James Madison University
Assistant / Associate Vice President for HR, Training and Performance

James Madison University invites applications and nominations for the role of Assistant / Associate Vice President for HR, Training and Performance. This position offers a significant opportunity to lead and evolve HR and employee relations strategy, with broad institutional impact at a respected public university known for its culture, engagement, and collaborative environment.

Reporting to the Vice President for Administration and Finance, the Assistant / Associate Vice President for HR, Training and Performance, provides strategic leadership to the Human Resources and Talent Development departments, ensuring alignment with the university's mission and high standards of service and performance. The role also includes supporting the VP for Administration and Finance with special projects and serving on university committees to drive policy, compensation, and engagement initiatives. Because of the collaborative nature of this role, the successful candidate is expected to be on-site at our Harrisonburg campus.

Required Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree in Human Resources or a related field coupled with proven leadership experience in supervising and guiding human resources management, talent development, or a related field.
• Experience within a college or university system, a closely related field or an organization of equal or greater complexity and understanding higher education administration and governance structures.
• In-depth knowledge of HR practices, policies, and procedures and talent development strategies and programs.
• Demonstrated, significant leadership experience in labor relations and collective bargaining, preferably within a higher education or public-sector environment with strong knowledge of employment and labor laws applicable to unionized workplaces. Proven ability to advise executive leadership and work collaboratively with academic and administrative stakeholders with demonstrated skill in change management, stakeholder engagement, and conflict resolution during periods of organizational transition.
• Candidates must possess a fundamental understanding of all relevant laws, regulations, and practices to ensure compliance with governing agencies.
• The successful candidate will provide evidence of effective leadership to include operating in a culture of teamwork including trust, respect, and dignity. Candidates must possess a proven ability to create an environment where others are motivated to achieve shared goals.
• Demonstrate the ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with superiors, subordinates, and colleagues.
• Excellent project management skills, with the ability to coordinate special projects and initiatives.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with a high level of customer service.
• Ability to effectively manage and guide departments to align with organizational missions and goals.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to review and improve programs and processes.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Human Resources, Labor Relations, Business Administration, Organizational Development, or a related field preferred.
• Professional HR certifications such as SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, or SPHR are preferred.
• Experience supporting or implementing collective bargaining and labor-relations practices in a newly unionized or transitioning organization, including developing policies, procedures, training, and labor-management structures from the ground up.
• Experience managing or overseeing multiple bargaining units or employee groups.
• Experience partnering with legal counsel on labor-relations strategy and compliance.

The rank of the position will be determined based on the qualifications and experience of the successful candidate.

Applications & Nominations

While applications and nominations will be accepted until a successful candidate has been appointed, interested parties are encouraged to submit their materials by July 24, 2026, to receive optimal consideration.

Nominations and application materials, which should include a letter indicating the applicant's interest, experience and qualifications for the position, and resume, must be submitted electronically to:

Buffkin/Baker
jmuavphr@buffkinbaker.com
Martin Baker, Managing Partner
Sharon Hansen, Senior Associate