Associate Vice President for Human Resources

The University at Buffalo (UB) invites nominations and applications for the position of Associate Vice President for Human Resources.

Reporting to the Vice President for Finance and Administration, the Associate Vice President for Human Resources (AVP) is responsible for leading, developing, and managing a strategic and comprehensive human resources program in support of the university’s mission, plans, and goals. Working closely with university leaders, SUNY system colleagues, State officials, union leaders, shared governance bodies, and the community, the AVP is a leader and strategic partner adept at developing a vision to promote organizational excellence through the identification, recruitment, and development of diverse talent. In addition, the AVP provides consultative leadership for the development of integrated policies, systems, processes, and initiatives to accomplish these goals.

Leading a comprehensive human resources department, the AVP provides management and oversight for an organization with a total budget of $5M and a staff of over 60 employees including: employee benefits services; payroll; compensation and classification; employee relations; organizational development and training; wellness and work/life balance; and employee assistance programs. In addition, the AVP works closely with the Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion; Faculty Affairs; SUNY colleagues; University Business Services; Sponsored Projects Services; the UB Foundation; the Office of Inclusive Excellence; and other units and entities to integrate services and to promote seamless customer service, efficiency, and effectiveness.

Competencies & Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree in a relevant field from an accredited institution. A master’s degree and/or appropriate professional certification(s) is strongly preferred.
• 10 years progressively responsible experience managing and administering a successful human resources program in a complex and distributed organization.
•   Knowledge of and commitment to HR best practices in organizational leadership and human resources management as well as knowledge of current federal and state laws, statutes, regulations, policies, and directives pertaining to human resources management and administration.
• Expertise in creating an environment of trust and transparency while championing a diverse workforce.
• Demonstrated experience leading change, designing business systems and processes, and engaging employees and customers in these activities.
• Experience interpreting and working within collective bargaining agreements.
• Demonstrated ability to establish and implement strategic plans, goals, and priorities in the context of divisional and institutional goals.
• Experience building strong, collaborative relationships across organizational lines and a track record of building and maintaining positive relationships with a broad range of individuals, interacting effectively within a diverse and inclusive community.  
• Experience building an effective, cohesive team that excels in customer service and support.
• Strong business-specific knowledge and financial acumen, strategic thinking, coaching and organizational behavior/design/effectiveness skills.
• A demonstrated high level of independent judgment, effective presentation, and communication skills.

The University at Buffalo has engaged Opus Partners to support the recruitment of this position. Katie Dean, Associate Partner, and Thomas Lapierre, Senior Associate, are leading the search. Please direct all inquiries, nominations, and applications (resumes and letters of interest) electronically and in confidence to Thomas Lapierre at thomas.lapierre@opuspartners.net.

The University at Buffalo is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer dedicated to the goal of building a culturally diverse and pluralistic university community committed to teaching and working in a multicultural environment. Potential applicants who share this goal, including veterans and individuals with disabilities, are encouraged to apply.