Associate Vice President for Human Resources

Associate Vice President for Human Resources

Northern State University invites applications for the position of Associate Vice President for Human Resources, an exceptional opportunity for an experienced human resources professional to serve as the University's chief HR officer. Reporting to the Vice President for Finance and Administration, the Associate Vice President for Human Resources provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for all human resource functions while fostering a culture of excellence, engagement, and service across campus. This position also provides comprehensive human resources and payroll services to the South Dakota School for the Blind and Visually Impaired, making it a unique opportunity to support two outstanding public institutions dedicated to education and student success.

The Associate Vice President for Human Resources serves as a trusted advisor to executive leadership, managers, faculty, and staff on all aspects of human resources. This position is responsible for developing and implementing strategic HR initiatives that support the University's mission and strategic plan while ensuring compliance with federal, state, and South Dakota Board of Regents policies. The successful candidate will lead initiatives in recruitment and retention, employee relations, performance management, compensation and classification, benefits administration, compliance, organizational development, payroll oversight, and HR information systems.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Provide strategic leadership for all Human Resources operations.
• Advise leadership on workforce planning, organizational development, and employee relations.
• Lead recruitment, hiring, onboarding, and retention initiatives for faculty, staff, and administrators.
• Oversee employee relations, workplace investigations, performance management, and corrective action processes.
• Ensure compliance with employment laws and Board of Regents policies, including FLSA, FMLA, ADA, ACA, Title VII, Title IX, and EEO requirements.
• Manage HR information systems, workforce reporting, and personnel records.
• Oversee payroll operations within a complex system governing Board of Regents campuses.
• Support organizational effectiveness through strategic planning and data-informed decision-making.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Management, Leadership, or a closely related field.
• Significant progressively responsible professional experience in human resources, including management and leadership responsibilities.
• Demonstrated knowledge of employee relations, employment law, compensation, benefits, recruitment, organizational development, and HR information systems.
• Exceptional communication, interpersonal, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, maintain confidentiality, and build collaborative relationships across the organization.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Leadership, or a related field.
• PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP, or SHRM-SCP professional certification.
• Experience working in higher education or another complex public-sector organization.

Posting Date - 08/04/2026

Closing Date

Open Until Filled - Yes

First Consideration Date - 08/24/2026

Advertised Salary - Depends on Experience

Duration of the Term - 12 months

Appointment Percent - 100%

Work Hours - 8-5

Typical Hours Worked Per Week - 40+

Appointment Type - Regular

Faculty Status - No

Scope of Search - External (includes Internal)

This position requires - Travel, Overnight stays, Valid Drivers License

Department Description and Cultural Expectations - Northern State University is a student-centered public university committed to academic excellence, innovation, and community engagement. Located in Aberdeen, South Dakota, Northern offers a collaborative campus environment where employees make a meaningful impact on students, faculty, staff, and the communities we serve. We seek an experienced HR leader who is passionate about developing people, improving organizational effectiveness, and serving as a trusted partner to campus leadership. Position will report directly to the Vice President for Finance & Administration.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement - Northern State University is committed to building a welcoming culture of belonging and collegiality that respects diversity in knowledge, culture and world view. Northern seeks faculty and staff who will engage with individuals of diverse backgrounds, beliefs and perspectives to increase awareness, understanding, respect and opportunity for all. Must be authorized to work in the U.S. Sponsorship is not available for this position.

Required Documents:

1. Resume
2. Cover Letter
3. Reference List