Alia Dodson
MADISON
Summary
Results-driven Human Resources executive with 10+ years of progressive experience, including 5+ years leading HR strategy, talent operations, and employee relations functions across public sector and education organizations. Proven success aligning HR initiatives with organizational goals, improving retention, strengthening leadership capability, and ensuring regulatory compliance. Expertise in workforce planning, investigations, performance management, HRIS optimization, and organizational development.
Focused managing director promoting several years of expertise successfully working for organizations in the field market. Highly knowledgeable in planning and implementing budgets, strategic initiatives and employee training programs. Known for exemplary team-building and project oversight skills. Gifted at working with all sorts of personalities.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Managing Director of Human Resources
STEM Preparatory Academy
10.2023 - Current
- Lead the full HR function for a multi-site educational organization, serving as a strategic advisor to executive leadership on workforce strategy, compliance, and organizational effectiveness.
- Provide executive-level HR leadership supporting organizational growth, workforce planning, and talent retention strategies.
- Oversee employee relations, investigations, performance management, and compliance for 100+ employees across multiple campuses.
- Lead complex investigations, including Title IX matters, ensuring legal compliance and risk mitigation.
- Reduced employee relations escalations by implementing proactive manager coaching and standardized performance frameworks.
- Directed policy modernization and handbook updates to align with regulatory changes and organizational priorities.
- Manage leave programs (FMLA, ADA, Workers' Compensation), improving tracking accuracy and response timelines.
- Supervise HR and Talent Acquisition staff, strengthening hiring processes and interview quality through coaching and process redesign.
- Partner with senior leadership to analyze exit data and identify retention initiatives to improve workforce stability.
Sr. Human Resource Business Partner
City of Memphis
12.2017 - 10.2023
- Oversaw HR operations and HRBP functions supporting multiple departments within a large municipal workforce environment.
- Led HR operations including onboarding, benefits, payroll coordination, compliance, and employee relations for large departmental employee populations.
- Supervised HR staff, including HR Coordinator and Payroll Specialist, improving service delivery and operational efficiency.
- Served as acting HR leader in the absence of the HR Manager.
- Analyzed workforce metrics (attrition, engagement, vacancies, hiring trends) and presented insights to leadership to inform strategic decisions.
- Developed retention and engagement strategies that improved employee satisfaction and reduced turnover risk.
- Ensured compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws across HR programs and processes.
- Delivered HR training for leadership on hiring practices, policies, and performance management.
- Streamlined onboarding processes and HRIS data accuracy through system monitoring and process improvements.
Lead Recruiter
Employbridge- ProLogistix
01.2016 - 12.2017
- Managed full cycle recruiting across multiple client locations, supporting high-volume hiring and strategic workforce needs.
- Led recruitment strategy across multiple business units, improving candidate pipeline quality and time-to-fill.
- Built diverse candidate pipelines aligned with workforce demands and organizational goals.
- Partnered with hiring managers to define workforce needs, selection criteria, and hiring strategies.
- Introduced innovative sourcing approaches that expanded candidate reach and improved hiring outcomes.
- Delivered consultative guidance to leaders on interviewing and talent selection best practices.
Onsite Human Resource Manager
Employbridge- Select Staffing
06.2015 - 01.2016
- Managed onsite HR operations supporting contract workforce and Warehouse operations.
- Oversaw employee lifecycle processes including hiring, onboarding, performance management, payroll coordination, and compliance.
- Improved workforce productivity through coaching, performance monitoring and leadership support.
- Served as liaison between corporate HR, operations leadership, and contract employees.
- Managed weekly payroll processing and workforce scheduling coordination.
Education
MS - Human Resource Management
Strayer University
BS - Professional Studies
University of Memphis
Skills
- Employee Relations
- Workplace Investigations
- Conflict Resolution & Mediation
- Performance Management & Coaching
- Policy Development & Implementation
- Employee Handbook & Policy Administration
Timeline
Managing Director of Human Resources
STEM Preparatory Academy
10.2023 - Current
Sr. Human Resource Business Partner
City of Memphis
12.2017 - 10.2023
Lead Recruiter
Employbridge- ProLogistix
01.2016 - 12.2017
Onsite Human Resource Manager
Employbridge- Select Staffing
06.2015 - 01.2016
MS - Human Resource Management
Strayer University
BS - Professional Studies
University of Memphis