Director of HR Operations & Special Assistant to the VP of HR

Location: New York, NY Category: Professional / Administrator Posted On: Mon Jun 30 2025 Job Description:

This is a critical leadership position that ensures operational alignment, strategic execution, and executive support of the Human Resources division. The Director of HR Operations & Special Assistant reports to the Vice President serving as a trusted advisor and representative of the HR unit and executive affairs. They assist in advancing a culture of service, inclusion, and operational excellence.

They are equally at home coordinating the VP's daily schedule, committees, and project schedules, as well as leading high-impact HR initiatives that support FIT strategic goals related to professional development, employee engagement, and ultimately student success.

Essential Functions

HR Leadership

• Collaborate with the VP and HR Leadership Team (AVP of HR and Labor Relations, Director of Benefits, Director of HR, and Director of Employee & Labor Relations) to drive execution of the HR Strategic Plan. Represent the VP in meetings and on institutional committees, as needed. Collaborate with colleagues in similar positions, i.e. Assistant Deputy to the President, to execute the work of the unit.
• Manage strategic HR projects and college-wide goals related to employee learning and development, employee engagement, and technology-enhanced HR service delivery.
• Develop, implement, and maintain the Strategic HR Communications Plan including regular and ad hoc employee communications, confidential memos, and high-level reports and presentations.
  
  

Operations Oversight & Project Management

• Manage the administrative operations of the HR division including budget development, scheduling, and event coordination to ensure a high-performing HR operation.
• Facilitate the execution of HR goals and projects via coordination with project leaders, managing project timelines and ensuring accountability in the delivery of outcomes.
• Develop and maintain unit dashboard with performance metrics demonstrating progress and accomplishments.
  
  

Executive Affairs & VP Support

• Own and manage a high-volume, ever-changing calendar and scheduling demands with precision and foresight. Provide confidential scheduling, briefing materials, correspondence, and meeting coordination for the VP.
• Act as the first line of prioritization for the VP, triaging requests, communications, and meetings in real time.
• Stay closely connected to team and HR priorities; anticipate organizational needs and support the HR Leadership team.
• Ensure seamless coordination between the VP's office and institutional departments to elevate the visibility and impact of the HR division.
  
  

The preceding description is not designed to be a complete list of all duties and responsibilities required of the position; other duties may be assigned consistent with the classification of the position.

Job Requirements

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in HR, organizational development, public administration, business, communications, psychology, or related field.
• Experience related to HR operations, process improvement, and project management.
• Ability and desire to work in a hybrid role to support the day-to-day activities of the VP in an administrative/project capacity as well as have the opportunity to independently manage the strategic work of the division.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in human resources or a related discipline.
• Experience in higher education and/or a unionized environment.
• Experience in mid to senior HR roles (HR Generalist, Business Partner, Manager, Director).
• Proficiency with Smartsheet or similar project management tools.
  
  

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Proactive, solutions-oriented mindset with a strong commitment to continuous improvement, accountability, and collaborative decision-making.
• Strong project management, organizational, and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities under deadline pressure.
• Outstanding oral and written communication skills, including the ability to draft clear and persuasive employee communications to multiple audiences.
• Exceptional interpersonal and relationship-building skills; ability to establish credibility, trust, and influence with staff at all levels.
• High emotional intelligence, professional maturity, sound judgment, and ability to handle sensitive and confidential issues with discretion.
• Identifies and resolves complex problems considering policy, context, and systems.
• Skill in analyzing and using HR data and metrics to assess performance, identify trends, and inform decision-making.
• Ability to analyze financial data and ensure appropriate allocation and management of unit budget.
• Supports diversity and inclusion efforts across the college.
• A forward-thinker who anticipates needs and plans several steps ahead.
• Resourceful, proactive, and solutions-oriented; takes initiative and find ways to continuously improve how things get done.
• Advanced knowledge of HR policies, compliance, and best practices.
• Advanced proficiency in HRIS and data analysis/reporting.
• High-level proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and productivity tools.
• Exceptional discretion, professionalism, and ability to handle sensitive information.
• Strong written and verbal communication; effective in executive-level correspondence and presentation.
  
  

Additional Information

Please note all offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of the background check process.

Salary

Salary: $125,000 to $144,000 per year, commensurate with experience.

Work Schedule

Days/Hours: M-F, 9am-5pm, in person; work schedule subject to change based on needs of the department.

Benefits

The Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) provides comprehensive employee benefit programs designed to help keep our faculty and staff and their families healthy, safe, happy, and productive. Our programs also include a variety of components to help our employees improve the quality and balance of their work and family lives, and to help them prepare for their futures.

Retirement Plans

• Health Care Plan and Dental Plan
• Employee Assistance Program
• Flexible Spending Account
• Commuter Benefit Plan
• FIT Tuition Exemption Program
• Paid Time Off (Vacation, Personal, Sick and Holidays)
• 4-day Summer Workweek
• Qualifying Employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program
  
  

For a full list of FIT benefits, visit our benefits webpage.

Pay Equity by State Employers

Pursuant to Executive Order 161, no State entity, as defined by the Executive Order, is permitted to ask, or mandate, in any form, that an applicant for employment provide his or her current compensation, or any prior compensation history, until such time as the applicant is extended a conditional offer of employment with compensation. If such information has been requested from you before such time, please contact the Governor's Office of Employee Relations at (518) 474-6988 or via email at info@goer.ny.gov.

Visa Sponsorship

This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship by the Fashion Institute of Technology.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement

FIT is firmly committed to creating an environment that will attract and retain people of diverse racial and cultural backgrounds. By providing a learning and working environment that encourages, utilizes, respects, and appreciates the full expression of every individual's ability, the FIT community fosters its mission and grows because of its rich, pluralistic experience. FIT is committed to prohibiting discrimination, whether based on race, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender identity, religion, ethnic background, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, military service status, genetic information, pregnancy, familial status, citizenship status (except as required to comply with law), or any other criterion prohibited by applicable federal, state, or local laws. FIT is committed to providing equal opportunity in employment, including the opportunity for upward mobility for all qualified individuals. Applications from minorities, women, veterans, and persons with disabilities are encouraged. Inquiries regarding FIT's non-discrimination policies may be directed to the Affirmative Action Officer/Title IX Coordinator, 212 217.3360, titleix@fitnyc.edu.

Physical Requirements And Work Environment

The working conditions for this position will be primarily in an office space. The physical requirement for this position will require frequent sitting, occasional standing, occasional walking, occasional bending and occasionally lifting up to 10 lbs.