Executive Director, Faculty Human Resources

Position Information

University Code 23916 University Title Senior Administrator 3, Human Resources University Job Family Human Resources ORP Eligible Yes For more information on ORP, visit: Retirement Plans
Recruitment Pool All Applicants Recruitment Type Job Series Scope of Search National Working Title Executive Director, Faculty Human Resources Position Number FA6630 Is this employee on a H1B Visa? Position Type Staff Job Status Full-Time FLSA Indicator Exempt Employee Group Executive & Senior Level Leadership Department Provost And VP Acad Affairs Organizational Overview

At VCU, we Make it Real through learning, research, creativity, service and discovery — the hallmarks of the VCU experience. A premier, urban, public research university nationally recognized as one of the best employers for diversity, VCU is a great place to work. It’s a place of opportunity, where your success is supported and your career can thrive. VCU offers employees a generous leave package, career paths for advancement, competitive pay, and an opportunity to do mission-driven work.

Position Primary Purpose and General Responsibilities

In direct support of VCU’s priority of recruiting and retaining a talented and diverse faculty, the Executive Director of Faculty Human Resources leads the university’s centralized faculty human resources functions for all units within the Office of the Provost. Reporting to the vice provost for faculty affairs, and indirectly to the senior vice provost for faculty affairs, the executive director is a project-driven position responsible for a wide variety of faculty human resources policies, programs, and procedures which promote equitable and consistent human resources practices in support of the life cycle of a faculty member.

The executive director oversees and recommends process improvements to several functional areas to include: faculty appointment and contract administration; faculty salary administration; the merit/bonus award process; faculty early retirement and distinguished career programs; faculty human resources related policies; salary increases from promotions; development of faculty human resources procedures/forms; and oversight for the content of Faculty HR, a comprehensive web resource for HR staff and other administrators responsible for faculty human resources management. In addition, the executive director supports VCU’s faculty recruitment and retention initiatives and processes/procedures, in conjunction with the vice provost of faculty affairs.

This position is responsible for providing ongoing consultative decision making, communications, training, tools, strategic planning and resources to individuals in the colleges, schools, and units who are responsible for faculty human resources so that they can build and maximize their knowledge, skills, and abilities and become content “experts” for their respective area(s). This position leads other HR Professionals and colleagues to make decisions that are often difficult or high-stakes.

The executive director is expected to be a trusted member of the Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and the Sr. Vice Provost for Academic Affairs leadership teams, to include the handling of time sensitive and highly confidential human resources matters.

The executive director oversees a small staff who support the faculty human resources functions, by reviewing contracts and human resources actions prepared by HR personnel in the colleges/schools/units under the Provost (e.g. new hires, leaves of absence, secondary assignments, adjunct tuition waivers, emeriti appointments, etc.) to ensure they are in compliance with policies and established procedures.

The executive director is also responsible for overseeing the centralized HR functions for all faculty and staff (including non-benefited) in the Office of the Provost to include supporting the Provost and senior leaders in the recruitment, appointment, compensation, performance management, merit processes, and separation, etc. Most of these duties are carried out by the HR Professional, one of the staff members in the office.

This position serves as a first point of contact for faculty employee relations matters on the Monroe Park Campus, providing consultation to managers, academic administrators, faculty, and embedded HR staff. Consultation includes case management, assessing and triaging issues, making referrals to appropriate university offices and seeking guidance from the University Counsel’s office, as needed. Consultation may include exploring options for resolution; providing guidance on progressive disciplinary action; and/or providing/reviewing draft communications (e.g., counseling memos, due process notifications, termination letters, appeals, etc.).

The executive director is expected to work closely and collaboratively with VCU Human Resources and the Executive Director of HR in the Office of the Senior Vice President for Health Sciences toward the development and coordination of strategic and compliance initiatives, policies, programs, as well as day to day operational functions relative to faculty human resources matters.

The Executive Director is responsible for providing a quarterly report of faculty human resources actions for approval by VCU’s President and Board of Visitors ( BOV ).

The executive director serves on a variety of university committees, especially as an advocate for supporting VCU’s faculty and as an expert resource in faculty human resources matters.

This position requires sophisticated critical thinking and superior communication skills, analytical and problem-solving skills, as well as an individual who can build collaborative and trusting relationships with others.

Minimum Hiring Standards

• Bachelor’s degree in area related to position responsibilities, for example, Business, Public Administration,etc.
• 5-7 years of experience in a lead HR role requiring knowledge and application of relevant Federal and State employment laws, and higher ed institution human resources policies and procedures.
• Superior written communication skills including the ability to communicate effectively with all levels of employees
• Proven ability to understand and independently, creatively solve complex problems which require extensive collaboration and fact finding
• Proven ability to make sound judgments and exercise professional discretion
• Someone who is adept in crisis management
• Exceptional analytical and planning skills with innovative, lean thinking; someone who can create efficiencies and streamline processes and practices, while balancing the need for inclusive and equitable process and outcomes
• Demonstrated experience handling confidential matters
• Proven ability to attend to details and comfort in working at both at both the leadership and operational levels of responsibility
• Proven record of working effectively with diverse constituencies in a university community
• Computer proficiency in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint

Preferred Hiring Standards

• Master’s degree preferred or equivalent work experience at a level that equates to an advanced degree
• HR Certification (ie SHRM SCP or CP, SPHR or PHR, etc.)
• Ability to lead university-wide initiatives and programs
• Experience in university policy development and/or review
• Experience in the development and implementation of administrative procedures
• Strength in effectively communicating complex technical information clearly to diverse audiences, with varying levels of understanding.
• Ability to develop and deliver training and related materials
• Proven ability to work collegially and effectively with members of a team
• Ability to prioritize work, manage multiple assignments, and meet deadlines
• Supervisory experience preferred
• Familiarity with VCU’s organizational structure and particularly the role of HR staff in an academic environment, including faculty HR policies such as tenure and hiring

Required Licenses/ Certifications Anticipated Hiring Range up tp $150,000 Application Process/Additional Information

As a preeminent national, urban, public research university and academic health center, Virginia Commonwealth University is committed to organizational diversity, equity and inclusion – an environment where all can thrive in their pursuit of excellence.

Applicants are requested to submit a Statement of Contributions to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (typically between 150-300 words) providing your career aspirations and contributions toward promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion. Through this statement, you can share how your lived experiences, and academic and professional activities will impact your contribute to VCU’s mission of promoting equity and inclusion.

Note: Examples include working with others to further the goals of equity and inclusion;
leading in any capacity that tangibly promotes an environment where diversity is
welcomed, fostered, and celebrated; creative activity, research and teaching that promotes equity and parity; advising and mentoring students, and/or initiatives to create a positive and successful organizational experience for traditionally underrepresented staff groups.

For full consideration, please submit your application prior to February 19, 2021.

Campus Monroe Park Campus Hours/Week 40 Normal Work Days/Hours M-F Job Open Date 12/16/2020 Posting will close on or before 03/03/2021 Open Until Filled No Job Category Is this a restricted position? No Is this position eligible to participate in alternative work arrangements? Yes Sensitive Position No Resource Critical Yes Quick Link https://www.vcujobs.com/postings/102424 Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

1. * How many years of experience do you have dealing with Faculty HR matters?
   • 0-5 years
   • 5-7 years
   • 7 plus years
2. * Do you have a bachelors degree?
   • Yes
   • No

Optional & Required Documents
Required Documents

1. Cover Letter/Letter of Application
2. Resume
3. Diversity Statement (Required for all Faculty)

Optional Documents