What Is a Human Resources Director?
Human resources directors are responsible for all aspects of human resources within an organization, including employment, training, compensation, benefits, and labor relations. They are in charge of managing and providing human resources services, programs, and policies. This can include duties related to recruiting, organizational planning, policy development, performance management, and employee relations.
Human resources directors help an organization run smoother by making sure ethical business practices, labor laws, and safety procedures are correctly followed. They are mainly concerned with an organization’s employees and may plan strategies to hire and retain the best and most qualified employees, implement programs that help optimize employee performance, and inform company executives about employee-related issues.
Directors at small companies may oversee one comprehensive human resources department, while those at larger ones may oversee several sub departments that specialize in each area of human resources. Practically all of these types of directors work during regular business hours in comfortable office settings.
How to Become a Human Resources Director
Those interested in becoming human resources directors should earn at least a bachelor’s degree in human resources management, labor and industrial relations, or labor studies. In these types of majors, students learn about business procedures and management operations relevant to human resources, as well as other important aspects like employee relations, organizational behavior, and labor economics.
Common courses include legal issues in employment, performance management, compensation and benefits, compensation and performance appraisal, unions and management, and training and development. As human resources falls under the field of business, courses in subjects like management, finance, and economics are also beneficial.
Most employers like to see applicants who possess relevant experience and have participated in internships or part-time jobs related to human resources. Strong candidates will have leadership abilities and effective communication and interpersonal skills. Some employers may also require applicants to have earned a master’s degree or specialized certifications. Many people start out in entry-level or assistant positions within human resources departments before advancing to directing and management positions.
Human Resources Director Career Outlook & Salary
As long as business is booming, there will be a need for individuals who can manage people who work within the field. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of labor relations managers and specialists is projected to increase by 22% within the next decade, with the employment of human resources managers increasing by 10%. This is due to an increase in legislation revising occupation standards and policies, more companies expanding their number of employees, and a growing emphasis on employee relations and development.
As with most occupations there are usually more qualified applicants than open positions within human resources departments. College graduates with a relevant educational background, certifications, and professional experience will remain the most competitive. The most employment opportunities will likely be at quickly growing companies that need human resources experts and HR consulting firms that provide human resources services on a contract basis. The Bureau reported that the median annual wages of these types of managers was $96,130 in May 2008.
