Assistant Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer

Assistant Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer

Madonna University

Job Title: Assistant Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer

Department: Human Resources

Reports To: Vice President for Risk Management and Planning

Prepared Date: January 2026

This position is responsible for developing, leading, directing, implementing and exercising primary responsibility for all human resource functions to include organizational development, succession planning, talent planning, training and development, recruitment and hiring practices, policy interpretation and administration, employee relations, affirmative action and diversity initiatives, performance management, benefits administration and other related duties. The AVPCHRO works closely and collaboratively with senior leadership, cabinet, deans, faculty, staff, and academic departments and programs in establishing and maintaining positive working relationships throughout the University.

• Serves as the University’s senior Human Resources officer, functioning as a strategic partner to senior leadership in advancing institutional goals while fostering the University’s mission and core values and a legally compliant workplace. Serves as an active member of the University Cabinet.
• Provides leadership and direction for all Human Resources operations, including hands‑on oversight, coaching, performance management, and professional development of HR staff within a highly collaborative environment. Responsible for direct supervision of the Sr. Human Resources Specialist and Recruitment and Benefits Specialist.
• Partners with senior leaders, managers, and supervisors to support personnel planning, succession planning, and organizational effectiveness across departments, colleges, and schools.
• Develops, implements, and interprets personnel policies and practices that align with university objectives, promote fairness and consistency, and ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations.
• Oversees employee relations matters, including advising and counseling supervisors, administrators, faculty, and staff on performance management and disciplinary actions, conducting or guiding investigations, and recommending appropriate actions consistent with EEO principles and due process.
• Collaborates with appropriate University stakeholders on regulatory and compliance matters as needed, including Title IX, the Jeanne Clery Act (Clery Act), the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), and related institutional obligations.
• Ensures competitive, equitable, and fiscally responsible administration of compensation, benefits, and retirement programs, while maintaining compliance with all applicable employment and benefits regulations.
• Oversees Human Resources Information Systems (HRIS) and related processes, including recruitment, onboarding, personnel records (paper and electronic), data retention, confidentiality, and required reporting for employees.
• Leads and supports, in conjunction with the Recruitment and Benefits Specialist, recruitment and employment processes in collaboration with internal partners, developing strategies to attract, hire, and retain a high-performing workforce. Provides guidance to leadership on staffing needs, performance management, training, development, and succession planning. Supports faculty recruitment processes as appropriate.
• Administers compensation structures, performance evaluation processes, and learning and development initiatives in support of employee growth, engagement, and institutional effectiveness.
• Provides guidance on employment‑related matters, internal reviews, audits, and compliance processes as needed.
• Prepares and submits complex surveys, reports, and data requests related to human resources for internal planning, regulatory compliance, and external reporting entities and affiliated associations.
• Monitors unemployment claims, coordinates with unemployment carriers, and represents the University in hearings and proceedings as required.
• Serves as the primary point of contact for employment‑related compliance matters, including interactions with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), Wage and Hour Division, and other federal and state agencies, ensuring timely, accurate, and professional responses.
• Develops, maintains, and communicates employee handbooks and related policies to ensure clarity, consistency, and compliance.
• Prepares and presents reports, recommendations, and strategic initiatives to senior leadership as requested.
• Develops and manages the Human Resources budget, monitoring expenditures and aligning resources with organizational priorities.
• Administers employee tuition exchange and tuition waiver programs in accordance with institutional policy and external partner requirements.
• Serves as an active participant on MICU boards related to workers’ compensation and the University’s retirement plan (403(b)), contributing to governance, compliance, and strategic…