Associate Vice President, Human Resources

Widener University is currently seeking an insightful, strategic, and compassionate leader to serve as Associate Vice President for Human Resources (AVP). The AVP will find the Widener community to be collegial and collaborative and the human resources division staff to be talented and forward-leaning. The AVP will continue the progress Widener has made in modernizing and innovating its processes and policies, as well as prepare the community for the future of work in the highly competitive landscape of higher education. Reporting to the Vice President for Administration and Finance, and working closely with the Chief Diversity Officer, the AVP for Human Resources will be a human resources expert as well as a critical partner in ensuring that the university community is one in which all are welcome and all can thrive.

ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY

Since its founding in 1821, Widener has undergone multiple transformations to become a selective, nationally ranked, doctoral university. Today, Widener offers bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs, as well as certificate programs, to approximately 3,000 undergraduates and 3,000 graduate students across three campuses and online.

Widener University's largest campus in the city of Chester is located just off I-95 and is only twenty minutes from Philadelphia, the nation's sixth largest city and home to world-class art, culture, sports, entertainment, and history. The Chester campus sits on 110 acres and has benefited from over $220 million in new construction and renovations over the past decade. On its other two campuses, Widener has the unusual distinction of hosting two law schools: Widener University Commonwealth Law School, located in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and Widener University Delaware Law School, located in Wilmington, Delaware.

MISSION AND VALUES

A Commitment to Academic Rigor and Student Success

At the heart of a Widener education is the transformation of its students into scholars, leaders, and globally engaged citizens. Its faculty, supported by staff and administrators, meet this goal in several ways. A 12:1 student/faculty ratio allows for close interactions between faculty and students and facilitates experiential learning with state-of-the-art facilities for many academic programs.

A Commitment to Civic Engagement

Widener's civic engagement is known, valued, promoted, and lived by senior administrators, faculty, staff, and undergraduate and graduate students alike. Through its leadership and conviction to work with and in the local community, Widener has created an environment of service and a willingness to engage in partnership. This environment is enhanced by and reinforces the academic rigor and focus on student transformation that is at the heart of the Widener mission.

A Commitment to Leadership Development

With leadership development as a strategic goal, Widener established the Oskin Leadership Institute in 2011. The Institute aims to inspire students to be strategic leaders and responsible citizens who possess the character, competencies, and courage to affect positive change throughout the world.

UNIVERSITY LEADERSHIP

Widener's President, Dr. Stacey Robertson, has been a passionate, fearless, and effective advocate and leader in higher education for more than 35 years. She is the eleventh president of Widener University, a role she assumed in July 2022. Guided by a relentless pursuit of excellence, she has articulated a clear vision and distinct goals for the university focused on providing an unparalleled learning experience.

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Associate Vice President will provide strategic leadership for the human resources department and work collaboratively with individuals and leaders across Widener's eight schools and colleges and three campuses to support the University's mission. Human Resources at Widener is in the midst of a significant transformation, focusing on process improvement and innovation. We seek a forward-thinking leader who will champion ongoing modernization efforts, drive innovative solutions, and strengthen partnerships across the University to enhance the way Widener works, both within the division and across the university.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND CHARACTERISTICS

The ideal candidate will hold a Master's, or similar degree in a related field and hold relevant professional certifications. Whether an individual comes from inside or outside higher education, they must bring a high degree of skill in working collaboratively with a wide range of constituencies. In addition, the AVP should bring many of the following qualities and characteristics:

• Deep and broad expertise in all facets of human resources work, including an awareness of national trends and best practices in the field, particularly in the context of higher education;
• Ten years (10) progressive Human Resource experience with a minimum five (5) years leadership role ideally within a complex academic or nonprofit environment.
• Strong leadership and management skills, including a proven ability to support and mentor a high-performing team, forge and deepen collaborative cross-organizational relationships, and bring innovative ideas to life;
• Commitment to digital transformation, change management, and process improvement, including human resources information systems (HRIS), applicant tracking systems (APS), and performance management;
• Ability to oversee and communicate changes to classification, compensation, and benefits to a diverse audience;
• A rich and nuanced understanding of Widener's culture of belonging and genuine enthusiasm for serving as a key facilitator of and partner in Widener's efforts to ensure an inclusive, equitable environment for all;
• Experience handling complex personnel and organizational issues with discretion, sound judgment, and emotional intelligence;
• Capable of aligning strategic vision with active involvement in developing HR personnel;
• Desire to maintain and strengthen strategic partnerships across the university;
• Commitment to continuous improvement and raising the level of professionalism of the Office of Human Resources;
• A transparent, compassionate, and accessible leadership and communication style; and,
• A commitment to advancing Widener's overarching mission of civic engagement, leadership development, and student success.
• Ability to travel to Delaware Law School and Commonwealth Law School once a quarter

Preferred:

• Human Resources leadership within higher education
• Colleague or Ellucian experience
• Proven experience with supporting Digital Transformation

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND/OR UNUSUAL HOURS:

• This role operates in a typical work environment using a computer for long periods of time.
• Requires movement between floors and buildings across campus.
• Eligible for hybrid work with three days onsite.

All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Widener University is committed to fostering an inclusive community in which faculty, staff, and students from a variety of backgrounds, cultures, and personal experiences are welcomed and can thrive. We are an equal opportunity employer and are committed to providing equal educational and employment opportunities for all persons without regard to age, color, national origin, race, religion, disability, veteran status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, or status as a protected veteran.

Some positions may be eligible for a hybrid or remote work arrangement that may include a partially or fully remote work location, consistent with Widener's Flexible Work policy. U.S. work authorization is required.

For more information about the university, please visit our website at www.widener.edu.

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