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Senior Director of Human Resources

Virginia Beach, VA

Training Tomorrow's Technicians to Become Skilled, Employable, and Essential

ABOUT US - Big Changes, Better Benefits - Join us today!

 At Cotulla Education, home to the Aviation Institute of Maintenance, Centura College, and Tidewater Tech, we are dedicated to transforming lives through hands-on, career-focused education. Our mission is to empower students to achieve their professional dreams in high-demand fields like aviation, healthcare, information technology, and skilled trades. With experienced faculty providing personalized support, our graduates emerge as future leaders ready to make a significant impact in their communities. Join us in shaping the careers of those who will build and maintain our world and embark on a transformative journey towards a fulfilling career. 

POSITION PURPOSE

The Senior Director of Human Resources and Employee Relations is a strategic and people-centered leadership role, responsible for guiding and supporting the company’s regional HR managers across multiple sites. This leader will ensure consistent HR practices, compliance, and alignment with company goals while serving as a strategic partner for employee relations of employee relations across the organization

In addition to leading, mentoring, and managing a team of Regional HR professionals, this role will focus on creating and sustaining a positive, inclusive, and productive workplace culture. The Senior Director will serve as the go-to advisor for complex employee relations matters, ensuring fair, consistent, and legally sound practices that reinforce employee trust and organizational integrity.

The ideal candidate will bring a strong background in employee relations, conflict resolution, and workplace culture development, paired with strategic HR leadership skills to empower teams and influence outcomes in a dynamic, high-growth environment.

JOB FUNCTIONS, DUTIES, AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Employee Relations & Compliance

  • Oversee and provide expert guidance on complex employee relations issues escalated from regional teams, ensuring fair, consistent, and legally compliant resolutions.
  • Develop and implement consistent employee relations policies and procedures across
  • Ensure regional HR teams are proactive in promoting a positive work environment through effective coaching, conflict resolution, and performance management support.
  • Monitor and ensure regional compliance with all federal, state, and local labor laws and regulations, staying abreast of changes and implementing necessary adjustments.

Strategic Leadership & Team Management

  • Provide direct leadership, mentorship, and performance management to Regional Human Resources Managers and coordinators, fostering their professional development and ensuring alignment with company goals.
  • Develop and implement regional HR strategies that support business growth, operational efficiency, and positive employee experiences.
  • Translate corporate HR initiatives into actionable regional plans, ensuring consistent application and compliance across all assigned locations.
  • Champion a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement within the regional HR teams.
  • Establish clear performance metrics for regional HR teams and regularly assess their

Talent Management & Support

  • Ensure Regional HR Managers provide effective HR cross-functional support to the Talent Acquisition and Onboarding teams, coordinating regional HR processes as needed.
  • Partner with recruitment leadership and support for regional recruitment, onboarding, and retention initiatives.
  • Oversee how Regional HR Managers support recruitment- and onboarding-related HR activities, ensuring compliance and consistent employee experience across campuses.
  • Guide regional HR Managers in implementing effective performance management processes, talent development initiatives, leadership pipeline, career growth frameworks, and succession planning within their regions.

HR Operations Oversight

  • Collaborate with the Benefits Manager and regional teams to resolve complex benefit- related inquiries and ensure alignment with company policies.
  • Ensure HRIS data integrity and compliance across all
  • In partnership with payroll and benefits teams, have oversight of the accurate and timely management of employee status changes, including promotions, transfers, and terminations, and ensure appropriate communication to relevant departments.

Additional Leadership Responsibilities

  • Build and maintain strong, effective relationships with regional leadership, corporate departments, and C-level executives.
  • Act as a key liaison between regional HR teams and corporate HR functions, ensuring seamless communication and alignment.
  • Lead or participate in special projects and initiatives as assigned by C-level
  • Perform and complete other tasks that may be assigned by

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty in a satisfactory manner. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required for this position. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education

  • Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field (required).
  • Master’s degree preferred

Experience/Skills

  • 10+ years of progressive human resources experience, with at least 5 years in a multi-site or regional leadership role, managing a team of HR professionals.
  • Demonstrated expertise in all HR disciplines, including employee relations, talent acquisition, performance management, compensation, benefits, and HR
  • Strong knowledge of federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations (e.g., Workers’ Comp, FMLA, ADA, USERRA).
  • Proven ability to lead, develop, and inspire high-performing HR
  • Strong strategic and operational thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills in a fast-paced, performance-driven environment.
  • Strong business acumen and the ability to link HR strategy to business
  • Excellent written and verbal communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills with the ability to influence and build credibility at all levels of the organization, including C-level
  • High level of integrity, strong work ethic, and
  • Proficiency in HRIS systems (familiarity with ADP Workforce Now is preferred) and MS Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook, SharePoint, Teams)
  • Ability and willingness to occasionally work outside of regular business hours to meet deadlines and customer needs.
  • Ability and willingness to travel overnight for business purposes (estimated 20-30%).

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

SHRM CP/SCP or CPTD (preferred, but not required)

Work Schedule

  • Full-Time Role: Standard business hours, Monday through Friday
  • This position is located in Virginia Beach, VA and follows a hybrid work model, balancing in-office collaboration (2–3 days per week) with remote work flexibility on other days
  • This role is anticipated to require some travel 

What We Offer

The compensation for this position ranges from $125,000 - $150,000 per year, based on experience, qualifications, and other relevant factors. In addition to a competitive base salary, we offer a comprehensive benefits package, including:  

  • 401(k) and Matching: Secure your future with our competitive retirement savings plan.   
  • Comprehensive Health Coverage: Enjoy Health, Dental, and Vision insurance to keep you and your family healthy.   
  • Life Insurance: Peace of mind with life insurance options.   
  • Parental Leave: Support for new parents during important life transitions.   
  • Paid Time Off: Recharge with paid time off to promote work-life balance.   
  • Employee Assistance Program: Access to resources for personal and professional support.   
  • Tuition Reimbursement: Invest in your future with financial support for further education. 

We are committed to providing a rewarding compensation package that supports both your professional growth and personal well-being

Cotulla Education is a proud equal-opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. We believe that a diverse workforce contributes to the success of our company and are dedicated to fostering a culture of respect, equity, and inclusion.

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