Associate Vice President for Human Resources

Daemen University is a dynamic, independent, liberal arts institution committed to excellence in student centered learning. The University places special emphasis on preparing students for excellence in professional life, civic engagement, and on instilling and understanding that learning is an exciting lifelong journey. Students are encouraged to be creative, innovative, ethically minded leaders for an ever-changing, diverse, and interconnected world.

The Mission of Daemen University is to prepare students for life and leadership in an increasingly diverse and complex world through the integration of education and professional preparation. Daemen University is going beyond instrumental needs to foster the development of individuals who are dedicated to the health and well-being of local and global communities.

Purpose of Role

Responsible for overseeing the human resource and payroll functions of the University, including the centralization, maintenance, and management of all employment records and human resource data; administration of employee relations, benefits, compensation, recruitment, orientation, and training initiatives and programs; management of the Employee Engagement (Human Resources) professional staff; and ensuring University compliance with federal/state employment regulations. This position reports to the Vice President for Business Affairs and also serves as the principal adviser to the President with regard to human resources policies and personnel-related matters for the University's senior management team.

About This Opportunity

Joining our Employee Engagement team, the Associate Vice President will be responsible for the following:

• Serve as senior human resources administrator and advisor for the University;
• Develop collaborative relationships with all offices and departments of the University, positively influencing morale, engagement and change;
• Provide strategic leadership and supervision to the Employee Engagement Department staff and functions;
• Develop annual operating and financial plans for human resources in alignment with the University's overall operational budget and Strategic Plan;
• Manage and oversee the priority functions of the Employee Engagement Department, including but not limited to the following:
• Implement and administer university-wide human resources policies, procedures and practices, including but not limited to; performance management, corrective actions, internal investigations, and organizational changes in accordance with federal and state legal requirements;
• Oversee the Talent Acquisition for the University, including placement of advertising, scheduling of interviews, applicant communication, and candidate travel;
• Administer new employee orientation, training, and benefit enrollment;
• Oversee the annual employee performance evaluation program at the University;
• Oversee and assistance with regard to professional development programs for University employees;
• Manage and oversee all employee benefits, including compensation, wellness, retirement, workers' compensation, leave, unemployment insurance, Tuition Exchange, and other benefits programs or issues;
• Coach and advise managers and leaders on issues including application of HR policies, processes, restructuring and complex employee issues;
• Monitor and advise managers in the progressive discipline process, reviewing, guiding and approving management recommendations for employee terminations.
• Assist in developing solutions through organizational development (i.e. restructuring, roles and responsibility clarification, competency development and succession planning in order to strengthen overall organizational capabilities;
• Serve as liaison with external legal counsel for immigration and work authorization needs, J-1, H-1B, etc.;
• Oversee the University wide payroll for staff, faculty, and students, ensuring best practices, payroll tax compliance, record keeping and reporting;
• Ensure alignment of HR processes, i.e. Performance Management and Development, Compensation Planning, etc. aligns with strategic and operating goals;
• Determine and recommend employee relations practices necessary to establish a positive employee relationship and promote a high level of employee morale and motivation;
• Maintain knowledge of trends, best practices, regulatory changes, and new technologies in human resources, talent management and employment law.
• Assist employees and supervisors with employee relations, including arrangements for counseling, mediation, guidance and/or legal or Employee Assistance Program (EAP) assistance;
• Develop and assist with the enforcement of procedures to ensure compliance with all federal, State, and local employment laws, including compliance with Title VII, FLSA, ADA, ERISA, COBRA, and other regulations; and the preparation of OSHA logs, Vets 100 report and data needed to complete Affordable Care Act reports;
• Maintain human resources records and information systems in a confidential and compliant manner;
• Serve as the University's Retirement Plan Administrator;
• Create, maintain and review accurate job descriptions for employment opportunities at the University;
• Prepare and maintain the Employee Engagement Department annual operating budget, including the budget assigned to the Department for advertising of employment opportunities and the recruitment of employees;
• Gather and analyze employment data, including but not limited to, salary surveys and best practices, that will assist the President and other senior leaders in improving the University's workforce and maintenance of a positive climate for the employees of the University; and
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Vice President for Business Affairs and, at times, the President.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university.
• A Master's Degree in Human Resources Management or Development; Organizational Management; Public Administration; Business; or related field, strongly preferred.
• HR certifications preferred.
• Seven years of progressive professional human resources experience in Human Resources management, leadership, and/or related fields, including experience in a higher education setting in a leadership capacity.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret, manage, and analyze statistical data.
• Proficiency in human resources records and information systems.
• Personnel budget oversight experience and strong working knowledge of human resource concepts, practices and procedures.
• Some staff supervisory experience, with strong interpersonal and leadership skills, and excellent writing and oral communication skills.

Terms of Employment:

This position is a full-time exempt position that may require extended or weekend hours if warranted to meet the obligations of the position. The University offers a full package of benefits.

Salary is competitive, commensurate with qualifications and experience, and will be a minimum of $115,000.

Applications received by April 22, 2024, will receive priority consideration. The search will remain open until the position is filled.

Total Compensation

Daemen University offers a robust total compensation package that includes:

• Health insurance with an option of two plans: an HSA plan with the deductible funded by employer HSA contributions, or a copay plan.
• Dental insurance through the Guardian network.
• Vision insurance through the Guardian network, and an option between the VSP or Davis plans.
• An 8% employer contribution to the retirement savings account when employees contribute just 5%.
• Fully paid long term disability insurance, guaranteed-issue life insurance for new hires up to a volume of $150,000.
• Tuition waiver for full-time employees and their qualified dependents. Entrance in Tuition Exchange scholarship opportunities to pursue education at other institutions.
• Generous time off for administrative and staff employees.

Daemen University strongly encourages all campus community members to get vaccinated for COVID-19, including a booster vaccine.