Overview of the Position:
The University, a national leader in higher education access, affordability, and attainment, is seeking a transformative Vice President, People & Culture.
Reporting to the President, the VP will drive a comprehensive People strategy that reflects The University's mission of empowering first-generation, immigrant, and international students through education and its unique environment of care, community, and success.
The VP will partner closely with the President’s Office on annual initiatives that support and strengthen The University's warm, personal, family-oriented culture, including a Thanksgiving pie distribution, December holiday party, holiday financial gift/bonus, Staff Recognition Awards program, and others.
The VP of People & Culture will have the opportunity to shape HR transformation at a vibrant, dynamic institution that prioritizes inclusivity, community engagement, and positive student outcomes. This role will play a pivotal part in building a culture that supports the success of The University's students, staff, and faculty.
Key Responsibilities:
- Strategic Leadership: Design and implement an innovative People strategy aligned with The University’s mission to facilitate social mobility and community transformation. Lead change management and support the university’s growth while maintaining the integrity of its values.
- Talent Acquisition & Retention: Lead recruitment efforts with a focus on attracting and retaining diverse, high-caliber talent. Develop internal talent pipelines, succession planning, and innovative onboarding programs to support organizational growth.
- Culture & Engagement: Cultivate a transparent, inclusive culture that encourages collaboration and promotes employee engagement. Address employee relations issues proactively while ensuring staff satisfaction.
- Compensation & Benefits: Oversee competitive, equitable compensation and benefits programs that align with The University’s commitment to affordability and professional development. Ensure the university remains an employer of choice.
- Performance & Development: Implement performance management systems to foster continuous improvement, staff development, and alignment with The University’s commitment to student outcomes.
- Compliance & Policy: Ensure HR practices comply with federal, state, and local laws. Maintain transparency in HR policies and oversee the development of reporting standards.
- Technology & Innovation: Leverage HR technology to streamline processes and introduce data-driven practices that support The University’s strategic goals.
- Partnerships & Collaboration: Build relationships with faculty, staff, students, and external partners to support collaboration and community engagement.
- Budget & Resource Management: Oversee the HR budget, ensuring alignment with institutional priorities. Implement creative solutions to optimize resources.
- Community Building: Lead initiatives that strengthen The University’s caring, mission-driven community, reflecting values of integrity, outcomes, and collaboration.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Organizational Development, or related field (Master’s preferred).
- Track record of building strong cross-functional partnerships that enable common goals to be reached.
- Warm, empathetic leader who believes that kindness and a commitment to excellence can coexist.
- A minimum 12 years of progressive leadership experience in HR, with demonstrated success in change management, employee relations, and talent management.
- Expertise in HR compliance, employment law, and HRIS technologies.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with a proven ability to build relationships across a diverse institution.
- A commitment to The University’s core values: Outcomes, Integrity, and Relationships.
