Associate Vice President for Human Resource Services (HR Director), University of Montana

Application instructions are located at the bottom of the page. Please apply directly through the University of Montana's career portal UM Jobs at https://umjobs.silkroad.com/ for positions at the University of Montana – Missoula, University of Montana Western (Dillon), and Helena College. Do not apply through Indeed.com or use easy apply through Indeed.com * .

The University of Montana (UM) is seeking an experienced leader to serve as the Associate Vice President (AVP) for Human Resource Services (HRS) and HR Director for the UM campus. We encourage applications from interested individuals with diverse perspectives and backgrounds. This important role will offer critical support to one of the five Priorities for Action of the University: Embody the Principle of “Mission First, People Always.” This is an exciting time for Human Resource work at UM as President Seth Bodnar aims to distinguish UM as an employer of choice in the Northwest.

Reporting to the Paul Lasiter, Vice President for Operations and Finance, the AVP of Human Resource Services will provide regular counsel to the Vice President and President and support human resource transformation efforts at the University of Montana and its three campus affiliates, University of Montana Western, Helena College and Montana Technological University. This work will include providing effective leadership in and oversight for the development, implementation and evaluation of effective HR processes, policies, and functions; personnel management; and employee relations. In partnership with the campus leadership and in the context of the broader campus community, this leader will set the direction for HRS, lead its teams effectively, ensure high quality of HRS services, and identify innovations and efficiencies to support HRS functions for the campuses.

The University of Montana is committed to offering an inclusive and supportive workplace that is accessible to all. Given its location and the history of its land, UM has many focused initiatives to support Native and Indigenous employees and students and works to support the Indigenous communities in the region. The person in this position will help administer UM’s affirmative action plan and support equitable hiring and retention practices.

Essential responsibilities

• Supervises the following units: employee and labor relations; recruitment and compensation; fiscal and tax compliance; benefits/FMLA/ADA; worker’s compensation insurance; and payroll.
• Collaborates with HR specialists on the affiliate campuses.
• Oversees use of the Banner HR system, understanding processing needs, identifying areas to create efficiencies, and ensuring compliance with payroll and HR requirements.
• Partners with UM’s Information Technology team on efforts to improved digitization and efficiency of HRS processes.
• Ensures accurate and timely completion of payroll processes including requirements for UM employees working in other states; vendor payments; and tax payments.
• Oversees VISA processing and compliance for visas for foreign nationals and supports university departments and legal counsel in hiring and retaining foreign nationals.
• Provides oversight for interactions with USCIS/Homeland Security.

• Works with leadership and managers on all campuses in oversight, conflicts, and resolutions for union and non-union employees.
• Regularly communicates with State HR personnel to discuss issues and develop solutions and statewide labor arbitrations.
• Provides oversight for the administration of the MUS benefits program.

• Works closely with the EO/Title IX Office to resolve legal and compliance issues or conflicts related to Title IX and/or Title VII.

• Provides direction to the statewide association of HR Directors on compensation and classification.

• In partnership with the Associate Vice President for Conflict, Resolution, and Policy, offers counseling, mediation and training to assist with the resolution of employee-supervisor performance concerns.
• Collaborates with leadership and managers on all campuses as they provide oversight, manage conflict, and reach resolutions for union and non-union employees.
• Consults with managers, provides guidance, reviews documentation, ensures legal compliance and approves and supports non-renewal proposals.

• Coordinates with the Office of the Commissioner of Higher Education (OCHE) initiatives that impact programming and payroll processing.

• Provides oversight of the accounting function, including meeting with legislative auditors and answering inquiries about safeguarding the use of University funds in the payroll function.
• Oversees HRS approval process for new hires and consults with OCHE regarding hires.
• Serves on University committees, as appropriate and assigned by the Vice President for Operations and Finance

The University of Montana is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer and has a strong institutional commitment to the principle of diversity in all areas. In that spirit, we are particularly interested in receiving applications from a broad spectrum of qualified people who would assist the University in demonstrating its five priorities for action : Place student success at the center of all we do; drive excellence and innovation in teaching, learning, and research; embody the principle of “mission first, people always"; partner with place; and proudly tell the UM story.

Position Details

• Position is full-time, 1.0 FTE, MUS Contract Administrator and includes a comprehensive and competitive benefits package including Insurance package, mandatory retirement plan, partial tuition waiver, and wellness program.
• Salary: $135,000-$145,000 per year and is commensurate with qualifications.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and minimum of five (5) years of managerial experience, including supervision of employees or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Project planning and implementation skills

• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality
• Knowledge of principles of project management, business process analysis, and change management with the ability to successfully analyze, orchestrate, and lead change
• Knowledge of recruitment, selection, and retention strategies
• Knowledge of diversity, equity, and inclusion best practices
• Skill in setting priorities, meeting deadlines, and managing multiple projects
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing
• Strong presentation skills
• Ability to exercise sensitivity working in a diverse organizational structure

• Ability to establish cooperative working relationships in the course of performing assigned duties
• Ability to use diplomacy and tact in confrontational situations
• Ability to translate data into meaningful and actionable insights and strategy

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with the Ellucian Banner or an enterprise management system

About UM and the Department of Human Resource Services

The University of Montana is flagship, research-intensive R1 institution with approximately 3,500 employees and 10,000 undergraduate and graduate students. It is located in Missoula, a culturally vibrant community of about 75,000, surrounded by mountains and three rivers converge. Abundant recreational opportunities in surrounding state and national forests and nearby Glacier National Park and Yellowstone National Park complement a thriving intellectual atmosphere.

The Human Resource Services team partners with the University of Montana (UM) community and affiliated campuses by providing solutions and services to support the success of the UM mission.

Human Resource Services is dedicated to providing support to attract and retain a talented and diverse group of outstanding faculty, staff, and professionals to create an organizational climate that encourages a high level of professionalism, service, performance, and dedication.



To learn more about the University of Montana, Missoula, and the State of Montana, please visit the links below.

• University of Montana
  • Video: Mission First, People Always
  • UM on YouTube
• City of Missoula
  • Video: There's This Place
  • Destination Missoula
  • Missoula Area Chamber of Commerce
• The State of Montana
  • Visit Montana

Criminal Background Investigation is required prior to Offer of Employment.
In accordance with University policy, finalists for this position will be subject to criminal background investigations.
ADA/EOE/AA/Veteran's Preference.
Reasonable accommodations are provided in the hiring process for persons with disabilities. For example, this material is available in alternative format upon request. As an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer, we encourage applications from minorities, veterans, and women. Qualified candidates may request veterans’ or disabilities preference in accordance with state law.
References *References not listed on the application materials may be contacted; notice may be provided to the applicant.
Testing Individual hiring departments at UM may elect to administer pre-employment tests, which are relevant to essential job functions.

E mployment Eligibility. All New Employees must be eligible and show employment eligibility verification by the first date of employment at UM, as legally required (e.g., Form I-9).

How to Apply

Extended Application Date : Wednesday, March 22, 2023 by 11:59 p.m. (MST)

Screening of applications has begun and will continue until position is filled. To receive full consideration, candidates are required to submit all of the following materials.

Please submit the following application materials** via the UM Jobs portal and by clicking "New Resume/CV" button. Please do not apply through Indeed.com*.

• Letter of Interest – addressing the stated required skills for the position
• Detailed resume listing education and describing work experience
• Three (3) professional references - Names and contact information

* Applying through Indeed.com or easy apply through Indeed.com may result in submission of an incomplete application. Applications may be removed from full consideration if they are not complete with materials listed above under the "How to Apply" section. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure complete application materials are submitted and received by the date listed above.

** Please note: only five (5) attachments are allowed per application. Please combine documents accordingly.

Job Location Missoula, Montana, United States
Position Type Full-Time/Regular