Assistant Vice President Of People And Culture

Grade: 17                                    FLSA:  EXEMPT                                  Non-bargaining Unit

BASIC FUNCTION

The Assistant Vice President of Peopleand Culture leads a university-wide employee and labor relations function with a focus on enabling a work environment that supports employee and leadership success, learning and professional growth, as well as diversity and belonging. The individual in this role guides Human Resources managers, and University leaders, staff and faculty with respect to employee relations matters, compliance, and the implementation of policies, procedures and programs related to recruitment and retention, compensation, performance management, talent development, and human resources transactional activities.  The AVP, as a member of the President’s Cabinet, will foster strategic collaborations, identify organizational needs and inform the development of initiatives aimed at supporting the achievement of institutional goals.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Leads the Vermont State University's  (VTSU) Human Resources team. Hires and trains staff, sets goals and continuously communicates with team members to provide cohesive and coordinated HR support for the University.
• Guides HR Managers in employee relations matters; continuously researches and plans for implementation of practices in support of effective performance management and an engaging workplace culture.
• Guides HR Managers with the interpretation and application of union agreements.
• Conducts a wide variety of special investigations and studies covering a wide range of grievances and other sensitive personnel issues; prepares related reports.
• Leads workforce planning and evaluation of staffing needs and distribution including feasibility of temporary employees and/or contractual services.
• Works with HR staff to review, evaluate and recommend classifications for both new and existing positions. Advises President, Cabinet members and hiring managers on hiring compensation and other HR functions. Reviews recommendations for staff positions, and potential salary offers to ensure internal equity.
• Represents the University to various groups including but not limited to: the VSC HR Council, The VSC UP Equity Committee, VSC UP Professional Development Committee, Staff Council, VSCSF Classification Committee, Safety Committee, VSC Unit Determination Committee, etc.
• Ensures adherence to a wide range of policies, procedures and guidelines in compliance with state and federal regulations and statutes, internal policies and collective bargaining contracts.
• Works with the VSC Human Resources Council to identify staff and leadership professional development and continuous learning needs. Assists with the implementation of initiatives developed to address these needs.
• Promotes communication of HR programming, events, updates and other relevant informational updates across the University.
• Integrates practices in support of building a diverse, equitable and inclusive work environment.
• Other related duties as assigned.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

General supervision and direction are received from the Vice President of Business Operations. 

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

Oversee the VTSU Human Resources Managers. Hires new employees, supports employee development, sets goals, and evaluates employee performance. Develops, coaches and counsels employees, takes disciplinary action if needed, and

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

•  Minimum of 8 years of experience in employee and labor relations
•  Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience
•  Experience providing guidance, direction and support to staff

 PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS 

•  Experience working in human resources in an academic environment
•  Experience working in human resources in a unionized environment
•  SHRM or other applicable HR designation

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES 

 Knowledge:  

•  Knowledge of Federal and State labor and leave laws
•  Applied knowledge of labor relations practices
•  Applied knowledge of HRIS systems such as UKG, Peoplesoft, Banner or Workday
•  Commitment to developing own professional knowledge and the professional knowledge of team members regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion and how it informs practices within human resources

Skills:  

•  Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
•  Strong consulting, negotiation and conflict resolution skills
•  Outstanding customer service orientation and commitment to high quality task execution

Abilities:  

•  Ability to work independently as well as with diverse, collaborative teams
•  Ability to make data-informed independent decisions, problem solve, and drive results
•  Ability to prioritize and manage workload
• Demonstrated ability to support a diverse community and promote diverse perspectives, cultures and an inclusive environment
•  Ability to build trust with employees
•  Ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of individuals/groups inside and outside the University
•  Ability to maintain a high degree of confidentiality
•  Demonstrated commitment to valuing diversity and contributing to an inclusive working and learning environment

Location: This position will be based on any of the Vermont State University’s campuses; hybrid remote may be an option.  Occasional travel to other campuses may be necessary.

This general outline illustrates the type of work which characterizes the job classification. It is not an all-encompassing statement of the specific duties, responsibilities and qualifications of individual positions assigned to the classification.

VTSU values individual differences that can be engaged in the service of learning. Diverse experiences from people of varied backgrounds inform and enrich our community. VTSU strongly encourages applications from historically marginalized and underrepresented populations. VTSU is an Equal Opportunity Employer, in compliance with ADA requirements, and will make reasonable accommodations for the known disability of an otherwise qualified applicant. Please contact Human Resources for assistance with accommodations at humanresources@vermontstate.edu.

NOTE: This job is subject to a fingerprint-supported criminal background check. Any offer of employment is contingent upon the satisfactory results of this check.