creating, directing, and executing the practices and programs needed to support SSU’ s mission and promote a positive, inclusive culture, including management consulting; workforce planning; employee and leadership development; performance management; recruitment and retention; education, training, development, and mentoring; compensation, payroll, and benefits; employee engagement; and equal opportunity. This role reports to SSU’s Chief Operating Officer.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Strategic Leadership
- Lead comprehensive strategies for HR services, aligning them with university objectives.
- Drive initiatives for strategic planning, policy development, and organizational improvement.
- Manage compliance with employment laws and regulations while ensuring policy alignment across departments.
Talent Management
- Oversee talent acquisition, retention, and performance management programs.
- Develop and manage strategic compensation and benefits plans to attract and retain top talent.
- Implement professional development programs and succession planning to strengthen the workforce.
Operational Oversight
- Manage HR operations including employee relations, payroll, and systems administration (“Bear Trax” Oracle Cloud Enterprise Resource Planning system)
- Ensure efficiency in HR services and process enhancements.
- Lead data analysis for informed decision-making, leveraging HRIS to support strategic goals.
KNOWLEDGE SKILLS and ABILITIES
- Demonstrated leadership in strategic HR planning and execution.
- Proficiency in employment law and regulatory compliance.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills for building relationships across all university levels.
- Expertise in talent management, compensation structures, and benefits administration.
- Advanced data analysis skills and experience with HRIS and related systems.
- Ability to foster a collaborative and inclusive work environment.
- Skilled in managing change and promoting continuous improvement.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field.
- Minimum of 5-7 years of progressive HR leadership experience.
- Proven experience with HRIS platforms and data management tools.
- Professional HR certification (e.g., PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP, or SHRM-SCP) preferred.
COMPENSATION
Compensation will be competitive and commensurate with the experience level, credentials, and characteristics of the candidate. An outstanding benefits package will be included as part of a complete compensation package.
EEO STATEMENT
Shawnee State University is committed to having an educational and working environment for students and employees that is without unlawful or prohibited discrimination and harassment.
Categories defined as protected classes include age, ancestry, color, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity or expression, genetic information, HIV/AIDS status, military status, national origin, pregnancy, race, religion, sexual orientation, veteran status, status as a parent immediately after the birth of a child, status as the parent of a young child, status of a foster parent, and any other classes defined by law. (Board of Trustees Policy 5.01)
Many laws that prohibit discrimination also prohibit retaliation against individuals who assert their rights.
THE COMMUNITY
Portsmouth, Ohio, is a charming city nestled along the banks of the Ohio River, offering a blend of historical character and vibrant community spirit. Situated in the scenic Appalachian region, Portsmouth is surrounded by rolling hills and lush forests, making it an attractive location for outdoor enthusiasts. The area boasts numerous parks, trails, and recreational areas perfect for hiking, biking, and kayaking, including the popular Shawnee State Park and Forest, known as the “Little Smokies” for its picturesque landscape. The city is also rich in cultural heritage, with a historic downtown that features local shops, restaurants, and a strong sense of community.
Portsmouth is conveniently located within driving distance of major metropolitan areas, providing residents with the benefits of both small-town living and access to city amenities. It is under an hour to Huntington, West Virginia, under two hours to Columbus and Cincinnati, Ohio, and just over two hours to Lexington, Kentucky. This proximity allows for easy day trips to larger cities for additional shopping, dining, and entertainment options, while still enjoying the relaxed pace and natural beauty of southern Ohio.
Relevant websites that provide meaningful information about the region are as follows:
- Portsmouth Area Chamber of Commerce: https://www.portsmouth.org/
- Explore Scioto County: https://www.explorescioto.com/
- Visit Lawerence County: https://www.visitlawrenceohio.com/
- Sheltowee Trace National Recreation Trail, Morehead, KY: https://www.sheltoweetrace.com/
- Visit Cincinnati, OH: https://www.visitcincy.com/
- Visit Columbus, OH: https://www.experiencecolumbus.com/
- Visit Lexington, KY: https://www.visitlex.com/
APPLICATION & NOMINATION PROCESS
CBIZ EFL Associates (https://eflassociates.cbiz.com), an executive search firm, is assisting Shawnee State University with its search for this important leadership position. All calls and inquiries should be made through the search firm. Nominations and applications will be held in strict confidence and candidates will remain confidential until the final stage of the search, at which time the express permission of finalists will be obtained before their candidacy is made public.
- STEP 1: Complete a brief online application (2-3 minutes):
- Click here to apply or
- Copy/paste the URL into browser: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/SSU-HR
KEY DATES
- Application deadline is January 24, 2025.
- Applications will be reviewed as they are received.
- Semi-Finalist video Interviews are scheduled for February 25-27, 2025, or earlier as needed.
- On-Campus Interviews are scheduled for week of March 16, 2025, or earlier as needed.
- The desired start date is negotiable.
CONFIDENTIAL INQUIRIES
Steve Waldron, JD
VP & Managing Director, Higher Education Practice
816-945-5423
swaldron@eflassociates.com
NOMINATIONS & APPLICATION QUESTIONS
Edith Ketay
Project Manager, Higher Education Practice
816-841-4001
edith.ketay@eflassociates.com
Shawnee State University is committed to having an educational and working environment for students and employees that is without unlawful or prohibited discrimination and harassment.
Categories defined as protected classes include age, ancestry, color, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity or expression, genetic information, HIV/AIDS status, military status, national origin, pregnancy, race, religion, sexual orientation, veteran status, status as a parent immediately after the birth of a child, status as the parent of a young child, status of a foster parent, and any other classes defined by law. (Board of Trustees Policy 5.01)
Many laws that prohibit discrimination also prohibit retaliation against individuals who assert their rights.
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