Empire State University

Vice President of Human Resources and Chief Human Resources Officer

Academic Career & Executive Search is pleased to assist Empire State University in its search for Vice President of Human Resources and Chief Human Resources Officer. 

For full consideration, please apply by November 5.

THE OPPORTUNITY

Empire State University (SUNY Empire) seeks an inaugural Vice President of Human Resources to join the university at a time of dynamic growth. SUNY Empire is the first and only public online university in New York. The institution has experienced 8% growth in headcount over the past two years and is on track to grow another 8% this academic year. In short, SUNY Empire is on a remarkable trajectory toward becoming one of the nation’s preeminent online universities.

The Vice President will play a critical role in translating strategic vision into action. In this inaugural position, the Vice President will bring strategy, thought leadership, and inclusive organizational practices to Human Resources in support of the university’s commitment to its diverse students, faculty, and staff. The individual will be charged with creating an inclusive culture of continuous improvement in service to a distributed workforce.

The Vice President will also be charged with understanding and building on the strengths of the human resources department to identify new areas of opportunity as the university grows its ranks of faculty and staff. Change management experience will be critical, as will cultural redirection that promotes communication, honesty, and a team-oriented philosophy. Moreover, the Vice President will oversee the creation and sustaining of programs to attract and retain top talent and build the university’s reputation as an innovative and inclusive employer of choice. 

The successful candidate will be someone who thrives in a dynamic environment, uses data to inform decision-making, and has the collaborative talents necessary to unite constituencies across the institution. The Vice President will be a skilled communicator, listener, and relationship builder, with expertise in employee and labor relations, recruitment and retention strategies, compensation design, and organizational development. Consistent with SUNY Empire’s commitment to DEI, the Vice President will also bring expertise in advancing equity-focused human resources processes, policies, and initiatives and communicate the interconnectedness of DEI and organizational excellence. This work should be part of the successful candidate’s portfolio of achievement.

This position reports to the President and leads the Human Resources Department staff of 10. The institution currently employs 824 (full and part time) faculty and 504 staff.  This position is a fully on-site role and does not offer the opportunity for a hybrid or remote work arrangement.

THE UNIVERSITY

Founded in 1971 as the innovative campus of the State University of New York (SUNY), Empire State University empowers learners from diverse backgrounds to achieve their educational goals. SUNY Empire has decades of experience providing educational access through high-quality online teaching and learning, individualized instruction, mentoring, and prior learning assessment. The institution is deeply committed to promoting diversity and inclusion and builds on students’ experiences to promote their growth and drive upward mobility and economic development in New York State and beyond. 

SUNY Empire has a proud history of meeting students where they are. The institution embraces full transferability, credit through prior learning, and partnerships to drive workforce development and educational attainment. The university serves more than 16,500 students and employs over 1,300 faculty and staff, advancing the institution's unique academic commitment to high-quality, accessible education for our students. SUNY Empire's 99,000 alumni are entrepreneurs, nurses, teachers, businesspeople, and leaders in their communities and their fields. 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Build and empower a service-oriented human resources unit that meets the institution’s evolving needs and ensures consistency in the application of all policies and processes
• Foster a collaborative and high-performing work environment in alignment with all employment contracts, laws, policies, and the university’s strategic plan
• Act as a strategic partner and advisor to the president and leadership team on employee relations matters
• Interpret and provide expert guidance on labor contracts and practices, discipline, and grievances in compliance with collective bargaining agreements and applicable laws
• Oversee implementation of and adherence to federal, state, and local regulations (e.g., ADA, Title IX, FMLA, ACA, OSHA, etc.) in coordination with the CDO and OGC
• Lead the creation and implementation of a proactive employee recruitment and retention program that includes equitable and inclusive recruitment strategies, retention and succession planning, and learning and development programming
• Promote a departmental culture of fiscal responsibility, consistency, and responsiveness while evaluating workflows for efficiency
• Develop and regularly report on key baseline metrics to measure continuous improvement efforts in a data-informed manner
• Meaningfully promote a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion across the institution

The Vice President will oversee and provide executive-level leadership for: 

• Employee recruitment (including onboarding and orientation) and off-boarding processes
• Employee and labor relations
• Supervisor support and training
• Learning and development initiatives
• Succession planning
• Title IX and all human resources-related compliance, including policy development and maintenance
• University-wide employee appreciation program
• Human Resources Information Systems

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
• Minimum of seven (7) years of experience in a human resources-related leadership position
• Demonstrated knowledge of federal and state employment laws, policies, and regulations

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Master's degree or terminal degree from an accredited institution
• Human Resources certification (e.g., Senior Professional in Human Resources® (SPHR®) or Society for Human Resource Management-Senior Certified Professional)
• Human Resources (or similar) leadership experience (at the level of director or above) in a unionized higher education environment

Living in the Area

Living in Saratoga Springs, New York, offers a unique blend of small-town charm and cultural vibrancy, making it an ideal place to call home. The city is known for its historic Victorian architecture, tree-lined streets, and lively downtown, full of boutiques, restaurants, and cafes. Residents enjoy a strong sense of community, with seasonal festivals, farmer’s markets, and cultural events providing year-round opportunities to connect and unwind. The city is also home to the renowned Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) and the iconic Saratoga Racecourse, adding excitement and a touch of elegance to daily life.

Outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty to love in Saratoga Springs. The city is surrounded by natural beauty, with Saratoga Spa State Park offering trails, picnic areas, golf courses, and mineral springs that promote a health-focused lifestyle. Nearby Saratoga Lake and the Adirondack Mountains provide easy access to boating, fishing, skiing, and hiking, allowing residents to embrace an active, adventurous lifestyle in every season.

With its excellent schools, vibrant nightlife, and close-knit community, Saratoga Springs and its environs are perfect for individuals and families seeking a balanced and fulfilling life.  It combines the charm of a smaller town with access to metropolitan amenities. New York City, Boston, and Montreal are within a 3.5-hour ride by car or train. Please visit www.Saratoga.org to learn more.

To Apply 

For full consideration, please apply by November 5.

To be viewed by the search firm, you must apply directly at: https://acesrch.applicantstack.com/x/detail/a21esjyhcrh8

Please apply through the application link and do not email applications.

Applications will be reviewed as they are received and should include a cover letter and curriculum vita. Ideally cover letters should not exceed two pages. All applications are treated confidentially.

Inquiries, referrals, and nominations are also treated confidentially.

Inquiries and questions: Please send to SUNYEmpireVPHR-CHRO@acesrch.com.

Nominations and referrals: Please send the nominee’s name, title, and contact information if available to nominations@acesrch.com.

Anticipated salary range: $185,000 – $205,000 commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Institution’s EEO Statement

The university adheres to the SUNY policy for equal employment and the federal law for equal employment as found on the following links: 

Equal Opportunity: Access, Employment and Fair Treatment in the State University of New York Document Number 6502

Equal Employment Opportunity (Federal)