DIVISION OF HUMAN RESOURCES

Virginia Tech is a public land-grant university, committed to teaching and learning, research, and outreach to the Commonwealth of Virginia, the nation, and the world. Building on its motto of Ut Prosim (that I may serve), Virginia Tech is dedicated to InclusiveVT—serving in the spirit of community, diversity, and excellence. We seek candidates who adopt and practice the Principles of Community, which are fundamental to our on-going efforts to increase access and inclusion, and to create a community that nurtures learning and growth for all of its members. Virginia Tech actively seeks a broad spectrum of candidates to join our community in preparing leaders for the world.

Virginia Tech is seeking an accomplished and visionary human resources professional to serve in the critically important role of Division Director of Human Resources, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. Over the last year, Virginia Tech has worked to develop a new human resources service delivery model that will emphasize the critical nature of human resource management and effectiveness across the university. The service delivery model consists of establishing these senior human resource leaders in key academic and business units on campus. This position will report jointly to the Chief Human Resources Officer in central Human Resources and the Dean for the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS).
This role will provide leadership, guidance and resources for all talent-related activities including acquisition, development, management, and engagement. Responsibilities include oversight of the college’s hiring activities, training programs, performance management and employee relations, workforce planning and staffing assessment, diversity and inclusion recruiting, retention planning, and succession planning.
To carry out these responsibilities, this position will be expected to be a proactive, strategic thinker who understands the critical importance of planning and program delivery and who is able to successfully balance competing values and align recommendations and actions with the college and University strategy. The position will also embrace and promote the mission, values, goals and organizational needs of the college, as well as understand the impact of HR activities on finances and strategy.
Success of this position will rely a great deal on being aware of the culture and environment of the college, university, and human resources, by developing strong relationships across campus, and fostering respectful communications and collaborations within a diverse community. Given the dual reporting relationship, the position must manage potentially conflicting interests, utilize strong organizational skills, plan and schedule individual work and team work, set priorities, and manage multiple projects and deadlines.
The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) is a vibrant example of the land grant mission with global reach, engaged in learning, discovery and engagement in areas including: agricultural profitability and environmental sustainability; food, nutrition, and health; biodesign and bioprocessing; the green industry; infectious disease; and community viability. CALS is the largest college with over 1,100 teaching/research faculty, administrative and professional faculty, and staff in ten academic units, a 2-year Agricultural Technology program, 107 local extension offices, and 11 agricultural research and extension centers across the state.

• Master’s degree with significant related experience in Human Resources.
• Recent progressive and consultative HR experience in a complex organization, including experience:
– Providing forward-facing strategic recommendations.
– Working with senior leadership.
– Managing people and projects in direct and indirect supervisory role.
• Experience working in fast-paced, team-oriented environment with quickly shifting priorities.
• Demonstrated excellence in communications and strong listening skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills and demonstrated high emotional intelligence.
• Strong customer service orientation and sense of integrity.
• Capacity to deal with a wide range of relationships and situations; comfort with ambiguity.
• Ability to maintain discretion and the highest ethical and professional standards while dealing with confidential information.

• Significant and broad experience at increasing levels of human resources’ responsibility, preferably in an agriculture and/or life sciences environment or land grant institution; multiple roles and perspectives desirable.
• Direct experience and demonstrated leadership in one or more human resources networks (e.g. CUPA-HR, SHRM).
• Broad experience in human resources management to include recruiting, benefits, compensation, performance management, employee relations, and/or training/development.

Qualified applicants must electronically submit online application, cover letter, resume/curriculum vitae and a list of 3 professional references to jobs.vt.edu. Apply to posting AP0180072. Applicant screening will continue until the position is filled. Virginia Tech is committed to building a culturally diverse faculty and strongly encourages applications from women and minorities.

Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, or veteran status; or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees, or applicants; or any other basis protected by law.

For inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies, contact the executive director for Equity and Access at 540-231-2010 or Virginia Tech, North End Center, Suite 2300 (0318), 300 Turner St. NW, Blacksburg, VA 24061.

If you are an individual with a disability and desire accommodation please contact the hiring department.