Overview
NIU celebrates diversity in all its forms including gender, race, ethnicity, ability, spirituality, sexuality, age and all individual identities. We believe that engaging across differences enriches our students’ learning and personal growth while at NIU.
Huskies value the ideas and insights every person has to offer, and we discover our commonalities by embracing and discussing our differences. Coming to NIU means contributing to a thriving and diverse community rooted in educational excellence.
Chartered in 1895, Northern Illinois University first opened its doors as the Northern Illinois State Normal School in 1899 as a teachers’ school. We have since grown into a world-class, research-focused public institution that attracts students from across Illinois, the country and the world.
NIU is the top employer in DeKalb County. At Human Resource Services (HRS), we’re dedicated to ensuring that it’s a welcoming and rewarding place to work. We believe that people are the university’s greatest resource and invest in them by providing access to information and training, as well as support services. Whether you’re a job seeker, employee, student or retiree, we invite you to learn how we can help you reach your goals.
Position Summary
The Assistant Vice President for Human Resource Services (AVP/HRS) will lead, encourage, optimize, and support Human Resources Operations to promote positive employee relations and organizational development. The AVP/HRS manages and directs HRS Operations and determines immediate and long-term staffing needs for HRS Operations. The incumbent will manage several operational units providing for staff development and backup operational support during peak times. The incumbent will maintain and expand their knowledge in the technical aspects of HRS Operations areas. Specific areas of oversight and/or integrated responsibility include but are not limited to: ADA Accommodation, Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity, Business Management/Auditing, Talent Acquisition/Testing Services, Civil Service/Classification and Compensation, Employee Lifecycle, HRIS, and HRS Service Center.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Directs HRS Operations. Develops staff to provide HR leadership maximizing HRS internal effectiveness and staff resources. Establishes an integrated and interdependent HRS Operations function with cross-trained staff. Oversee implementation and monitoring of programs through Human Resources staff. Prepares budgets and control expenditures for areas of responsibility within HRS. Formulates, recommends, and ensures consistent implementation of Human Resources policies and procedures for the University. Consults with appropriate stakeholders to ensure the University has employee training programs that address University needs across division lines. Represent SAVP/CHRO in their absence.
- Establishes a campus customer-centric focus within HRS Operations, emphasizing strong customer service skills in staff. Develops an effective communication model for improved communication, cooperation, and coordination with internal HRS units and campus. Participates in the identification and development of campus operational training needs in HRS systems and processes. Initiates process improvement reviews to ensure optimal business process in alignment with campus needs and HRS objectives.
- Participates in strategic planning for HRS. Identifies and maintains legal requirements and government reporting regulations involving Human Resources Services. Directs the preparation of information requested or required for compliance and ensures accuracy and completeness. Oversees implementation and monitoring of programs through Human Resources staff.
- Leads the establishment and administration of wage and salary structures, pay policies, and performance appraisal programs monitoring for effectiveness and cost containment.
- Coordinate and provide Career and Professional development advisement for HRS staff to pursue advanced education and personal development of skills and aptitudes. Provide joint leadership and oversight for professional development for HRS employees.
Minimum Required Qualifications (Civil Service)
N/A
Specialty Factors (Civil Service)
N/A
Preferred Qualifications (Civil Service)
N/A
Minimum Required Qualifications (SPS)
- Bachelor’s degree in a related field;
- 7 years of related, progressively responsible human resources experience;
- 5 years leading and supervising a department;
- Experience with a broad range of Human Resources principles and practices.
Additional Requirements (SPS)
- Strong multi-tasking, organizational and prioritization skills;
- Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to establish and maintain cooperative and professional working relationships with others;
- Familiarity and working knowledge of academic and non-academic personnel procedures involving university faculty and staff;
- Strong oral and written communication and presentation skills;
- Strong quantitative, analytical, and reasoning skills;
- Proficiency in Microsoft® Word, Excel, and PowerPoint;
- Ability to follow instructions and work independently with minimal supervision;
- Ability to effectively interact with all areas of the university administration including the academic and non-academic sectors.
Preferred Qualifications (SPS)
- Master’s degree in a related field;
- Minimum of 10 years of related, progressively responsible human resources experience;
- Minimum 7 years leading and supervising a HR department;
- Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) or SHRM-SCP certification;
- Experience in Higher Education Human Resource Management;
- Illinois Civil Service (SUCSS) experience.
Physical demands/requirements
- Regular office related duties;
- Sitting for extended periods of time;
- Using computer/electronic equipment for extended periods of time;
- Occasional lifting and moving items weighing up to 25 lbs;
- Majority of duties may be performed remotely.
