Career Center

Department: Office of Human Resources
Salary/Grade: EXS/19

Summary

Northwestern University seeks an outstanding leader to serve as the Assistant Vice President for Human Resources, Employee Experience (AVP). Reporting to the Vice President for Human Resources and Chief Human Resources Officer, the AVP for Employee Experience will oversee the areas of Talent Acquisition, Talent Management, Work-Life and Strategic Business Partner Consulting. Leading approximately 40 human resource professionals, the AVP will foster strategic collaborations and build partnerships that drive organizational effectiveness and superior service in support of the University’s mission and vision.

Primary responsibilities:

• Fosters a “One HR” culture by working across HR to eliminate silos and enhance the delivery of services to the University community. 
• Provides strategic leadership in the areas of recruiting, engaging, developing, and retaining talent in order to fully support the employee life cycle.  
• Partners with the Senior Director of HR Communications and Strategy to develop an engaging and robust employer brand.
• Creates efficient talent acquisition processes to attract qualified candidates for each opening and a streamlined and responsive candidate experience.
• Develops and leads strategic HR support by ensuring HR Business Partners have resources to assess and develop customized strategies to address workforce challenges and opportunities in the units they support.
• Oversees the development of HR programs, policies and services ensuring efficient, effective, compliant, and customer-focused HR services
• Oversees the development of talent review strategies, succession planning, modern performance management processes and other talent management strategies.
• Develops employee engagement strategies, including reward and recognition programs based on the current data and feedback from key constituents.
• Develops career paths and development opportunities for HR professionals across the University to allow for well-coordinated central and local HR support for all members of the Northwestern community. 
• Leads and/or participates in activities related to labor and employee relations.
• Under the direction of the Vice President and CHRO, leads assigned HR advisory committees to gather input from various constituencies.
• Performs all other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree with a minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in Human Resources, Organizational Development, Business, or other related field is required. Master’s degree or relevant certification preferred.
• Five years of senior leadership level experience preferred. 
• Higher education or healthcare (especially academic medicine) experience is highly desirable; and experience working in a shared services environment is preferred.
• Experience developing key partnerships across a variety of stakeholders to gain buy-in on initiatives.
• Experience in communicating with various stakeholders and presenting to large groups in various forums.
• Excellent leadership with a track record of developing and maintaining high performing teams.
• Experience implementing change in a dynamic environment.
• Demonstrated success leading in a diverse environment.

Skills and Abilities:

The AVP for Employee Experience will need to demonstrate:

• Strategic thinking
• Teamwork and collaboration
• Superb oral and written communication skills
• Ability to make sound and accurate judgments and timely decisions
• Ability to collaborate and recommend options, and relate sensitively to internal and external colleagues and constituents
• Flexibility with the ability to manage multiple projects and prioritize tasks as necessary
• Ability to delegate work assignments, set expectations and ensure the completion of delegated activities
• Strong presentation and executive engagement, listening, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to inspire support and buy-in from diverse individuals and groups

Northwestern requires all staff and faculty to be vaccinated against COVID-19, subject to limited exceptions. For more information, please visit our COVID-19 and Campus Updates website.

The Northwestern campus sits on the traditional homelands of the people of the Council of Three Fires, the Ojibwe, Potawatomi, and Odawa as well as the Menominee, Miami and Ho-Chunk nations. We acknowledge and honor the original people of the land upon which Northwestern University stands, and the Native people who remain on this land today.

Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer of all protected classes, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply. Click for information on EEO is the Law.