Assistant/Associate Vice President, Human Resources

Assistant/Associate Vice President, Human Resources

Company: Augustana University

Category: Human Resources

Type: Full-Time

Augustana University invites applications for the position of Asst/Assoc VP for Human Resources. Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer & Executive Vice President.

This role provides strategic leadership for all Human Resources functions and plays a critical role in advancing Augustana’s mission through effective talent strategy, regulatory compliance, and collaborative partnership across the university. The Asst/Assoc VP leads a high-performing HR team and works closely with senior leadership, faculty governance groups, campus committees, and the Business Office to ensure alignment of people practices, payroll operations, and financial stewardship. The position requires the ability to translate complex employment and regulatory matters into clear, actionable guidance while fostering a culture of trust, accountability, and service.

Key Responsibilities

The Asst/Assoc VP for Human Resources provides vision, leadership, and oversight for a comprehensive portfolio that includes:

• Human resources strategy, operations, and policy development
• Recruitment, retention, and workforce planning
• Employee relations, investigations, and conflict resolution
• Compensation, benefits, and university wellness programs.
• Multi-state employment, wage and hour, and leave law compliance
• HRIS administration (ADP) and data governance
• Organizational development, succession planning, and leadership development
• Collaboration with the Business Office on payroll funding, budgets, financial controls, and reporting
• Oversight of the Campus Learning Center

Required Qualifications

• Extensive Human Resources leadership experience, preferably in higher education or a non-profit environment
• Demonstrated expertise in federal, state, and multi-state employment and leave law compliance
• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Organizational Leadership or related field
• Experience leading payroll systems with strong oversight of compliance and internal controls
• Proven ability to collaborate effectively with finance and/or Business Office partners on payroll funding and budgeting
• Strong strategic, analytical, and operational leadership skills
• Exceptional interpersonal, communication, and facilitation abilities
• Demonstrated empathy, compassion, and strong listening skills, with the ability to navigate sensitive and complex situations
• High ethical standards, sound judgment, and a commitment to confidentiality

Desired Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Organizational Leadership, or a related field
• Ten or more years of progressively responsible Human Resources leadership experience
• Experience developing inclusive and equitable workplace practices
• Experience leading cross-functional initiatives involving Human Resources, payroll, finance, and compliance
• Human Resources certification (SHRM-SCP, SPHR, or equivalent) is preferred.

This role interacts with students, faculty, and administration leadership with different backgrounds and points of view. Having a deep appreciation of and respect for academic values and culture must be a top value of the candidate.

Application Procedure

The position will begin on or around June 1, 2026 and remain open until filled. Interested applicants are asked to submit the following materials via our Career Center Portal. If assistance is needed during the application process, please reach out to humanresources@augie.edu.

• Letter of interest
• Resume
• Contact information for at least three references

Augustana University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Title IX Employer. Applicants must comply with the Immigration Reform and Control Act and may be required to submit official transcripts upon employment. Finalist candidates must satisfactorily complete a pre-employment background check.