Siena Heights University is seeking a dynamic and visionary Vice President of People and Culture . This senior leadership role is essential in fostering a culture of inclusivity, equity and alignment with the university's Catholic and Dominican heritage.
About Siena Heights University:
Siena Heights University is a Catholic institution founded by the Adrian Dominican Sisters, and a recognized Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI), located in beautiful Adrian, Michigan. With a student population averaging 1,700 undergraduates and 163 graduate-level students: with approximately 300 employees. The Siena Heights University mission is "to assist people to become more competent, purposeful, and ethical through a teaching and learning environment which respects the dignity of all" and the team at Siena supports the Catholic and Dominican mission and identity, which are inspired by the life and teachings of St. Catherine of Siena.
SHU offers a competitive wage and benefits package program. For additional information about SHU visit:
Position Overview :
The dynamic and visionary Vice President of People and Culture fulfills a senior leadership role essential for fostering a culture of inclusivity, equity, and alignment with the university's Catholic and Dominican heritage. Primary responsibilities include providing leadership and direction for all facets of Human Resources, and oversight for Title IX compliance and the University's Heritage Project. This individual is pivotal in promoting diversity and equity in hiring, providing bias response training, and coordinating the University's Staff Council.
Essential Responsibilities :
Human Resources Management:

• Lead all HR functions, including but not limited to recruitment, employee relations, performance management, compensation, and benefits.
• Guide and coach managers on HR issues and fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace.
• Create, plan, deliver and/or coordinate employee training and development.
• Develop and implement HR plans, policies and procedures that support the university's mission and strategic goals.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations.
• Team Management - provides strong leadership to direct reports fostering a culture of collaboration, excellence, and continuous learning. Provides coaching and counsel to direct reports, conducts performance appraisals, mentors, and empowers team members encouraging professional growth and ensuring a high-performing, mission-driven team.

Title IX Compliance:

• Oversee the development, implementation, and monitoring of Title IX policies and procedures.
• Coordinate training and education programs related to Title IX for faculty, staff, and students.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for Title IX inquiries and investigations.

Heritage Project:

• Oversee the University's Heritage Project and the Director of Mission Implementation, focusing on onboarding new employees with the distinctive charism of the university and the Dominicans.
• Develop programs and initiatives that integrate the Dominican values into the university culture.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion:

• Consult with senior leadership on hiring practices to promote diversity and equity.
• Provide training and development programs for employees on bias response and cultural competency.
• Advocate for a diverse and inclusive workplace environment.

Staff Council Coordination:

• Coordinate the University's Staff Council, serving as a liaison between staff and senior leadership.
• Facilitate open communication and feedback channels to address employee concerns and suggestions.
• Implement initiatives to enhance employee engagement and satisfaction.

And other duties as assigned.
Qualifications, Experience, Abilities and Skills Required :
Education/Certification

• Master's degree in Human Resources, Organizational Development, Business Administration, or a related field. A Ph.D. or equivalent is preferred.
• SHRM SCP preferred.

Professional Experience:

• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in human resources, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role.
• Demonstrated experience in Title IX compliance and employee training programs.
• Experience working in higher education, preferably in a faith-based institution, is highly desirable.

Skills and Abilities:

• Strong understanding of Catholic and Dominican values and the ability to integrate these into the university's culture.
• Exceptional leadership and management skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate a diverse team.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build strong relationships with stakeholders at all levels.
• Proven ability to develop and implement strategic initiatives that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Strong technology skills including HR automation platforms such as ATS, HRIS, and LM systems.
• Exceptional public speaking and presentation skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and in stressful situations; and adjust priorities in a fast-paced environment as needed.
• Exceptional level of discretion, ability to maintain confidentiality and interact with tact and diplomacy.

Physical Demands & Work Environment:

1. Involves working in an office environment infrequently exposed to extreme temperatures, noise, fumes, dust, etc.
2. Sitting/standing at desk and on computer regularly.
3. Ability to travel to locations throughout the campus regularly, regionally, and beyond on occasion.
4. Ability to operate standard office equipment/technology.
5. Ability to speak, hear and see.

Equal Employment Opportunity & ADA Compliance
Siena Heights University provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, ancestry, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, religion, age, disability, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, service in the military and all other protected classes in the State of Michigan or as provided by Federal Law. Equal employment opportunity applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leave of absence, compensation, and training. To ensure equal employment opportunities to qualified individuals with a disability, Siena Heights University will make reasonable accommodations for the known disability of an otherwise qualified individual, unless undue hardship on the operation of the organization would result.