Associate AD for HR & Chief Diversity Officer

VCU Athletics has an exciting opportunity for an Associate AD for HR & Chief Diversity Officer to join our team!

VCU combines learning, research, creativity, service and discovery with a commitment to inclusive excellence. Ranked by U.S. News as one of the 30 “most innovative” public universities in the country, VCU is a premier, urban, public research university home to multiple nationally ranked programs. Here your success is supported, and your career can thrive. VCU offers a robust benefits package that includes: comprehensive health benefits, paid annual and holiday leave granted up front, retirement planning and savings options, tax-deferred annuity and cash match programs, generous tuition benefit, employee discounts, well-being resources, abundant opportunities for career development and advancement, and more. Learn more about VCU’s benefits at https://hr.vcu.edu/current-employees/benefits/a-z-list-of-benefits/.

Summary

Virginia Commonwealth University is searching for a collaborative and experienced HR Professional to provide both strategic vision and operational execution of human resources services within the department of athletics. This position serves as a trusted advisor for employees, managers and senior leadership.

The Associate Athletic Director for HR/CDO's chief purpose is to provide support for athletics programs, oversee human resources operations, and to shape and articulate strategies for advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) for the VCU Department of Athletics.

Reporting to the Vice President & Director of Athletics, this position supervises the Director of Employee & Student-Athlete Services. The Associate AD for HR/CDO works to further VCU Athletics' mission to win conference and national championships, provide a first-class student-athlete experience, serve as a source of pride for the University and community, and cultivate graduates who excel as leaders.

Typical Duties

Human Resources

• Provide leadership and guidance on HR issues and participate in the decision-making and implementation of HR policies, procedures, programs and functions.
• Provide advice and guidance on complex and confidential matters including contract development and execution; performance management; and employee relations issues.
• Identify, plan and execute process improvement projects to increase efficiency and effectiveness of HR programs.
• Facilitate training sessions to support the needs of VCU Athletics.
• Make recommendations on, initiate, and finalize HR actions around position management (revisions and establishments), staff compensation, and employment (postings, hiring proposals, new hire onboarding).
• Participate in the HR community by attending HR Professional Committee meetings, career community events and VCU HR trainings for HR Professionals.
• Participate in special projects as identified in support of VCU Athletics and VCU’s Great Place policy and University service delivery model.

Chief Diversity Officer

• Provide leadership in developing strategies that advance the overall goals for diversity, equity and inclusion for VCU Athletics.
• Serve as co-chair of the VCU Athletics Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee.
• Plan and coordinate trainings, educational programs, and initiatives to develop diversity awareness and engagement.
• In collaboration with SAAC and campus departments across divisions, facilitate social justice training with a strong diversity component.
• Cultivate policies, practices, and structures that ensure a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment for student athletes, staff, and coaches.
• Serve on the A-10 Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion committee.
• Work with Athletics Communication and the DEI Committee to maintain the Athletics' DEI webpage and social media accounts, updating it regularly with relevant news from the DEI Committee, as well as broad issues/news interests.
• Work with Athletics Marketing and the Creative Director to develop and promote marketing materials for DEI programs and events and manage the DEI calendar of events.

Athletics Administration

• In consultation with the Vice President & Director of Athletics and Deputy Director of Athletics, perform other duties as assigned pertaining to athletics administration.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant area or equivalent training/experience.
• Considerable experience working in an HR position advising, guiding and consulting with senior leaders, managers and employees.
• Proven ability to develop relationships and build partnerships with internal teams and stakeholders in a diverse organization.
• Resourcefulness with the ability to adapt to rapid change and ambiguity.
• Ability to exercise strong attention to detail in a fast-paced environment and to set/meet deadlines, organize workload and juggle changing priorities.
• Demonstrated ability to use critical thinking skills to problem solve and develop solutions.
• Broad and deep HR technical expertise in all facets of HR including employment and recruiting, compensation, performance management, employee relations, etc.
• Proven ability to influence, guide, direct and consult with HR professionals and leadership.
• Outstanding customer service skills and a high degree of professionalism.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing with all individuals within a diverse community.
• Familiarity with change management philosophy and strategies.
• Demonstrated ability to handle confidential and sensitive information appropriately and with discretion.
• Demonstrated experience working in and fostering a diverse faculty, staff, and student environment or the commitment to do so at VCU.

Preferred Qualifications

• Supervisory experience.
• HR Certification (e.g. PHR or SHRM-CP).
• Ability to translate changing business objectives to effective HR strategies.
• Demonstrated ability to interpret, explain and apply HR policies, state and federal regulations and protocols.
• Strong facilitation abilities (large and small group).
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and HR Information systems.

•Public speaking experience. •Service on University, conference and/or NCAA committees.

Position Specific Physical and Cognitive Requirements

Physical Demands and Activities:
Light lifting ( Pushing/pulling - Essential
Standing - Essential
Sitting - Essential
Repetitive motion - Essential

Emotional Demands:
Fast pace - Essential
Average pace - Essential
Multiple stimuli - Essential
Frequent change - Essential
Intense customer interaction - Essential

Mental/Sensory Demands:
Memory - Essential
Reasoning - Essential
Hearing - Essential
Reading - Essential
Analyzing - Essential
Logic - Essential
Verbal communication - Essential
Written communication - Essential