Workforce Planning Associate Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Description:
Job Description Summary:
The Deputy Chief Human Resources Officer / Human Resources Director - College of Nursing (hybrid) serves as the senior HR leader supporting the College of Nursing while also functioning as a key strategic partner to the Chief Human Resources Officer.
In this dual-capacity role, the individual serves as the dedicated HR Business Partner to the College of Nursing, providing strategic and operational leadership across talent strategy, workforce planning, employee relations, performance management, and organizational effectiveness for the University's largest academic unit.
In addition, the role supports the CHRO in advancing institutional HR initiatives and strengthening enterprise-wide HR practices, ensuring alignment between college-level workforce strategies and the University's broader human capital priorities.
This highly visible leadership position requires close collaboration with the Dean, Associate Deans, and Department Chairs, while also contributing to institutional HR leadership and cross-university initiatives.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Key Responsibilities

Human Resources Leadership - College of Nursing (Hybrid)

Serve as the senior HR advisor and strategic partner to the College of Nursing leadership team.

• Partner with the Dean and academic leadership to develop and implement workforce strategies aligned with enrollment growth, program expansion, and evolving healthcare workforce needs.
• Provide strategic guidance on faculty and staff workforce planning, organizational design, and leadership effectiveness within the College.
• Lead and advise on complex employee relations matters, ensuring consistent, fair, and legally compliant resolution of issues.
• Support faculty and staff performance management processes, leadership coaching, and professional development initiatives.
• Strengthen hiring effectiveness by working closely with academic leaders and the University's Recruitment team to support timely and high-quality hiring of faculty and staff.
• Utilize workforce data and hiring trends to inform strategic planning and capacity management across academic programs.
• Ensure position management, approvals, and hiring practices are efficient, compliant, and aligned with institutional standards.

Organizational Effectiveness & Leadership Support

• Partner with College leadership to strengthen engagement, accountability, and collaboration across academic and administrative teams.
• Support leadership development and coaching for department chairs and academic leaders.
• Identify organizational challenges and recommend solutions that enhance operational effectiveness and workforce performance.

Employee Relations & Compliance

• Provide oversight and guidance on complex employee relations issues within the College of Nursing.
• Ensure HR practices align with federal and California employment laws, university policies, and higher education regulatory requirements.
• Partner with HR leadership and legal counsel as needed to address sensitive matters and mitigate institutional risk.

Deputy CHRO Responsibilities (Secondary / Institutional Role)

• Serve as a strategic partner to the CHRO in advancing key HR initiatives and strengthening HR practices across the University.
• Provide guidance and support to HR Business Partners serving other academic units and business units as needed to promote consistency and alignment in HR practices.
• Support enterprise HR initiatives related to organizational effectiveness, talent strategy, employee engagement, and leadership development.
• Contribute to institutional workforce planning and strategic HR initiatives that support the University's mission and long-term growth.
• Represent HR leadership in cross-functional initiatives or committees as delegated by the CHRO.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required Organizational Development, or related field
• 8+ years of progressive HR leadership experience, in complex, matrixed organizations.
• Demonstrated experience partnering with executive leaders in a consultative HR Business Partner capacity.
• Strong knowledge of employment law, performance management practices, and employee relations.
• Ability to balance strategic thinking with hands-on execution.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and influencing skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in human resources, Organizational Development, or related field preferred.
• 8+ years of progressive HR leadership experience, complex, matrixed organizations, preferably in higher education
• Experience supporting faculty or academic environments is highly desirable.

Work Environment:

Office Location: Oakland, CA - Hybrid

• This is a hybrid position based in Oakland, with 3 days in-office attendance varying depending on meetings, events, and business needs.
• Collaboration with a multidisciplinary team in a dynamic academic setting.

Employee Status:RegularExemption Status:United States of America (Exempt)Time Type:Full timeJob Shift:Pay Range:
Pay range of $123,600 through $175,000 depending on experience, qualifications, geographic location, and other relevant factors.

Organization:

At Samuel Merritt University (SMU), we are dedicated to fostering a supportive, inclusive community committed to advancing healthcare through exceptional education, compassionate care, and community service. Known for our leading-edge programs in health sciences, SMU equips students and faculty with the knowledge and skills to make impactful contributions to health and wellness.

We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. SMU welcomes applicants from all backgrounds and is committed to creating an inclusive workplace where anyone can thrive and reach their full potential.

Samuel Merritt University currently provides base salary ranges for all positions-on job advertisements-in the United States based on local requirements. Individual compensation will ultimately be determined based on a variety of relevant factors including but-not limited to qualifications, geographic location, and other relevant skills.

Benefits

Samuel Merritt University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Mental health and wellness resources
• Education reimbursement
• Employee discounts through Marketplace
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and parental leave
• Nine paid holidays, plus a paid holiday break between Christmas and New Year's Day
• Two floating holidays
• One paid Volunteer Work Day
• Five Education Leave Days

Important Notice: Beware of Fraudulent Job Offers

Samuel Merritt University has been made aware of individuals posing as SMU recruiters, particularly for remote positions. To help protect yourself, please keep the following in mind:

• All legitimate job openings are posted on the SMU Careers page and trusted job boards.
• We will never ask you to provide payment for equipment or submit sensitive personal information before completing the formal hiring process.
• Official offers of employment are issued through Workday, not by text message or informal email.

Please remain cautious and protect your personal information throughout your job search.

Notice to Recruitment Agencies

Samuel Merritt University does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruitment agencies. Please do not forward resumes to our job application email address, SMU employees, or any other university location. Samuel Merritt University is not responsible for fees associated with unsolicited resumes or candidate submissions.