Associate Vice President of Human Resources

a highly visible leadership opportunity to shape and strengthen human resources services across the University. As a member of the President's Strategic Leadership Team, the Associate Vice President will serve as a trusted adviser, strategic partner, and collaborative leader, helping advance institutional priorities while supporting a positive, productive, and engaged campus community. The Associate Vice President provides leadership across the full spectrum of human resources functions, including employee and labor relations, talent acquisition, compensation and classification, benefits administration, policy development, regulatory compliance, workplace investigations, and employee training and development. The position also oversees the human resources team and departmental resources, ensuring the delivery of responsive, consistent, and effective services to faculty, staff, and University leadership. This role presents an opportunity to strengthen human resources operations while advancing meaningful institutional improvements. Among the priorities will be supporting ongoing work involving compensation and classification, expanding employee training and development, refining human resources processes, and fostering greater consistency and transparency in policies and practices. Success will require a leader who can build credibility across campus, effectively lead and communicate change, and translate strategic objectives into practical improvements that serve the University community. The University's dynamic operating environment calls for an individual who can balance competing priorities, respond thoughtfully to time-sensitive matters, and provide sound guidance to the President and other senior leaders while maintaining momentum on longer-term initiatives. Equally important will be the ability to work collaboratively with academic and administrative leaders, support and develop human resources staff, and approach complex personnel matters with sound judgment, discretion, and professionalism. UCM seeks an experienced, organized, and adaptable HR leader who brings broad functional expertise, a steady leadership presence, and a genuine commitment to understanding the University's culture, challenges, and aspirations. The successful candidate will recognize that effective human resources leadership requires both strategic vision and operational excellence, along with the ability to listen, build relationships, and follow through on commitments. Responsibilities Responsible for the formulation, interpretation, and administration of University personnel policies and practices, including, but not limited to, wage and salary policies, leave policies, employee discipline policies, complaints and grievances, and separation policies. Periodically review and make recommendations for revisions to employee policies. Develop and monitor appropriate recruiting and hiring strategies. Establish and monitor the application and effectiveness of management development and employee training programs. Ensure compliance with Federal and State laws and regulations governing human resources issues. Administer the University's employee insurance, retirement, and other benefits programs. Provide direction and oversight in the development and implementation of employee relations strategies and programs designed to minimize and mediate workplace disputes and foster a positive and productive work environment. Develop and manage the annual human resources budget. Develop HR plans and strategies to support the achievement of the overall university operations and the strategic plan. Promote a university culture that supports the mission, vision, and values. Responsible for the optimum utilization of human resources staff. This involves responsibility for employment, training, assignment of duties, providing proper equipment and working conditions, recommending salary adjustments, and maintaining morale. Education Master's degree in Human Resources, Industrial/Organizational Psychology, Business Administration, Public Administration, or related field required. Doctorate in Human Resources, Business Administration, Higher Education Administration, Public Administration, or related field is preferred. Experience 10 years progressively responsible experience in human resources management with at least 5 years in a high level managerial and/or executive leadership role required. Professional certification preferred: PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP. To apply, please submit your application materials through the GA&A website HERE. Application materials should include: 1. A letter of interest 2. A current resume/curriculum vitae Submission of application materials as PDF attachments is strongly encouraged. The search will be conducted with a commitment to confidentiality for candidates until finalists are selected. Initial screening of applications will begin immediately and will continue until an appointment is made. The University of Central Missouri actively follows a policy of nondiscrimination in regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, pregnancy or parental status, national origin, veteran status, genetic information, disability, and all other legally protected classes. This policy applies to educational programs and activities including athletics, instruction, grading, the awarding of student financial aid, recruitment, admission, employment, housing, placement and retention of students, faculty and staff. The university complies with applicable federal and state laws and regulations related to discrimination.