Reporting to the President and serving on the University’s executive and cabinet team, the VP-HR is responsible for leading and directing all of the human resources functions in support of the university’s mission and with the intent of ensuring that Excelsior’s faculty and staff are positioned to excel in delivering on that mission. The VP-HR acts in accordance with relevant institutional policies and practices, and laws, regulations, and administrative rulings of governmental organizations and other regulatory and advisory authorities and organizations.  The VP-HR is responsible for setting strategic direction in the areas of talent acquisition, talent management, performance management, employee relations, compliance, payroll and HRIS, training and development and compensation and benefits.  Consistent with the mission of the institution, the VP-HR promotes a culture of respect, innovation and performance, as well as diversity, equity and inclusion throughout the organization, particularly regarding the aspects of human resource management.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES includes the following: Other duties may be assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Leads a team of human resources professionals in the functions of talent acquisition, HRIS & compensation, training & development, payroll, benefits, compliance and employee relations.
• Recruits, interviews, hires, and trains leadership-level HR staff.
• Oversees the high-level daily workflow of the department.
• Provides constructive and timely performance feedback and coaching, as well as formal annual evaluations.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Team/Institutional Leadership
  • Collaborates with executive leadership to define the organization’s long-term mission, goals and strategic imperatives; identifies ways to support this mission and strategic plan through talent management.
  • As a member of the President’s Cabinet, participate in university strategy setting, goal setting and achievement, handling high-level matters that come up, etc.
  • Serves as a trusted advisor to the President on matters related to human capital including workforce planning, leadership development, culture and risk management.
  • Signs contractual agreements as an officer of the university.
  • Attend daily and weekly Cabinet and Executive Council meetings.
  • Participate in other governance groups and meetings, such as ERP systems governance, Retirement Plan Committee, etc.
  • Set strategic direction for and lead Human Resources team.
  • Oversees the human resources team to ensure that it provides full service to the college for its talent management priorities and day-to-day key functions, including, but not limited to, payroll, benefits, compensation, talent acquisition, employee relations, training, performance management, people-related data analytics, HR systems administration, compliance, policy development and enforcement and leaves administration.
  • Identifies key performance indicators for the university human resource and talent management functions; assesses the organizations success and market competitiveness based on these metrics.
  • Provides guidance and leadership to the human resource team; assists with resolution of human resource, compensation, and benefits questions, concerns, and issues.
  • Oversees the Human Resources unit budget and ensures expenses comply with organizational policies and stay within budget parameters.
  • Participates in the university’s budget planning, forecasting and operational processes.
  • Participates in professional development and networking conferences and events.
  • Provides continuous improvement of the efficiency and effectiveness of the Office of Human Resources.
  • Assists with university communications as needed.
  • Completes reports as needed – including for the Board of Trustees, external agencies and other key constituencies.
  • Assists with partnership, mergers and acquisitions activities, including due diligence work, with a particular focus on HR-related matters.
• Talent Management
  • Works with the CFO and Fiscal office to manage the Personnel budget for the university.
  • Oversees Talent Acquisition work, including leading senior-level searches; ensures that the university it attracting, selecting and effectively onboarding qualified and exceptional talent.
  • Works with leadership to ensure optimal organizational structures and leads reorganization efforts as needed.
  • Assists with immigration-related matters.
  • Oversees Employee Training and Development, including ensuring that there are appropriate training opportunities available to all employees.
  • Handles employee performance issues and works with managers to make termination decisions.
  • Reviews requests for promotions, title changes, salary changes and related matters.
  • Oversees the administration of and follow-up actions related to employee engagement and similar surveys.
  • Assists with talent acquisition, as well as other HR-related actions, related to the university opening new sites/offices, as well as working with mergers and acquisitions.
• Compensation, Benefits and HRIS
  • Researches, develops, and implements competitive compensation, benefits, performance appraisal, and employee incentive programs.
  • Ensures that the bi-weekly payroll is completed accurately and on time.
  • Handles annual benefits insurance renewal negotiations and plan design decisions.
  • Chairs the Retirement Plan Committee.
  • Assists with Accommodations and Leaves of Absence as needed – ensures that appropriate support is provided to employees.
  • Ensures that the HRIS is properly maintained and updated as needed to ensure full and appropriate functionality.
  • Ensures that the university’s Education Assistance program is appropriately managed.
  • Oversees annual salary review process.
  • Handles executive compensation tasks, including compensation surveys and salary recommendations.
• Employee Relations
  • Works with managers to ensure appropriate and legal handling of personnel matters.
  • Facilitates conflict resolution, coaching, and counseling of staff.
  • Establishes and maintains credibility with management and employees as a role model, communicator, and listener.
  • Ensures effective employee relations that balance employee and leadership support and strives for positive and productive outcomes; handles more complex issues that arise.
  • Ensures that employee complaints are investigated thoroughly and that the appropriate follow up and actions are taken.
• Policies and Compliance
  • Ensures compliance with employment, benefits, insurance, safety, and other laws, regulations, and requirements.
  • Maintains knowledge of laws, regulations, and best practices in employment law, human resources, and talent management.
  • Oversees the development and updating of employment-related policies and procedures.
  • Ensures that the university and its leaders operate in an ethical manner that complies with university policies and relevant laws and regulations.
  • Handles legal matters to the extent possible; works with General Counsel and outside counsel as needed.
• University Administration
  • Participates in leadership of emergency and contingency planning for the College.
  • Serves on, oversees, or chairs College committees, as designated.
  • Approves various invoices and other documents as needed.
  • Oversees development of the holiday schedule each year.
  • Oversees the Rewards and Recognition program and plays major role in annual Charter Day celebration.
  • Chairs the Crisis Prevention and Response Group.
  • Assists in managing the on-site Café.
  • Assists with university and community events.
• Performs other duties, projects and tasks as assigned.

  QUALIFICATIONS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and conflict resolution skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong supervisory and leadership skills.
• Thorough knowledge of employment-related laws and regulations.
• Knowledge of and experience with varied human resource information systems.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in human resources, Business Administration, or related field required; Masters or law degree highly preferred.
• At least ten years of human resource management experience required, with strategic, talent management, and/or business development.

Work Location: This position is based in the university’s main Albany, NY location.

The hiring salary range for this position is $190,000.00 - $225,000.00. The hiring salary range above represents the University's good faith estimate at the time of posting