Associate Vice President of Human Resources - Central Washington University at Another Source in Ellensburg, Washington

Job Description:

Another Source’s client, Central Washington University, is recruiting an Associate Vice President of Human Resources, to join their team in Ellensburg, Washington (relocation and temporary housing assistance available).  

About Central Washington University:  

We are a team of individuals committed to Changing Students' Lives. No matter what job, each of us plays a part in supporting and empowering our students to fulfill their dreams. Working in higher education provides career growth and career choice. Think of a university campus like a mini city, operating across 380 acres. You'll find diverse academics, libraries, athletics and sporting events, full service and quick serve dining, conferences and events from small to large, recreation centers, housing, health services, police and public safety for the campus population of ~10,000 students. 

Central Washington University has been named a Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program Top Producing Institution for the 2022-2023 academic year.  In addition, for the seventh time in eight years, CWU is a recipient of the prestigious Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award from INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine. Come join us on our journey to encourage, inspire, and create spaces where all identities thrive on campus. CWU is an EEO/AA/Title IX/Veteran/Disability Employer. 

The Role: 

The Associate Vice President (AVP) of Human Resources is responsible to plan, develop, and implement a fully integrated human resources strategy for the university reflecting the university’s vision of becoming a model learning community of equity and belonging. Will act as a strategic partner to university leaders and provide insightful, innovative thinking and problem solving regarding human resources and organizational developmental initiatives.  The AVP of Human Resources is a member of the Executive Leadership Team and the University Administrative Leadership Team. 

The AVP Human Resources is responsible for establishing, leading, and executing the elements of the university and divisional strategic plans designed to continuously improve the overall employee experience at Central with an emphasis on onboarding, performance management, and retention of employees. 

This position provides excellent human resource leadership and management of a whole person/customer-focused operation with a student-centered approach and must be adept at working in a fast-paced and growth-minded environment. Must adapt to change quickly and act as a positive change agent for the institution.  This position will model these behaviors within the department and as an example for the rest of the institution. 

All employees are expected to support CWU’s commitment to diversity and to bring and support inclusion into the university environment.  

This position reports to the Sr. Vice President of Finance and Administration and maintains close working relationships with administrative and other personnel of the university, public agencies and the general public. It is expected the AVP Human Resources will work independently with minimal supervision and exhibit strategic leadership in human resources and institutional thinking. Projects and specific tasks may be assigned by the supervisor either verbally or in writing. Work is reviewed periodically to ensure department goals are being met.    

This position works collaboratively and collegially with all levels of the university community, including the president, vice presidents, department heads, deans, faculty and staff to address a variety of HR-related issues. 

The salary range for this role is $140K - $220K.  

Minimum Education & Experience: 

• Bachelor’s degree AND five years of progressively responsible, including senior-level administrative experience in human resources (may include some combination of HR service and/or HR strategic/planning responsibilities.) 

• Change management knowledge and demonstrated success in implementing change effectively. 

• Record of positive relationship-building both within and outside organization and areas of responsibility. 

• Experience and proven success with unions and labor-management issues. 

• Excellent interpersonal, writing, speaking, analytical, priority setting, and leadership skills. 

• Commitment to and appreciation for diversity and multicultural values  

• Proven ability to work effectively and collaboratively with people of diverse backgrounds ability and/or experience working with students and/or co-workers from a wide range of abilities, backgrounds and experiences.  

• Proven experience in managing conflicts and building this competency in others  

• Demonstrated Ability to work under pressure and thrive in ambiguity. 

• Successful experience managing difficult and/or urgent situations and work with multiple constituents toward resolution, delivering quality work that oftentimes includes tight deadlines. 

• Thorough knowledge of human resources functions, programs and legal requirements. 

OR  

• Applicable combination of education and/or experience which demonstrates the ability to perform the essential functions of the position 

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Master’s degree in HR Management, Business Administration, or related field or a Juris Doctorate. 

• Human resource experience in a state or other type of governmental system. 

• Experience working in higher education. 

• Experience with data-driven decision models or practices. 

• SPHR/PHR or SHRM-CP/SHRM-SCP certification. 

• A record of promoting inclusivity in the work environment.  

• Ability to incorporate multicultural perspectives and issues into everyday conversations. 

Vaccination Policy:  

Per Governor Inslee’s Proclamation 21.14.1, CWU employees are to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as of October 2021. You vaccination status will be verified if/when a job offer is made. Information about how to apply for medical and religious accommodations are available here: www.cwu.edu/hr/. Failure to meet the vaccination policy (or approval of a medical or religious accommodation) will result in revocation of the offer. 

Another Source works with their clients, on a retained project basis, to maximize the recruiting process.  We are committed to building inclusive candidate pools as we partner with hiring teams. As you read through the job posting and review the list of qualifications (required and/or preferred), please do not self-select out if you feel you do not meet every qualification. No one is 100% qualified. We encourage you to apply and share your story with us.