Wesleyan University
Associate Vice President for Human Resources
Wesleyan University, Middletown, Connecticut, us, 06457
Wesleyan University seeks a strategic, collaborative, and innovative leader to serve as its next Associate Vice President for Human Resources (AVP-HR). Human Resources supports the mission of Wesleyan by providing services and programs that attract, develop, and retain a highly qualified, engaged, and diverse workforce. This vital leadership position offers a unique opportunity to influence the future of the University through effective human resources management and a deep commitment to service, excellence, and inclusion.Reporting to the Senior Vice President, Chief Administrative Officer, and Treasurer, the AVP-HR is a key member of the Finance and Administration team that provides strategic and operational leadership and day-to-day oversight for the human resources department. The AVP-HR is expected to guide staff through a wide range of HR issues while ensuring that decisions and strategies are aligned with the University's mission and objectives.As a dynamic leader, the AVP-HR will supervise and develop a strong team that has responsibility for talent acquisition, professional development, employee and labor relations, performance management, compensation, benefits and wellness, compliance, human resources technology, human resources budget, and employee programs for approximately 1,000 employees, including a partially unionized workforce.The AVP-HR will lead a staff of nine people, including three management level direct reports, the Director of Talent Acquisition and Employment, the Director of Employee Benefits, and the Director of Labor and Employee Relations. Additionally, the AVP-HR will oversee relations with five bargaining units including Physical Plant, Public Safety, Secretary/Clerical, Residential Life Student Workers, and Graduate Students.As a steward of Wesleyan's inclusive excellence, the AVP-HR will work actively, in collaboration with the Vice President for Equity and Inclusion and other campus leaders, to advance diversity and inclusion initiatives. Further, the AVP-HR will lead employee investigations and work closely with the Office for Equity and Inclusion to ensure compliance with Title VII and Title IX regulations.As a subject matter expert in all areas of human resources, the AVP-HR will design and develop programs that continuously improve HR and overall organizational effectiveness in the short- and long-term. They will be expected to effectively manage HR staff by establishing clear goals and performance metrics, providing timely feedback and coaching, and balancing resources with staffing needs to meet the realistic expectations of a demanding private university environment.Additionally, the AVP-HR must excel in relationship management, developing strong connections with staff, faculty, students, senior leaders, and other key stakeholders. They will collaborate with University Communications to develop a strategic communications plan for HR to deliver timely and informative communications to faculty, staff, and other university stakeholders. Further, the AVP-HR will leverage webpages and social media as essential tools to promote the University as an employer of choice, attracting top talent to the community.Across the broader University, the AVP-HR will engage with university leadership to provide guidance on succession planning, ensuring a robust pipeline of talent for the future. They will oversee the recruitment and retention of a highly qualified and diverse workforce, promoting employee engagement through programs that foster networking and community building. In order to cultivate a motivated and high-performing workforce, the AVP-HR will oversee the annual staff performance review and merit increase process, along with the design and management of employee recognition programs. In managing compensation programs and overseeing the administration of university benefits, the AVP-HR will ensure compliance in these programs.They will also be responsible for negotiating and implementing collective bargaining contracts, managing the annual HR budget, and collaborating with Information Technology Services to oversee HR management systems and data. A critical aspect of this role involves leading the creation of data and metrics to assess organizational health, facilitate workforce planning, and inform policy recommendations. Based on those metrics and policy recommendations, the AVP-HR will assess and design training and development plans that are intentionally designed to both support individual career growth and meet the evolving needs of the University now and into the future.OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES
Continue to create and invest in programs and guidelines that strengthen HR operations across the University.Develop a dynamic HR team that provides best-in-class customer service.Engage with leadership, stakeholders, and community members across Wesleyan to support an inclusive, equity-focused environment.Act as an HR subject matter expert across campus to build relationships and increase collaboration between units.Continue to develop a long-term strategy for HR communications across the University.Ensure that Wesleyan is a destination of choice for employees.Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's degree and at least seven years of progressively responsible human resources leadership/supervisory experience, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.Experience with and knowledge of all human resources functional areas (talent management, labor and employee relations, training and development, compensation, benefit and wellness, performance management, risk management, compliance) and demonstrated commitment to best practices.Current knowledge of federal labor laws, rules and regulations related to all human resources areas.Demonstrated experience with data informed decision making.Experience with evaluating, improving, and recommending processes.Excellent communication skills and ability to resolve complex employee relations issues with clarity, integrity, and respect for all parties.Demonstrated creative problem-solving and strategic-thinking skills.Demonstrated commitment to work within a diverse environment and interact openly with individuals of diverse backgrounds.Preferred Qualifications:
Advanced degree in Human Resources, Organizational Development, or related field.Experience/competency with Workday functionality.Experience with varied performance review, compensation, employee engagement and retention models.Previous experience designing and implementing training and development programs.Demonstrated experience managing strategic communication with all constituencies.Prior experience as an innovative change agent.Experience with unions that includes contract negotiations.SPHR or SHRM-SCP Certification.LOCATION
This role is an on-campus position. The Human Resources office is located at 55 High Street, Middletown, Connecticut.To read a detailed job description please visit the Isaacson, Miller website linked here (https://www.imsearch.com/open-searches/wesleyan-university/associate-vice-president-human-resources).Wesleyan University has retained Isaacson, Miller to assist in the search for the Associate Vice President for Human Resources. Dan Rodas, Partner is leading this search with Angelo Alexander, Senior Associate.Interested candidates must submit a letter of interest and a current resume or curriculum vitae to be considered for the position. Confidential inquiries, nominations, and application materials should be directed to the Isaacson, Miller website linked here (https://www.imsearch.com/open-searches/wesleyan-university/associate-vice-president-human-resources).Screening of complete applications will begin immediately and continue until the completion of the search process. Please do not apply directly to Wesleyan's Careers Website.Compensation: $184,425 - $222,475Work Location: On CampusAll offers to external applicants are contingent on the candidate's completion of a pre-employment background check screening (https://www.wesleyan.edu/hr/pdfs/Wesleyan%20University%20Background%20Check%20Policy_.pdf) to the satisfaction of Wesleyan University.Wesleyan University, located in Middletown, Connecticut, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, age, gender, gender identity or expression, national origin, marital status, ancestry, present or past history of mental disorder, learning disability or physical disability, political belief, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information or non-position-related criminal record. We welcome applications from women and historically underrepresented minority groups. Inquiries regarding Title IX, Section 504 or any other non-discrimination policies should be directed to Vice President for Equity and Inclusion, Title IX and ADA/504 Coordinator.Wesleyan University complies with the Clery Act and maintains records of campus crime statistics and security policies. Copies of Wesleyan University's Clery Act Report are available on request and online at https://www.wesleyan.edu/publicsafety/clery.html.Experience is taken into consideration in the determination of salary offers. For more information visit https://www.wesleyan.edu/hr/handbook/compensation-practices/index.html.Wesleyan offers a broad range of employee benefits and development opportunities, including comprehensive group insurance plans, wellness programs and incentives, generous paid time off and retirement plans, flexible work schedules, employee and dependent tuition programs for those who qualify.Detailed information on the benefits of working at Wesleyan is located at: https://wesleyan.edu/hr/careers/prospective-resources.html.We welcome your interest in Wesleyan's diverse, energetic community of employees who, by their creativity, innovative thinking, and generosity of spirit, help make Wesleyan a great place to work.In this open-minded and inclusive environment, our faculty and staff foster a liberal arts experience characterized by boldness, rigor, and practical idealism.
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Continue to create and invest in programs and guidelines that strengthen HR operations across the University.Develop a dynamic HR team that provides best-in-class customer service.Engage with leadership, stakeholders, and community members across Wesleyan to support an inclusive, equity-focused environment.Act as an HR subject matter expert across campus to build relationships and increase collaboration between units.Continue to develop a long-term strategy for HR communications across the University.Ensure that Wesleyan is a destination of choice for employees.Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's degree and at least seven years of progressively responsible human resources leadership/supervisory experience, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.Experience with and knowledge of all human resources functional areas (talent management, labor and employee relations, training and development, compensation, benefit and wellness, performance management, risk management, compliance) and demonstrated commitment to best practices.Current knowledge of federal labor laws, rules and regulations related to all human resources areas.Demonstrated experience with data informed decision making.Experience with evaluating, improving, and recommending processes.Excellent communication skills and ability to resolve complex employee relations issues with clarity, integrity, and respect for all parties.Demonstrated creative problem-solving and strategic-thinking skills.Demonstrated commitment to work within a diverse environment and interact openly with individuals of diverse backgrounds.Preferred Qualifications:
Advanced degree in Human Resources, Organizational Development, or related field.Experience/competency with Workday functionality.Experience with varied performance review, compensation, employee engagement and retention models.Previous experience designing and implementing training and development programs.Demonstrated experience managing strategic communication with all constituencies.Prior experience as an innovative change agent.Experience with unions that includes contract negotiations.SPHR or SHRM-SCP Certification.LOCATION
This role is an on-campus position. The Human Resources office is located at 55 High Street, Middletown, Connecticut.To read a detailed job description please visit the Isaacson, Miller website linked here (https://www.imsearch.com/open-searches/wesleyan-university/associate-vice-president-human-resources).Wesleyan University has retained Isaacson, Miller to assist in the search for the Associate Vice President for Human Resources. Dan Rodas, Partner is leading this search with Angelo Alexander, Senior Associate.Interested candidates must submit a letter of interest and a current resume or curriculum vitae to be considered for the position. Confidential inquiries, nominations, and application materials should be directed to the Isaacson, Miller website linked here (https://www.imsearch.com/open-searches/wesleyan-university/associate-vice-president-human-resources).Screening of complete applications will begin immediately and continue until the completion of the search process. Please do not apply directly to Wesleyan's Careers Website.Compensation: $184,425 - $222,475Work Location: On CampusAll offers to external applicants are contingent on the candidate's completion of a pre-employment background check screening (https://www.wesleyan.edu/hr/pdfs/Wesleyan%20University%20Background%20Check%20Policy_.pdf) to the satisfaction of Wesleyan University.Wesleyan University, located in Middletown, Connecticut, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, age, gender, gender identity or expression, national origin, marital status, ancestry, present or past history of mental disorder, learning disability or physical disability, political belief, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information or non-position-related criminal record. We welcome applications from women and historically underrepresented minority groups. Inquiries regarding Title IX, Section 504 or any other non-discrimination policies should be directed to Vice President for Equity and Inclusion, Title IX and ADA/504 Coordinator.Wesleyan University complies with the Clery Act and maintains records of campus crime statistics and security policies. Copies of Wesleyan University's Clery Act Report are available on request and online at https://www.wesleyan.edu/publicsafety/clery.html.Experience is taken into consideration in the determination of salary offers. For more information visit https://www.wesleyan.edu/hr/handbook/compensation-practices/index.html.Wesleyan offers a broad range of employee benefits and development opportunities, including comprehensive group insurance plans, wellness programs and incentives, generous paid time off and retirement plans, flexible work schedules, employee and dependent tuition programs for those who qualify.Detailed information on the benefits of working at Wesleyan is located at: https://wesleyan.edu/hr/careers/prospective-resources.html.We welcome your interest in Wesleyan's diverse, energetic community of employees who, by their creativity, innovative thinking, and generosity of spirit, help make Wesleyan a great place to work.In this open-minded and inclusive environment, our faculty and staff foster a liberal arts experience characterized by boldness, rigor, and practical idealism.
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