University HR Senior Director of Talent Management and Workforce Engagement

About the University of Georgia

Chartered by the state of Georgia in 1785, the University of Georgia is the birthplace of public higher education in America and is the state’s flagship university (https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below).). The proof is in our more than 240 years of academic and professional achievements and our continual commitment to higher education. UGA is currently ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report.

The University’s main campus is located in Athens, approximately 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs approximately 3,100 faculty and more than 7,700 full‑time staff. The University’s enrollment exceeds 41,000 students including over 31,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 19 schools and colleges, including our newly established School of Medicine.

The University of Georgia has been a leader for more than 235 years for one reason:
Our people. People will always be the heart of our success. Our team is composed of talented human resource professionals focused on helping the people of this great institution reach their potential and build the foundation for the next 235 years. Please visit  to learn more about our mission, vision, staff, and more!

The Senior Director of Talent and Workforce Engagement is a key contributor to the success of UGA’s greatest resource: its people! Reporting to the Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer, this senior director will shape the university’s talent acquisition strategy, leading efforts to attract, engage, and retain top talent across the employee lifecycle. As a University Human Resources Leadership Team member, they will engage with various internal and external constituents to ensure a positive candidate experience, develop a robust talent pipeline, and address complex and sensitive faculty and staff matters.

They utilize qualitative and quantitative analytics to create, execute, and evaluate strategies to identify, attract, recruit, and retain top talent, as well as to oversee employee‑ and organization‑focused activities.

This position provides strategic leadership and oversight for the university‑wide employee relations and workforce engagement program, promoting a positive and productive work environment that supports the success of UGA’s workforce. The Senior Director also leads the development and execution of comprehensive workforce planning and organizational design initiatives, ensuring the university’s structures, roles, and talent strategies are aligned to meet current priorities and future institutional needs.

Central to this role is the responsibility for continuing to cultivate UGA’s employer brand. This includes strengthening our reputation as an employer of choice, driving enterprise‑wide engagement and retention strategies, and partnering with executive leaders to build a high‑performing, future‑ready workforce. With a bold, data‑driven approach, the Senior Director ensures that all efforts are rooted in growth, recognition, shared values, and aligned with the university’s mission to proactively create and maintain a positive work environment for all.

Bachelor’s degree in a related field and 12 years of professional experience to include 3 years in a leadership role.

• Masters degree preferred
• 7+ years in higher education human resources
• Progressive experience in the areas of talent management, recruitment, and workforce engagement
• 2 years or more of supervisory experience, with a demonstrated ability to lead multi‑functional HR teams
• Previous experience in recruitment, hiring, and employee relations within a large, complex organization
• HR certification such as SHRM‑CP, SHRM‑SCP, HRCI PHR, HRCI SPHR

• Experienced in developing and implementing effective recruiting strategies to build a robust talent pipeline, while fostering a strong employer brand
• Strong background in higher education recruiting with a proven…