Full-time · On-site
Associate Vice President of People and Culture
This executive role is a unique blend of strategic cultural leadership and operational modernization at a top-tier liberal arts college. The successful candidate will move the institution beyond legacy HR models into a holistic 'People and Culture' framework. It is a high-impact position that influences everything from digital infrastructure to the fundamental well-being of the campus community.
Grinnell College · Grinnell, Iowa, United States · Posted 18 April 2026
The role
Overview
This executive role is a unique blend of strategic cultural leadership and operational modernization at a top-tier liberal arts college. The successful candidate will move the institution beyond legacy HR models into a holistic 'People and Culture' framework. It is a high-impact position that influences everything from digital infrastructure to the fundamental well-being of the campus community.
What they need
Requirements & Skills
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the evolution of the HR function into a mission-aligned People and Culture department
- Oversee the completion and optimization of the multi-year ADP/HRIS implementation
- Integrate equity considerations into all aspects of recruitment, compensation, and retention
- Advise senior leadership on staffing, professional growth, and institutional durability
- Manage a diverse portfolio including wellness, civil rights, and student employment
- Foster a culture of transparent communication and data-informed policy making
Essential
- Proven experience in executive-level human resources or people operations leadership
- Ability to lead digital transformation and HRIS implementation projects
- Expertise in aligning departmental goals with institutional strategic plans
- Experience managing complex portfolios including benefits, compensation, and performance management
- Commitment to integrating equity and inclusion into standard HR practices
- Strong background in policy development and transparent process creation
Preferred
- Experience within a higher education or non-profit environment
- Familiarity with shared governance models
- Advanced knowledge of ADP systems and data-informed decision making
- Experience overseeing student employment programs
Key Skills
Strategic PlanningChange ManagementDigital TransformationEquity-Centered LeadershipCompensation and ClassificationPerformance ManagementCivil Rights ComplianceStakeholder EngagementData Analytics
Networking
People to Know
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Perks
Benefits & perks
- Competitive executive-level compensation
- Comprehensive benefits package
- Professional development opportunities
- Opportunity to work in a highly selective academic environment
- Relocation assistance (typical for this level of role)
- Engagement in a community focused on social responsibility
Next step
Apply now
Found via careers.insidehighered.com