Associate Vice President/Chief HR Officer

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The Universities of Wisconsin are a premier system of public higher education serving more than 162,000 students. Awarding nearly 37,000 degrees annually, the universities are Wisconsin’s talent pipeline, putting graduates in position to increase their earning power, contribute to their communities, and make Wisconsin a better place to live. Through a constellation of 13 universities statewide, the Universities of Wisconsin are a tremendous academic, cultural, and economic resource for Wisconsin, the nation, and the world.

The Universities of Wisconsin Administration (UWSA) assists in establishing policies, planning the programmatic financial and physical development of the Universities. UWSA supports the Universities in delivering transformative educational outcomes and research that expands the boundaries of knowledge. We work to extend the value of our universities beyond the boundaries of the campuses, seeking to enhance the quality of life for all in Wisconsin and beyond, in fulfillment of the Wisconsin Idea.

POSITION SUMMARY

Reporting to the Vice President for Finance and Administration, the Associate Vice President/Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) position provides strategic leadership on all matters pertaining to the Universities of Wisconsin’s vision and strategy as it relates to human resources programs, operational policies, and services. The Associate Vice President/CHRO for Universities of Wisconsin (UWs) Human Resources serves as a member of the Universities of Wisconsin President’s Cabinet and advisor to the President, Vice Presidents, UWs Officers, and Chancellors as well as providing oversight of the day-to-day operations of Human Resources of UWSA.

The Associate Vice President/CHRO must possess skills and competencies that extend beyond human resources and demonstrate an understanding of the UWs Administration and how it relates to the array of institutions in the Universities of Wisconsin or similar public higher education system(s). The incumbent will maintain the highest standard of industry best practices in the realm of human resources, payroll, EEO, and compliance.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Plan, develop, establish, implement, and administer the personnel and human resource management programs and services in accordance with the UWs mission, vision, and goals.
  • Exercise supervisory authority, including hiring, transferring, suspending, promoting, managing conduct and performance, discharging, assigning, rewarding, disciplining, and/or approving hours worked of at least 2.0 full-time equivalent (FTE) employees.
  • Assume primary responsibility for development and implementation of system-wide HR policies.
  • Oversee application of Wisconsin and federal laws pertaining to affirmative action/equal employment opportunity; investigate and document complaints alleging discrimination and workplace harassment.
  • Collaborate with key stakeholders, such as individual universities, and Universities of Wisconsin Shared Services to ensure effective delivery of Human Resources function across the UWs.
  • Collaborate to refine and enhance the organizational structure that best serves the UWSA mission, vision, goals/objectives, and strategy.
  • Identify and direct compliance with legal requirements and government reporting regulations and rules affecting human resources programs and services.
  • Oversee monitoring of UWs exposure to internal and external risks.
  • Ensure compliance with federal and state statutes and Board of Regents and UWs policies.
  • Oversee policy issues regarding the administration of benefits programs available to UWs employees, to include health and retirement programs, 457 plans, and optional life insurance programs.
  • Evaluate and recommend benefit plan modifications.
  • Develop and direct progressive and proactive compensation and performance management programs to provide motivation, incentives, and rewards for effective performance.
  • Oversee executive and staff compensation plans and programs ensuring consistency with Board of Regents policy.
  • Oversee and coordinate EEO and Affirmative Action programs to achieve diversity goals and provide advice and technical support to UWSA institution AA Officers in the development of institutional AA plans and practices.
  • Oversee search, screen, and selection policies and processes with the Board of Regents selection committees, UWs President, institution search and screen committees, and executive search firms for Chancellor and UWs senior executive searches.
  • Maintain knowledge of federal and state HR policies, programs, laws and issues, providing technical advice and knowledge to HR Directors at the universities.
  • Create and direct a plan for the human resources organization that allows for continual improvement of the efficiency and effectiveness of the team as well as individuals with professional and personal opportunities for growth.
  • Participate in committee and work group tasks as assigned by the Vice President for Finance and Administration.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

  • Bachelor’s degree in human resource management or a closely related field.
  • Ten (10) years serving in a human resources leadership capacity in large, decentralized organization.
  • A demonstrated track record of outstanding execution in the leadership and management of all core human resources systems and activities is required along with proven success in innovation and the delivery of value-added organizational support.
  • Highly accomplished communication and interpersonal skills.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • Advanced Degree in Human Resources or related field, or;
  • An advanced professional credential, such as Professional/Senior Professional in Human Resources (PHR/SPHR) or Society for Human Resources Certified Professional/Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP).
  • Human resources leadership experience in a higher education environment.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES 

  • Proven ability to interact successfully and collaboratively with colleagues from all levels and areas of the organization.
  • Strong analytical skills.
  • Demonstrated senior level negotiation skills.
  • Proficiency in technology.
  • Ability to embrace and value diversity and inclusivity.
  • Maintain high levels of credibility and integrity of the human resources function.
  • Sustain a creative, collaborative and welcoming work culture with high ethical standards.

COMMITMENT TO INCLUSIVE EXCELLENCE
Inclusive Excellence is a source of strength, creativity, and innovation for Universities of Wisconsin. We value the contributions of each person and respect the profound ways their identity, culture, background, experience, status, abilities, and opinion enrich the Universities of Wisconsin community. We commit ourselves to the pursuit of excellence in teaching and learning, research, scholarship, creative activity, community service, and diversity as inextricably linked goals.
Universities of Wisconsin fulfills its public mission by creating a welcoming and inclusive community for people from every background, people who serve the State of Wisconsin and the public good.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Employment will require a criminal background check, and if you have prior work history within the last 7 years with Universities of Wisconsin, a personnel file review check for employee misconduct. It will also require your references to answer questions regarding employee misconduct, sexual violence, and sexual harassment. If the results are unacceptable, the offer will be withdrawn or, if you have started employment, your employment will be terminated.

Please note that successful applicants are responsible for ensuring their eligibility to work in the United States (i.e., a citizen or national of the United States, a lawful permanent resident, a foreign national authorized to work in the United States without the need of employer sponsorship) on or before the effective date of appointment.

WORK LOCATION

The office location is in Madison, WI. This position will perform a majority of work in-office, with some flexibility. Information regarding in-office expectations will be discussed during the interview process. Telecommuting agreements are subject to change at any time.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

The Associate Vice President/CHRO (official title: Associate Vice President) is a full-time, salaried (exempt), limited position. Well-qualified candidates can expect a starting annual salary within a range of $200,000 – $220,000, commensurate with the candidate’s education, related experience, and qualifications. Universities of Wisconsin employees receive an excellent benefits package. To learn more about the benefits package, review the Universities of Wisconsin Employee Benefits Quick Guide (FA/AS/LI). Use the Health & Retirement Contributions Estimator to calculate the estimated value of your compensation and benefits.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

To ensure full consideration, please submit application materials as soon as possible. Applicant screening will begin immediately and be ongoing through 11:59 pm, Friday, January 31, 2025. However, applications may be accepted until the position has been filled.

  1. Go to the UWSA Applicant Portal to submit your materials online and select the appropriate applicant portal, either External Applicants or Internal Applicants and click on the position title that you want to apply for.
  2. To receive full consideration, interested applicants are required to apply online and provide:
    -Resume (PDF Format)
    -Cover letter addressing your experience and education as it applies to all minimum and preferred qualifications (PDF Format)
    Failing to submit the required application documents may disqualify your application.
  1. Submit your application.

SPECIAL NOTES

If you need to request an accommodation because of a disability, you can find information about how to make a request by contacting Shelby Buchanan, HR Business Partner, at Shelby.Buchanan@uwex.wisconsin.edu.

The Universities of Wisconsin will not reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing, except that the identity of the successful candidate will be released. See Wis. Stat. §. 19.36(7).

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, including but not limited to, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, or status as a protected veteran, and other bases as defined by federal regulations and UW System policies.  We promote excellent through diversity and encourage all qualified individuals to apply.

Questions may be addressed to: Shelby Buchanan, HR Business Partner, Shelby.Buchanan@uwex.wisconsin.edu