Alicia Hargraves-Bradford
Summary
Dynamic leader with extensive experience at the University of West Georgia, excelling in operational strategy development and collaborative team leadership. Spearheaded impactful employee development programs, enhancing engagement and performance. Proven track record in effective conflict resolution and stakeholder relationship management, driving continuous improvement and fostering a culture of continuous learning and operational success.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Director, Learning and Organization Development
University of West Georgia
07.2024 - Current
- Empower employee growth and development to drive enhanced performance, effective leadership, and continuous improvement to enhance student success.
- Continuously foster strong relationships with UWG stakeholders to support OHR Learning and Organizational Development (L&OD) initiatives, relevant content design and creation, and employee development.
- Design, implement, and promote effective professional development programs for nurturing talent development through multiple channels, to include AchieveWest Career Development Academy, Employee Learning Week(s), and the annual performance evaluation process.
- Lead and enhance employee experience through engagement opportunities and recognition through programs such as Employee Recognition, WolfLife New Employee Experience, Employee Engagement Surveys, and more.
- Ensure annual compliance with institution and University System of Georgia compliance and ethics training requirements for new and current employees.
- Capitalize OHR L&OD brand visibility through strategic communication and media outreach through partnerships with University Communications and Marketing.
- Spearhead successful career development academy learning programs that result in increased brand visibility and participation.
- Continuously enhance internal OHR organizational culture and communication channels to embrace continuous improvement via collaboration with and mentorship of cross-functional teams.
- Lead recruiting, hiring and training of team members.
Assistant Director, Campus Relations & OD
University of West Georgia
08.2023 - 07.2024
- Led effective performance management workforce development processes, procedures, and training for enhanced effectiveness.
- Organized and facilitated WolfLife New Employee Experience onboarding program.
- Galvanized stakeholder engagement through effective planning and execution of annual Employee Recognition Award process and CelebrateWest annual recognition event.
- Responsible for administering the University’s Code of Conduct in alignment with University System of Georgia (USG) policy. Research, assess and recommend program and policy enhancements and communication strategies, as well as ensure compliance with policies.
- Provided sound coaching and support to campus leaders and employees with regard to code of conduct issues. Implemented effective conflict resolution strategies for resolving employee relations issues.
- Conducted investigations associated with employee relations matters and advised CHRO, Title IX Coordinator, and General Counsel of employee relations escalations that could have placed the University at risk.
- Advise campus leaders and employees with regard to the University’s staff grievance policy and procedures. Negotiated settlements that resulted in resolution without resorting to the formal grievance process.
- Led recruitment, onboarding, and training of Employee Relations Manager.
- Oversaw daily operations to maintain compliance with organizational policies and standards.
Assistant Director, Campus Relations
University of West Georgia
09.2022 - 07.2023
- Served as lead to the then Campus Relations unit, to include employee benefits and Well Being programs and initiatives, Employee Relations and conflict resolution, university and Board of Regents policy compliance, performance management, leave administration, staff grievance process, Affirmation Action Planning and implementation, and employee immigration.
- Serve as a resource and facilitator for workplace conflict resolution, mediation and team dynamics.
- Coordinate institution Affirmative Action Plan (AAP) and reporting to campus partners.
- Provided guidance and recommendations in relation to diverse talent search activities.
- Oversaw institutional immigration administration for international employment.
- Administered the University’s Code of Conduct in alignment with University System of Georgia (USG) policy. Research, assess and recommend program and policy enhancements and communication strategies, as well as ensure compliance with policies.
- Provided sound coaching and support to campus leaders and employees with regard to code of conduct issues. Implemented effective conflict resolution strategies for resolving employee relations issues.
- Conducted investigations associated with employee relations matters and advised CHRO, Title IX Coordinator, and General Counsel of employee relations escalations that could have placed the University at risk.
- Strengthened interdepartmental collaboration by facilitating effective communication channels.
- Fostered team cohesion and morale by addressing concerns and promoting a positive workplace culture.
- Organized and prioritized tasks to meet deadlines and achieve project deliverables.
Manager, Employee Relations
University of West Georgia
08.2021 - 08.2022
- Served as lead to Employee Relations and conflict resolution, university and Board of Regents policy compliance, performance management, Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and Parental Leave administration, accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), staff grievance process, Affirmation Action Planning (AAP) and implementation, and employee immigration.
- Composed and implemented streamlined processes and procedures to support consistent management of employee relations matters, to include intake, progressive discipline, investigations, and offboarding.
- Obtained Alternative Dispute Resolution Certificate through the Kennesaw State University Center for Conflict Management, and SHRM Certified Professional certification through Society for Human Resource Management to enhance knowledge, skills, and abilities to best serve UWG.
- Served as project lead to launched Performance Management module, ePerformance, through effective project management, stakeholder engagement, communication, and training design and facilitation.
- Designed and implemented talent development and resources to align with ePerformance product launch to support career and individual development planning.
- Conducted investigations associated with employee relations matters and advised CHRO, Title IX Coordinator, and General Counsel.
- Fostered team cohesion and morale by addressing concerns and promoting a positive workplace culture.
Compliance Business Partner
University of West Georgia
04.2021 - 07.2021
- Developed and conducted search committee resources and for campus partners to support Careers Applicant Tracking System (ATS) implementation for staff and faculty recruitment.
- Coordinated institutional Affirmative Action Plan (AAP) and reporting through Berkshire consulting company.
- Developed and administered internal immigration practices and processes, assisted international employees with HR matters, managed immigration correspondence, documentation and legal consultation with impacted employees, hiring managers, deans, and other unit leaders.
- Served as a business partner with hiring managers to develop effective relationships within the organization and the campus community.
- Managed AA/EEO faculty search pool review, certification and records.
- Oversaw the maintenance and execution of performance management administration.
- Managed Clery Act activities and provided HR policy guidance and interpretation.
Human Resources Business Partner
University of West Georgia
08.2014 - 03.2021
- Served the Division of Academic Affairs to support effective position management, recruitment, onboarding, employee relations, and compliance with national and USG specific policies such as Immigration, Affordable Care Act, and USG Dual Appointment.
- Completed and improved data collection for multiple institutional annual salary reports and surveys, to include College and University Professional Association for Human Resources (CUPA-HR), Integrated Post-Secondary Education Data System (IPEDS), and American Association for University Professors (AAUP).
- Designed and facilitated training for search committees on effective onboarding, DEI, immigration, and compliance.
Education
MBA -
University of West Georgia
Carrollton, GA05-2009
BBA - Marketing
University of West Georgia
Carrollton, GA 05-2008
Skills
- Operational Strategy Development
- Collaborative Team Leadership
- Project Execution
- Stakeholder Relationship Management
- Risk Assessment
- Continuous Process Optimization
- Organizational Strategy Development
- Organizational Change Management
- Effective Conflict Resolution
- Brand Strategy Development
- Coordinated Event Execution
- Collaborative Stakeholder Engagement
Certification
SHRM Certified Professional
Alternative Dispute Resolution Certified
Timeline
Director, Learning and Organization Development
University of West Georgia
07.2024 - Current
Assistant Director, Campus Relations & OD
University of West Georgia
08.2023 - 07.2024
Assistant Director, Campus Relations
University of West Georgia
09.2022 - 07.2023
Manager, Employee Relations
University of West Georgia
08.2021 - 08.2022
Compliance Business Partner
University of West Georgia
04.2021 - 07.2021
Human Resources Business Partner
University of West Georgia
08.2014 - 03.2021
MBA -
University of West Georgia
BBA - Marketing
University of West Georgia
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