Required Qualifications:

• Master’s degree
• At least 12 years of progressively responsible experience in human resources.
• Experience in higher education, nonprofit, or a similar environment.
• Directly managing or supervising human resources staff.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Advanced degree in HR or related field.
• SHRM or HRCI certification.
• Experience working in Human Resources at a college or university or a similarly large/complex institution or organization
• Prior experience and familiarity in all key areas of human resources: organizational development; recruitment and staffing; compensation and classification; employment law; performance management; labor relations including contract negotiation, interpretation, and grievances; workplace investigations; policy development and interpretation; intercultural relations and implicit bias concepts
• Demonstrated commitment to supporting and promoting diversity and inclusion practices
• Demonstrated exceptional interpersonal, presentation, oral, and written communication skills

Competencies:

• Strategic Mindset
• Manages Complexity
• Business Insights
• Balances Stakeholders
• Ensures Accountability

Position Summary:
The University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD), a system campus of the University of Minnesota, a top-ranked Midwestern university overlooking Lake Superior, offers a unique educational experience blending a liberal arts foundation with professional and graduate programs. Join the UMD Leadership team as the AVC, responsible for advancing a diverse, engaging, and thriving workplace.

As the AVC, you will lead human resources strategy, policy, and practices for the UMD campus, ensuring alignment with University-wide initiatives. You’ll collaborate with campus leadership and the central Office of Human Resources to support strategic organization design, employee relations, and foster an inclusive environment. Reporting to the Vice Chancellor for Finance and Operations, with a dotted line to the University’s Vice President for Human Resources, you'll ensure compliance and coordination with system offices.
The AVC oversees the UMD HR Department, guiding a team focused on process improvement, recruiting, training, employee and labor relations, and strategic compensation, while supporting HR functions across campus.

Job Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership and Planning

• Lead the development and implementation of Duluth HR strategies and goals, taking a forward-thinking approach to both short—and long-term planning while closely aligning with central HR strategy.
• Provide strategic and organizational consultation to campus executive leadership, supporting the development of faculty and staff capacities aligned with campus and University priorities.
• Participate in key leadership committees that enhance campus climate and address improvement initiatives.
• Represent UMD in UM system HR and policy-related groups to address unique campus needs, ensuring UMD’s interests are considered when University policies are developed or updated.

UMD Human Resources

• Lead UMD HR administration to ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations and University policies and procedures.
• Promote equity and diversity in HR practices, fostering a work environment free from discrimination.
• Collaborate with supervisors, campus HR staff, and employees to proactively address workplace issues and create a welcoming environment where HR is viewed as a proactive partner.
• Provide guidance to decentralized staff performing HR duties, ensuring consistent and efficient HR systems and processes campus-wide.
• Represent UMD Human Resources as the UMD HR leader in system HR leader meetings with the Office of Human Resources.
• Collaborate with University HR peers on HR strategic planning and HR initiatives.
• Work closely and collaborate with the central Human Resources office on HR initiatives, projects, or processes.
• Through initiatives such as the PEAK initiative, support effective change and drive continuous improvement for UMD human resources and as a system HR leader.

Human Resources Operations

• Serve as an organizational steward by supporting the HR team in delivering functional excellence, implementing strategic initiatives, and developing talent.
• Lead and manage a ten-person HR team, overseeing both strategic and operational duties while serving as the key campus resource for complex HR issues, including supporting the team member responsible for well-being initiatives.

Work Environment: onsite

Relocation assistance is available.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section. You must include a resume and cover letter to be considered for this position. Priority consideration will be given to candidates by January 6, 2025.

This position will remain open until filled.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

University of Minnesota, Duluth (UMD)

The University of Minnesota, Duluth (UMD) consistently ranks among the top Midwestern, regional universities in U.S. News and World Report's "America's Best Colleges" issue.

Overlooking Lake Superior, UMD provides an alternative to both large research and small liberal arts environments and attracts students looking for a personalized learning experience on a medium-sized campus of a major university. A firm liberal arts foundation anchors a variety of traditional degree programs, as well as professional and graduate students that draw on UMD's many research institutes and labs.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America’s Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).