Description

Polk State College’s Executive Vice President, Human Resources and Legal Affairs (EVPHR) will hold a collegewide executive position responsible for supporting the College President in providing leadership of administrative and human resource issues for the College and the Office of Human Resources. The EVPHR works collaboratively with senior administrators, faculty, staff, students, community members, organizations, private and public service entities, and other internal and external constituent groups. The EVPHR is a member of the President’s Staff and Executive Leadership Team and provides guidance, direction, and recommendations for policy formation, contract negotiation, and other legal matters which have substantial Collegewide impact, in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. 

The EVPHR will have oversight of the functions of the Office of Human Resources and the Title IX/Civil Rights process. Therefore, this position will manage and provide administrative-level supervision for the human resources strategy, operations, and personnel. This position is responsible for the management, organization, planning, design, and development of all human resources functions and services delivered on all campuses and centers. Responsibilities will include but are not limited to:   compliance with applicable employment laws; compensation and benefits program administration; recruitment and employment; employee relations; human resource-related rules, policies, and procedures; and strategic human resource planning. This position will oversee Title IX/Civil Right compliance including supervision of Title IX/Civil Rights Coordinator and Deputy Coordinators and may act as a decision maker in the adjudication/compliance process. Additionally, this position will provide leadership and strategic guidance on legal, regulatory, and compliance matters affecting the College. This role oversees contracts and policies, advises senior leadership, and ensures institutional decisions align with applicable laws and best practices.

This position will serve not only as a senior administrator for the College and the human resources officer, but also as a trusted advisor, strategic business partner, and advocate for all employees. This is an extraordinary opportunity for a visionary leader, with extensive leadership and legal experience. This strategic, forward-thinking, and innovative individual will help develop and achieve the goals and objectives that complement the vision of the College.

Essential Functions/Duties:  

• Provide integrated policy analysis and strategic consultation to the President and senior administration on major issues affecting the College.
• Prepare and/or contributes to the reports, briefings, presentations, and responses on institutional, legal, and strategic issues.
• Advise and assist the President and President’s Staff in addressing College issues, policies, and strategic plans, related to complex employment matters, legal concerns, and emerging trends in recruitment, employment, retention, training, and development in higher education.
• Establish and implement short- and long-range goals and objectives, strategic plans, policies, and standard operating procedures in human resources, which are aligned and integrated to promote the performance excellence of all employees.
• Collaborate across divisions and with other vice presidents to support the College’s mission and vision, by leveraging available resources.
• Advise leaders on the College’s contract negotiations and legal matters as appropriate to mitigate risk and support compliance.
• Provides guidance, oversight, and leadership to the Human Resources management team and staff as they manage and execute the daily operations of recruitment, training, employee relations, professional development, and evaluation of the College’s professional staff/faculty. Assist operationally as needed.
• Foster greater employee engagement and retention through innovative and responsive performance management and professional development and training programs for the diverse employee community.
• Design, implement, and maintain an organizational structure and staffing to effectively accomplish the Office’s and College’s goals and objectives.
• Work collaboratively to design, implement, and maintain an exemplary process to recruit, and retain expert faculty and staff as well as provide professional development opportunities and develop performance standards by which to facilitate continuous improvement and establish compensation.
• Manage departmental resources and budgets, ensuring the appropriate use of institutional, government funding (local, state, and federal) and funding from other, external sources.
• Ensure that all human resource policies, practices, and procedures are following applicable federal, state, and local laws, rules and regulations, including but not limited to the Clery Act, Title IX, FMLA, ADA, and I-9/US Immigration laws.
• Oversee execution of Title IX & Civil Rights process through collaborative supervision of Title IX Coordinators and acting as a decision maker as needed. 
  Maintain a visible presence at all of Polk State’s campuses and centers, and with external constituencies and stakeholders, and actively engage with administrative administration, staff, and faculty, as required.
• Serve as member of college committees and chairs committees which directly relate to the human resources function and participate in designated College events as a member of the Executive Team.
• Perform other duties and projects as assigned. 
  
  

Requirements

Required Skills:

• Adherence to the highest ethical standards, values, and principles, including honesty, integrity, trustworthiness, and discretion.
• A demonstrated understanding of and commitment to the mission and philosophy of the current culture of higher education, which emphasizes both academic study and career preparation for the world of work.
• Ability to foster a collaborative approach to human resource team management through strong supervisory skills and leadership.
• Excellent organizational and analytical skills with demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and priorities.
• The ability to establish, encourage, and foster an environment of respect, recognition, and engagement for the wide-ranging backgrounds and perspectives of a complex community.
• Strong understanding and demonstrated knowledge in legal affairs ranging from contract negotiation to employment law.
• A record of compliance with/adherence to all human resource policies, practices, and procedures of applicable federal, state, and local laws, rules and regulations, including but not limited to Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, the Clery Act, Title IX/Civil Rights, FMLA, ADA, and I-9/US Immigration laws.
• A demonstrated commitment to excellence in performance management, training, and professional development for all employees, to include mentoring and developing staff for ongoing professional growth and development.
• Evidence of using appropriate software, learning management systems, and technology to analyze employee data, make decisions, implement training, and development programs and assess the effectiveness of human resource management systems.
• A history of being collaborative, visible, and relatable to faculty, staff, and employees, institutional leadership, alumni, and other stakeholders, and possess proven skill in fostering collaborative, consultative, and meaningful partnerships between human resources and academic affairs, as well as other institutional constituents and stakeholders that advance employee success.
• Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to communicate effectively, in both written and oral forms, and those required to be an engaged listener.
• A demonstrable ability to engage employees, in seeking their input on an ongoing basis and to be mindful of the unique needs of the diverse community of Polk State.
• Demonstrated financial acumen; effective human resource, financial, and organizational management experience; and the ability to respond to fiscal limitations and other challenges, collaboratively and creatively.

Required Education:  

• Juris Doctorate from an accredited institution with a minimum of five years of administrator-level (Director or higher) experience in employment/labor law, human resources management, and/or strategic organizational development required. 
  OR
• Master’s degree in law, jurisprudence, legal studies, human resources, labor relations, or related area of study from an accredited institution with a minimum of 8 years of administrator-level (Director or higher) experience in employment/labor law, human resources management, and/or strategic organizational development required.
• A combination of a Master’s degree and Graduate Certificates from an accredited institution may also be applicable. 

Required Experience:

• Demonstrated background at a Director-level or higher, commensurate with required educational degree, in employment/labor law, human resources management, and/or strategic organizational development.
• A record of progressive leadership and supervisory responsibilities and substantive senior-level administrative experience. 

Preferred Experience/Credentials: 

• Certification from SHRM (CP or SCP) or HRCI (PHR or SPHR) preferred.
• It is preferred that the successful candidate has direct experience in higher education and/or in a complex, multi-dimensional, multi-site setting.
• Experience practicing employment law preferred.
• Preference will be given to those with a combination of degrees and certifications in both law/legal studies and human resources.
• Experience as a Title IX/Civil Rights Coordinator, Deputy Coordinator, or Investigator preferred.