Associate Vice President for Human Resources

Northern State University seeks an Associate Vice President for Human Resources to function as the University’s chief HR officer. The position reports to the Vice President for Finance and Administration and provides both strategic direction and day-to-day operational oversight for all HR functions, including integrated HR and payroll support for the South Dakota School for the Blind and Visually Impaired. The role is based onsite in Aberdeen, SD 57401.

Role Overview

As the lead HR executive, you will set the direction for Human Resources operations and advise senior leadership on workforce planning and organizational development. You will also oversee key HR processes across recruitment, employee relations, performance management, and compliance, while supporting organizational effectiveness through strategic planning and data-informed decision-making.

Key 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.