Description
Associate Vice President of Human Resources
St. Mary’s College of Maryland
St. Mary’s, Maryland
THE SEARCH
St. Mary’s College of Maryland (SMCM) seeks an innovative and results-oriented change agent to become the Associate Vice President of Human Resources (AVP-HR). This leader will serve as the chief human resources officer for the campus and will be a transformational people and culture leader dedicated to revitalizing and modernizing the human resources office and operations. The AVP-HR will bring a proven record of positive change management and a forward-looking approach to HR, responsive to the evolving landscape of higher education.
St. Mary’s College of Maryland, established in 1840, is the 5th ranked public liberal arts college in the U.S. (US News & World Report). Designated by state statute as Maryland’s public honors college in 1992, the College was the first standalone public honors college in the nation. St. Mary’s College of Maryland adopted the brand identity of the National Public Honors College to clearly and confidently communicate what has always made the College distinctive: its rigorous liberal arts and sciences education, vibrant waterfront campus, and commitment to excellence, integrity, and social responsibility. With a diverse and engaged community, SMCM offers transformative, experiential learning that prepares students to lead with purpose and thrive in an increasingly complex world. SMCM serves more than 1,600 students and employs 186 full- and part-time faculty, and 335 full- and part-time staff.
Reporting to the Vice President for Business and Chief Financial Officer (VPB/CFO), the AVP-HR will be a seasoned and strategic leader with extensive experience in a broad range of HR functional areas and a proven track record of overseeing large-scale, complex initiatives. They will bring a visible, transformative, and collaborative approach to HR, working closely across the campus community on strategic human resources issues and institutional priorities. They will be a strategic thought partner to the VPB/CFO and the senior leadership team, charged with elevating SMCM’s human resources function to become a consultative, proactive, and service-oriented office. They will ensure that all HR systems and functions align with the mission and strategic direction of the College, while developing a future-ready human resources function and campus culture. Leveraging strong change management acumen and thought leadership, they will implement a redeveloped HR organization that is supported by efficient business processes and best-practice human resources functions developed to support the College’s mission while remaining compliant with appropriate laws, policies, and regulations.
While setting the strategic vision for human resources will be a priority, the AVP-HR must also serve as a hands-on leader, actively engaging with HR operational functions to ensure the office’s success in supporting both its own objectives and the broader priorities of the campus. The AVP-HR will play a pivotal role in rebuilding and rebranding HR services by:
- Leading the development and enhancement of learning and development programs, performance management systems, compensation and classification structures, payroll management practices, and talent acquisition strategies.
- Evaluating current technology and determining where and how HR can improve and enhance automation.
- Conducting a thorough review and modernization of HR policies to reflect best practices, compliance requirements, and institutional values.
- Strengthening HR training and communication initiatives to promote transparency, knowledge sharing, and an inclusive workplace culture.
COMPENSATION
St. Mary’s College of Maryland is committed to practicing salary transparency. The salary range for this position is $162,000 to $185,000. The final offer is determined by a candidate’s relevant experience, qualifications, and our commitment to internal equity. We review global compensation on a regular basis to ensure market competitiveness and equity. The hiring range for this position has been carefully crafted in alignment with the market.
APPLICATIONS, INQUIRIES, AND NOMINATIONS
Screening of complete applications will begin immediately and continue until the completion of the search process. Inquiries, nominations, referrals, and CVs with cover letters should be sent via the Isaacson, Miller website for the St. Mary’s College of Maryland AVP-HR.
Dan Rodas, Partner
Robin Dougherty, Managing Associate
Nicole Sancilio, Managing Search Coordinator
Isaacson, Miller
St. Mary’s College of Maryland is fully committed to equal employment and educational opportunities for its employees and students. The College does not discriminate or condone discrimination or harassment in the workplace or academic setting, on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and parental status), national origin, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, ethnicity, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
