Vice President

Working Title: Assistant / Associate Vice President of HR, Training and Performance Position Type: Administrative & Professional (Non-teaching Faculty) Position Status: Full-Time FLSA Status: Exempt: Not Eligible for Overtime Department: 100572 - AVP HR Training and Performance Pay Rate: Commensurate with Experience Conflict of Interest: Yes. Successful candidate must complete a statement of personal economic interest prior to the first day of employment. Beginning Review Date: 07/24/2026 General Information: Reporting to the Vice President of Administration and Finance, the Assistant / Associate Vice President of HR, Training and Performance provides strategic leadership to the Human Resources and Talent Development departments, ensuring alignment with the university's mission and high standards of service and performance. The role supports the VP for Administration and Finance with special projects and serves on various university committees to drive policy, compensation, and engagement initiatives. Because of the collaborative nature of this role, the successful candidate is expected to be on-site at our Harrisonburg campus. Duties and Responsibilities: Provides leadership, supervision, performance evaluation, coaching, guidance and encouragement to the Director of Human Resources (HR) and Director of Talent Development (TD). Provides leadership, supervision, performance evaluation, coaching, guidance and encouragement to an Administrative Assistant and a Policy and Compliance Specialist. Leads the implementation of collective bargaining agreements, establishing institutional processes and timelines to ensure effective and compliant roll‑out through strategic leadership and advising on collective bargaining obligations, contract interpretation and employee relations in a unionized environment. Guides and supports campus stakeholders through labor‑relations change, ensuring consistent understanding and application of union agreements across academic and administrative units by fostering constructive labor‑management relationships and engagement strategies that promote communication, trust and collaboration as collective bargaining relationships are established. Ensures institutional compliance with collective bargaining agreements and applicable federal, state, and local labor laws, working closely with legal counsel as needed. Directs or supports contract negotiations and administration, as appropriate, including preparation for bargaining, coordinating institutional responses and ensuring alignment with university priorities. Provides support and assistance to the VP for Administration and Finance, coordinating special projects as needed. Provides strategic guidance to the Human Resources Director, ensuring the department’s strong commitment to the university and divisional mission, as well as a high level of customer service, performance and effectiveness. Provides strategic guidance to the Talent Development Director, ensuring the department’s strong commitment to the university and divisional mission as well as a high level of customer service, performance and effectiveness. Serves as the chair of the University Policy Committee (UPC), the JMU Compensation Advisory Council (CAC), chair of the A&F Engagement Council, a member of the Institute for the Stewardship of the Natural World (ISNW), the University Planning Team (UPT) and the Reengineering Madison Steering Committee. Required Qualifications: Undergraduate degree in Human Resources or a related field coupled with proven leadership experience in supervising and guiding human resources management, talent development, or a related field. Experience within a college or university system, a closely related field or an organization of equal or greater complexity and understanding higher education administration and governance structures. In‑depth knowledge of HR practices, policies, and procedures and talent development strategies and programs. Demonstrated, significant leadership experience in labor relations and collective bargaining, preferably within a higher education or public‑sector environment with strong knowledge of employment and labor laws applicable to unionized workplaces. Proven ability to advise executive leadership and work collaboratively with academic and administrative stakeholders with demonstrated skill in change management, stakeholder engagement and conflict resolution during periods of organizational transition. Fundamental understanding of all relevant laws, regulations and practices to ensure compliance with governing agencies. Evidence of effective leadership that includes operating in a culture of teamwork, trust, respect and dignity. Ability to create an environment where others are motivated to achieve shared goals. Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with superiors, subordinates, and colleagues. Excellent project management skills, with the ability to coordinate special projects and initiatives. Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with a high level of customer service. Ability to effectively manage and guide departments to align with organizational missions and goals. Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to review and improve programs and processes. Preferred Qualifications: Master’s degree in Human Resources, Labor Relations, Business Administration, Organizational Development, or a related field. Professional HR certifications such as SHRM‑CP, SHRM‑SCP, PHR, or SPHR. Experience supporting or implementing collective bargaining and labor‑relations practices in a newly unionized or transitioning organization. Experience managing or overseeing multiple bargaining units or employee groups. Experience partnering with legal counsel on labor‑relations strategy and compliance. Conditions of Employment: Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a criminal background check. E-Verify Notice: After accepting employment, new hires are required to complete an I‑9 form and present documentation of their identity and eligibility to work in the United States. James Madison University uses the E‑Verify system to confirm identity and work authorization. Contact: Buffkin/Baker: View email address on click.appcast.io EEO Statement: James Madison University is committed to creating and supporting a diverse and inclusive work and educational community that is free of all forms of discrimination. This institution does not tolerate discrimination or harassment on the basis of age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, genetic information, national origin, parental status, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation or veteran status. We promote access, inclusion and diversity for all students, faculty, staff, constituents and programs, believing that these qualities are foundational components of an outstanding education in keeping with our mission. The university is interested in candidates whose experience and qualifications support an ongoing commitment to this core quality. Reasonable Accommodation: If you are an individual with a disability and need assistance searching or applying for jobs please contact us at View phone number on click.appcast.io or View email address on click.appcast.io. You may also visit the JMU Human Resource Office, located at 752 Ott Street, Harrisonburg, VA 22807 and we will be happy to assist you. #J-18808-Ljbffr