Description
SUPPORTING OUR WORKFORCE THROUGH TECHNOLOGY, DATA AND PAYROLL
Nationwide Children’s Hospital is seeking an experienced leader to serve as director of Human Resources Information Systems and Payroll. This individual will provide strategic direction for two essential functions that support more than 18,000 employees across Nationwide Children’s and Pediatric Academic Association.
The director will lead the continued development of HR technology, payroll services and workforce data capabilities that support organizational operations and the employee experience. Working closely with leaders across Human Resources, Finance, Information Services, Legal Services and other areas, the director will ensure HRIS and payroll services remain accurate, compliant and responsive to the needs of a growing organization.
This opportunity comes at an important time for Nationwide Children’s. Following the implementation of Workday across Human Resources and several other business functions, the organization continues to expand its technology and analytics capabilities. The next director will build on this foundation while leading the implementation of UKG Workforce Management Pro and exploring new opportunities involving automation, artificial intelligence and people analytics.
HUMAN RESOURCES INFORMATION SYSTEMS AND PAYROLL
The HRIS and Payroll teams manage workforce systems, employee data and payroll operations for Nationwide Children’s and Pediatric Academic Association.
The HRIS team includes a manager and nine analysts who maintain the system of record for workforce data. The team manages Workday business processes and interfaces with UKG and systems supporting employee health, benefits, Finance, Research and Supply Chain.
Team members approve, test, audit and report on thousands of HR transactions. They also produce hundreds of reports for executives, managers, government agencies and Human Resources partners. Additional responsibilities include managing semiannual Workday releases, testing system changes, training managers and core users, analyzing data and supporting required workforce reporting.
The Payroll team includes a manager and seven analysts who process biweekly payroll for more than 18,000 employees across two companies. The team also manages an off-cycle biweekly payroll for disability benefits and manual checks.
Payroll tax returns and regulatory filings are completed internally for both companies. This work includes federal requirements and reporting across 27 states, 171 localities, 12 counties and 134 school districts. The team also oversees timekeeping administration and training, payroll auditing, unemployment and labor reporting, tax abatement support and project testing.
Together, the teams help ensure employees receive accurate, timely service and organizational leaders have reliable information to support workforce decisions.
Department Highlights
- Two teams supporting Nationwide Children’s and Pediatric Academic Association
- More than 18,000 employees supported through payroll operations
- Nine HRIS analysts led by an HRIS manager
- Seven Payroll analysts led by a Payroll manager
- Biweekly payroll processing for two companies
- Payroll tax and regulatory filings completed internally
- Workday administration, reporting and semiannual release management
- Workforce data and analytics supporting leaders across the organization
- Partnerships with Human Resources, Finance, Treasury, Information Services and Legal Services
A STRONG TECHNOLOGY FOUNDATION
Over the past several years, the HRIS and Payroll teams have contributed to major Human Resources and organizational initiatives, including the implementation of Workday as the organization’s enterprise resource planning system.
Within Human Resources, Workday supports payroll, benefits, absence and disability, talent acquisition, compliance, learning, performance management, employee relations, wellness and reporting. Nationwide Children’s also introduced mobile access so employees can review pay slips, benefits and personal information more easily.
The teams have implemented several additional programs and system improvements. These include an internal Capital Accumulation Plan for physicians and executives, a housing allowance program for ordained clergy and the EdCor tuition reimbursement system. The payroll team has also implemented regulatory changes affecting overtime premiums.
Nationwide Children’s is currently implementing UKG Workforce Management Pro to replace its existing Kronos timekeeping system. The new platform will support advanced scheduling, timekeeping, attestation and analytics while integrating with Workday for payroll processing. The system is expected to launch in February 2027.
Future priorities include implementing a candidate engagement tool and the Workday People Analytics module, evaluating new artificial intelligence capabilities, expanding Workday feature adoption and adding attendance management through UKG Workforce Management.
LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITY
The Director of HR Information Systems and Payroll will guide the strategic direction, operational performance and continued improvement of both functions. The director will ensure reliable service, strong data integrity and compliance with applicable policies, regulations and internal controls.
This leader will oversee departmental budgets, identify opportunities to improve processes and align HR technology and payroll services with organizational needs. The director will also develop the HRIS and payroll teams, strengthen customer service and build productive relationships with leaders and partners throughout Nationwide Children’s.
Qualified candidates will have at least seven years of Human Resources experience involving HRIS and payroll, along with five years of management experience. A bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, business administration or a related field is required. A master’s degree and Certified Payroll Professional certification are preferred.
LOOKING AHEAD
The next director will join experienced teams with significant knowledge of Nationwide Children’s systems, workforce and operations. This leader will have the opportunity to build on a strong Workday foundation, guide a major workforce management implementation and expand the use of data and technology across Human Resources.
Through this work, the director will help provide reliable, efficient systems that allow employees and leaders to focus on their responsibilities while supporting Nationwide Children’s mission to improve the health and well-being of children and families.
Requirements
Director of HRIS & Payroll
POSITION SUMMARY:
Leads the strategic direction, operational performance, and continuous improvement of Human Resources Information Systems (HRIS) and Payroll functions. Ensures accurate, compliant, and efficient service delivery that supports workforce operations, organizational decision-making, and the employee experience.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Provides leadership and direction for HRIS and Payroll operations to ensure reliable, accurate, and effective service delivery. Develops and manages the budget required to operate and maintain the HRIS and Payroll departments.
Develops and executes strategies that strengthen system capability, payroll administration, data integrity, and operational efficiency.
Ensures compliance with applicable policies, regulations, and internal controls related to workforce data, payroll processing, and information management.
Oversees process improvement initiatives that enhance service quality, reduce risk, and support scalable HRIS and Payroll operations.
Partners with organizational leaders and cross-functional stakeholders to align HR technology and Payroll services with business needs.
Monitors operational performance, identifies opportunities for improvement, and implements solutions that support accuracy, consistency, and accountability.
Leads, develops, and supports team performance to promote effective operations, customer service, and continuous improvement.
JOB QUALIFICATIONS
EDUCATION:
Bachelor's Degree in Human Resources, Business Administration or related field required.
Master’s degree preferred.
CERTIFICATIONS:
Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) certification, preferred..
EXPERIENCE:
Seven years of Human Resources experience in Payroll and HRIS, required.
Five years of management experience, required.
COMPENSATION:
Competitive executive salary package with performance incentives.
Full suite of benefits, including health, dental, retirement and paid time off.
Relocation assistance may be offered.
