Employment Opportunities

Are you interested in being a strategic leader at UDRI? UDRI is a national leader in scientific and engineering research, serving government, industry, and nonprofit customers. UDRI contributes to the fulfillment of the University's commitments to education, research, and public service through the involvement of students, faculty and external partners. Established as the research arm of the University of Dayton in 1956, UDRI achieved $2.75 billion in cumulative sponsored research in 2020. Sponsored research for 2023 alone exceeded $230 million. We invite qualified candidates to apply for our Director of Employee Experience and Engagement opening!

Reporting to the Vice President of the Research Institute the Director of Employee Experience and Engagement at the University of Dayton Research Institute (UDRI) plays a pivotal role in shaping and enhancing the overall employee experience. This role is instrumental in driving UDRI's mission to create a supportive, inclusive, and high-performing workplace. The Director is responsible for developing and executing comprehensive strategies that align with business goals and organizational values, positioning UDRI as an employer of choice.

This role involves conducting thorough data analysis and leveraging insights from employee feedback to craft engagement initiatives that foster a positive and collaborative work environment and cultivate an exceptional organizational culture. The Director leads diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts, ensuring a diverse, equitable, inclusive, and positive work environment. Additionally, the Director oversees training and development programs to enhance employee growth, development, and retention. Collaboration with UD HR and UDRI Strategic Communications and Branding team is essential to maintain a compelling employer brand that attracts and retains top talent. The Director's leadership ensures that UDRI remains a thriving and cohesive workplace community.

1. Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field and at least 8 years of relevant experience.
2. Strong understanding of employee engagement strategies and best practices.
3. Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills for effective interaction with employees at all levels.
4. Experience successfully collaborating on diverse, multifunctional teams.
5. Ability to work effectively across cross-functional teams and stakeholders.
6. Experience developing and implementing DEI strategic plans.
7. Experience with conflict resolution and change management.
8. Advanced organizational skills to manage multiple projects, schedules, budgets, and resources, simultaneously.
9. The ability to effectively develop and implement efficient processes.
10. Experience appropriately handling confidential information.
11. Society for Human Resource Management Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) or equivalent and proficiency in HR management.
12. Due to the requirements of our research contracts with the U.S. federal government, candidates for this position must be a U.S. citizen.

While not everyone may possess all of the preferred qualifications, the ideal candidate will bring many of the following:

1. Minimum 17 years’ experience designing or implementing initiatives focused on elevating workplace experience, employee engagement, learning and development, or similar roles.
2. Experience using technology and data analytics to enhance employee experiences and support strategic decisions.
3. Familiarity and understanding of the University of Dayton’s Catholic Marianist values.
4. Experience with organizational recruiting.
5. Experience working in a sponsored research or defense contracting environment.
6. Experience with Deltek Costpoint.
7. Experience with talent management suites like PageUp.
8. Experience with learning management systems like BioRAFT, KnowB4, NAVEX.
9. Experience with e-learning platforms like Canvas.
10. Experience managing performance and survey data with tools, and systems, like SurveyMonkey, Qualtrics, Culture Amp.
11. Society for Human Resource Management Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) or equivalent.

Informed by its Catholic and Marianist mission, the University is committed to the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Informed by this commitment, we seek to increase diversity, achieve equitable outcomes, and model inclusion across our campus community. As an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer, we will not discriminate against minorities, women, protected veterans, individuals with disabilities, or on the basis of age, race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity.