"Assistant Vice President for Human Resources"

Position Description

East Tennessee State University (ETSU) invites applications and nominations for the next Assistant Vice President for Human Resources.

ETSU was founded in 1911 with a singular purpose: to improve the quality of life for people in the region and beyond. The next Assistant Vice President for Human Resources will provide visionary, dynamic, and ethical leadership critical to achieving that purpose.

Reporting to the Vice President for Administration/Chief Operating Officer, the Assistant Vice President for Human Resources (AVP-HR) leads strategic and operational HR functions, including developing and implementing policies, managing employee relations and benefits, talent acquisition, orientation, retention, staff training initiatives and programs, and ensures legal compliance. The role involves providing strategic leadership to the HR department, acting as a trusted advisor to university leaders, and collaborating with Deans, Vice-Presidents, and other campus entities to support the university's overall mission.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic leadership: Develop and implement HR strategies and initiatives that align with the university's mission and goals. This includes a focus on organizational effectiveness, change management, and succession planning.
• Policy and compliance: Oversees the creation, implementation, and administration of university-wide HR policies and procedures. Ensures compliance with all federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations, i.e., immigration and work authorization needs, J-1, H-1B, etc.
• Talent management: Leads talent acquisition, retention, and development efforts, including compensation, benefits, performance management, and employee engagement programs.
• Employee and labor relations: Manages employee relations, providing guidance on issues such as discipline and grievances. Regularly engages with faculty and staff regarding HR-related developments and HR best practices, regulations, and statutes.
• Service Delivery: Implement a HR service delivery model that emphasizes responsiveness, accountability, and excellence in customer service. Lead staff in providing services with a focus on continuous improvement and efficiency.
• Operational oversight: Oversees various HR functions, such as payroll data collection, benefits administration, and the HR Component of the Voyager System. This includes managing and supervising the HR team.
• Training and Development: Build and lead a robust training and development program for supervisors and managers to strengthen leadership, compliance, and professional growth. Champion change management strategies that help the University adapt to evolving challenges in higher education.
• Consultation and collaboration: Acts as a strategic partner and advisor to university leadership, deans, and department heads on human resources matters. Fosters collaborative relationships across the university to address specific needs.
• Data and analytics: Develop and leverage a data and analytics strategy for the HR department to inform decision-making. Provide regular reports and dashboards on workforce metrics, retention, and other key indicators.

Qualifications and skills

Education: Bachelor's degree in Human Resources or a related field, with a master's degree (such as an MBA) strongly preferred. Ten-plus years of progressive HR leadership experience, with at least five years in a senior-level role. Compatible experience will be considered. Demonstrated expertise in employee relations across the spectrum of employee roles. Strong knowledge of HR best practices and employment law. Success in change management, organizational development, and culture building.

Certifications: Professional certifications like SHRM preferred.

Core Competencies

Mastery of basic personnel/human resources theory and principles. Experience leading compliance efforts with federal and state laws and entity policies/procedures regarding HR management. Mastery of current HR developments, best practices, techniques, and trends. Knowledge of financial, organizational, and management principles as those apply to HR in a university environment. Ability to effectively plan, implement, manage, and monitor HR programs. Ability to work collaboratively and manage communications and interactions across multiple university departments, faculty, staff, and community leaders. Excellent communication skills, including persuasive writing, public speaking, presentation and workplace social media skills.

The Assistant Vice President for Human Resources, ETSU Search Committee invites letters of nomination, applications (letter of interest, complete resume/CV, and references), or expressions of interest to be submitted to the university. Confidential review of materials will begin immediately and continue until the appointment is made. It is preferred, however, that all nominations and applications be submitted before Friday, January 9, 2026.

East Tennessee State University is an equal opportunity employer.