Associate Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer

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Working at Lewis & Clark College

The campus is located on 137 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds in Portland’s southwest hills. Our strong commitment to sustainability is reinforced through recycling programs, energy conservation, alternative transportation options, and farm to fork initiatives. For benefit-eligible positions, we offer a competitive benefits package that includes options for health, dental, vision, tuition, life insurance, retirement and more.

Lewis & Clark College is committed to achieving a diverse workforce. Candidates from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to status as a protected veteran or a qualified individual with a disability, or other protected status, such as race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status or age.

ABOUT THE POSITION:

The Associate Vice President and Chief Human Resource Officer (CHRO) leads and directs the functions of the Human Resource department, including but not limited to payroll; recruitment; pay and benefit administration; leaves and accommodations; performance management; labor and employee relations; and discipline and terminations. The CHRO provides strategic leadership and guidance to the college’s leadership team, as well as to managers and employees at all levels, regarding human resource goals and objectives. The CHRO is responsible for the design and implementation of legally compliant human resources procedures and best practices, top-notch customer service, and initiatives related to employee engagement, satisfaction, and opportunity.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Human Resource Administration (40% of the time)

• Collaborate with the senior leadership team to understand and execute the College’s human resource and talent strategy, particularly as it relates to current and future talent needs, recruiting, retention, and succession planning.
  
  
• Determine and recommend employee relations practices necessary to establish a positive employer/employee relationship and promote a high level of employee morale.
  
  
• Create and implement learning and development programs and initiatives that provide internal development opportunities for employees.
  
  
• Develop and implement initiatives to enhance employee engagement and satisfaction.
  
  
• Embed diversity, equity and inclusion practices throughout HR policies and practices to best accomplish institutional DEI goals, and provide training and coaching across the institution regarding DEI policies and practices.
  
  
• Oversee the college’s relationship with its labor partners and collaboratively participate in union negotiations and regular labor management meetings.
  
  
• Oversee the maintenance of wage and salary structure, pay policies, performance appraisal programs, employee benefit programs and services, employee data and systems, payroll, and standard recruiting and placement practices.
  
  
• Investigate employee relations issues and facilitate effective solutions in alignment with applicable policies and laws.
  
  
• Oversee employee disciplinary meetings, terminations, and investigations.
  
  
• Oversee termination of employment processes, including review of termination recommendations and employee appeals through complaint procedure.
  
  
• Prepare periodic reports to top management, as necessary or requested.
  
  

Supervision & Operations Management (20% of the time)

• Oversee the budget for the Human Resources department and monitor and evaluate expenditures and recommend budget strategies and actions.
  
  
• Oversee and optimize the use of the Human Resources Information System (Workday).
  
  
• Supervise, manage, and develop the HR staff in their support of the HR functions.
  
  
• Provide performance feedback for direct reports.
  
  
• Plan, organize, and direct the activities and resources of the department.
  
  
• Set team objectives, priorities, and resources to align with department objectives.
  
  
• Manage the use of human resources consultants and other outside sources.
  
  

Compliance & Risk Management (20% of the time)

• Identify legal requirements and government reporting regulations affecting Human Resource functions (e.g., OSHA, EEO, ERISA, Wage & Hour).
  
  
• Oversee the preparation and submission of information/reports required to be filed with federal/state agencies for compliance.
  
  
• Serve as the institution’s ADA Coordinator.
  
  
• Protect the interests of Lewis & Clark and its employees in accordance with Human Resource policies and governmental laws and regulations.
  
  
• Conduct an on-going study of all Human Resource policies, programs, and practices to ensure compliance with any changes in the law or statutes, and keep top management informed of new developments.
  
  
• Oversee the implementation and communication of current legal and compliance requirements under federal, state, and city laws and consult legal counsel on an as needed basis.
  
  
• Monitor risks of the College as they pertain to human resources.
  
  

Consultation & Collaboration (20% of the time)

• Function as a strategic business advisor to senior management regarding organizational and management issues.
  
  
• Collaborate with college stakeholders and make recommendations to senior management on an array of HR issues, including organizational planning and development, organizational structure, job design, human capital forecasting, performance management, and risk management.
  
  
• Collaborate with and advise Human Resources staff as needed to facilitate successful completion of departmental goals, projects, and daily work.
  
  
• Provide leaders at all levels of the organization with proactive, consultative and strategic advice related to policy, procedure, and best practices.
  
  
• Coach staff on organizational, employee, and labor relations issues as situations necessitate.
  
  
• Serve on institutional committees as needed.
  
  

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent.
  
  
• 10 years of progressive management and leadership experience within Human Resources.
  
  
• Generalist background with broad knowledge in multiple areas of HR management.
  
  
• Outstanding leadership qualities, specific relevant expertise and significant management experience.
  
  

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university.
  
  
• Experience with a unionized workforce.
  
  
• Experience in higher education or public sector.
  
  
• PHR/SPHR or SHRM-CP/SCP certification.
  
  

WORK SCHEDULE:

• Full time (1.0 FTE)
  
  
• Benefits Eligible: Yes
  
  

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS:

Duffy Group, Inc has been retained to conduct this search. Interested candidates may apply by sending a resume and cover letter to Sharon Grace, Practice Leader at sgrace@duffygroup.com. While we appreciate all interest in this exciting opportunity, only candidates most closely aligned with our search will be contacted.

Consideration of candidates will begin January 3, 2022.

Directions for Cover Letter

Please upload your cover letter on the My Experience screen in the resume section.

Lewis & Clark College adheres to a nondiscriminatory policy with respect to educational programs, activities, employment, and admission. We do not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, sex, religion, age, marital status, national origin, the presence of any physical or sensory disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other basis prohibited by applicable federal, state, and local laws. The Associate Vice President of Human Resources has been designated to handle inquiries regarding employment- and disability-related non-discrimination policies. Title IX inquiries may be directed to the Title IX coordinator or deputy Title IX coordinators

( https://www.lclark.edu/about/title_ix_compliance ).

Reasonable Accommodation

Federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities. Please tell us if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job or to perform your job. Examples of reasonable accommodation include making a change to the application process or work procedures, providing documents in an alternate format, using a sign language interpreter, or using specialized equipment.

Background Check

Lewis & Clark College will conduct a background check on the finalist, which will include a criminal record check. If a conviction is discovered, a determination will be made whether the conviction is related to the position for which the individual is applying or would present safety or security risks before an employment decision is made. A criminal conviction does not necessarily automatically bar an applicant from employment.

Eligibility to Work

In order to comply with US Homeland Security Department regulations, all employees must complete an I-9 form in Workday prior to or no later than the first day of work and bring originals (no photocopies) of their supporting documentation to Human Resources no later than the 3rd business day of employment. Failure to have a completed I-9 form on file with the College will result in immediate termination of employment.