Vice President of Human Resources

Clark College is currently accepting applications for a full-time, 12-month, exempt Vice President of Human Resources. This position is responsible for leading the development and implementation of strategies and programs that promote a positive and engaged workforce. From recruiting and hiring top talent to developing and implementing training programs, to fostering a culture of inclusion and diversity, the Vice President of Human Resources plays a vital role in shaping the organization’s overall direction and success.

We are seeking a Vice President of Human Resources who has knowledge and experience in labor relations, contract negotiation, Title IX, benefits and compensation, compliance, and general human resources practice. These practices include, but are not limited to, employee recruitment and retention, onboarding and offboarding, and talent development. Along with these requisite skills and knowledge, the Vice President will concentrate on shaping the organization’s culture and enhancing the overall employee experience, with an emphasis on diversity, equity, inclusion, employee engagement, and satisfaction.

Clark is searching for a confident, collaborative, and thoughtful leader who is equity-minded and thoroughly committed to our mission of serving students by recruiting, developing and retaining highly qualified employees. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of implementing strategic change with determination, commitment, and accountability. Experience in addressing complex issues and making sound decisions for the benefit of faculty, staff, and students is crucial.

The college is seeking candidates with strong leadership, strategic -thinking, communication, problem-solving, and change management skills. Candidates should also demonstrate interpersonal skills, emotional intelligence, business acumen, and familiarity with Human Resources-related technology such as HRIS.

Candidates must be committed to institutional excellence, student success, and the elimination of equity gaps. This position serves as an effective team player, a collaborative member of the Executive Cabinet, and a visible, engaged presence for faculty, staff, students, and community members.

At Clark, we place a high importance on equity, diversity, and inclusion. Our commitment includes fostering growth, continuous learning, and providing unwavering support to our dedicated employees.

 

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
The Vice President of Human Resources is a full-time, 12-month, administrative position reporting directly to the President. This position is responsible for the overall planning, implementation, and evaluation of the College's comprehensive Human Resources programs, including recruitment, compliance, and benefits and leave. Specifically, the position will:

• Serve as a member of the Executive Cabinet.
• Advise the President, Executive Cabinet, and the Board in areas of policy, contracts and other matters related to Human Resources. Act as the College’s liaison on legal activities related to Human Resources.
• Lead labor relations.
• Create and maintain a supportive workplace environment by aligning work culture with college values and enhancing the employee experience.
• Direct employee development and training programs for classified, administrative, and exempt employees.
• Ensure compliance with state and federal regulations concerning discrimination, harassment, and sexual misconduct.
• Coordinate collective bargaining and contract administration efforts. Provide guidance to administration, faculty, and staff to maintain compliance with negotiated agreements. Administer and interpret rules, regulations, and collective bargaining agreements, including oversight of the grievance process.
• Act as the personnel officer for classified staff, with appointing authority for classified employees. Lead negotiations for faculty bargaining. Represent the College at the state level in classified bargaining.
• Manage job classification and review for classified employees and oversee administrative and exempt classifications and job descriptions.
• Develop and implement campus-wide human resources strategic planning that aligns Human Resources practices with the College’s strategic plan and social equity goals. Build relationships to drive cultural change, foster trust, and improve the organizational climate.
• Conduct wage and compensation studies for administrative and exempt staff, ensuring fairness and market alignment.
• Supervise the maintenance of employee personnel files and records, ensuring accuracy and compliance.
• Assist in the implementation of the College's diversity recruitment and hiring process; liaise with Office of Diversity and Equity, other college departments, and outside organizations and associations to achieve plan's objectives. Provide leadership over recruitment activities for faculty, classified, and administrative positions. Train and work closely with supervisors and screening committees to ensure hiring processes are followed.
• Represent the College at local, state, regional, and national events and meetings to develop partnerships in support of the College's Strategic Plan.
• Collaborate with the Assistant Attorney General for the State of Washington on Tort Claims and related legal matters.
• Administer contracts, employment memos, and other employee appointment actions.
• Provide leadership to the Risk Management Department and manage the review and administration of contracts.
• Guide the development and revision of college policies and procedures to align with institutional goals and compliance requirements.
• Facilitate the Board’s evaluation process for the College President and maintain related records.
• Oversee the performance evaluation processes of classified, administrative, and exempt employees.
• Directly supervise the Director of Labor and Compliance, the Director of Employment Services, and the Executive Assistant.
• Provide leadership and oversight over benefit programs, leave programs, unemployment claims and Labor and Industry worker's compensation claims.
• Prepare, manage, and monitor the departmental budget to ensure effective use of college resources.
• Develop reports and analytical materials to illustrate objectives, activities, and accomplishments effectively.
• Serve as chair or member of designated College committees, councils, and teams.
• Perform related and other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

A qualified candidate would have a combination of the following skills:

• Bachelor's Degree from an accredited university. Master’s Degree preferred.
• Experience working in higher education.
• Five (5) years of administrative leadership experience, with at least three (3) of the five (5) years in Human Resources.
• Significant and progressive leadership experience in Human Resources management and administration.
• Professional Human Resources certification (such as: PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP).
• Experience managing a broad range of human resource functions including employment, benefits, employee and labor relations, collective bargaining, and organizational training and development in a union environment.
• Demonstrated experience creating, evaluating, and implementing human resource policies, balancing and preparing budgets, leading and managing teams (hiring, developing, supervising and evaluating staff).
• Demonstrated commitment to supporting and advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts at an organization.

WHAT WE OFFER:

• A healthy work/life balance for our employees with the opportunity for flexible work schedules and remote work depending on position and college needs.  
• McClaskey Culinary Institute offers fast, fresh, and healthy dining options for students, faculty, staff, and the community. The space, located in Gaiser Hall, features three kiosks, a full-service retail bakery and barista bar, grab-and-go items, and a student-run restaurant.   
• Coffee Lounge in Hannah Hall and Clark Café in Joan Stout Hall.  
• Campus bookstore offers snacks, apparel, and specialty supplies.  
• On-campus early childhood education care program (pending registration and availability). 
• Gym and recreation facilities available for membership.  
• Clark promotes wellness with a variety of different workshops and events.

SALARY/BENEFITS: Salary Range: $137,062 - $158,703 annually (commensurate with qualifications and experience). 

Successful candidates are typically hired at the beginning of the salary range and receive scheduled salary increment increases.

Clark College offers an exceptional benefits package that includes vacation/sick leave; medical, dental, life and long-term disability insurance; retirement; and tuition waiver.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Required Online Application Materials:

• Clark College Online Application 
• Current résumé or Curriculum Vitae, with a minimum of three (3) references listed.
• Cover letter describing background and experience related to qualifications and responsibilities of the position.
• Responses to the supplemental questions included in the online application process.

Please apply online at www.clark.edu/jobs

To contact Clark College Human Resources, please call (360) 992-2105 or email recruitment@clark.edu. 

APPLICATION DEADLINE:  Required application materials must be completed and submitted online by 3 p.m., March 3, 2025.

CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT:

Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted which includes a sexual misconduct background check as required under RCW 28B.112.080. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant’s suitability and competence to perform in the position.

DISABILITY ACCOMMODATIONS

Upon request, accommodations are available to persons with disabilities for the application process. Contact Human Resources at (360)992-2105 or by video phone at (360)991-0901.

 SECURITY

The security of all the members of the campus community is of vital concern to Clark College. Information regarding crime prevention advice, the authority of the Security/Safety Department, policies concerning reporting of any crimes which may occur on or near college property, and crime statistics for the most recent 3-year period may be requested from the Clark College Security/Safety Department, (360) 992-2133 or security.requests@clark.edu. The most recent Annual Security Report, written in compliance with the Clery Act, can be reviewed here: http://www.clark.edu/campus-life/student-support/security/report.php. 

ELIGIBILITY VERIFICATION

If you are hired, you will need proof of identity, and documentation of U.S. citizenship or legal authorization to work.

CORRECTIONS OR EXTENDED NOTICES

Corrected or extended notices will be posted online and in the Human Resources Office.

Clark College’s Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (ODEI) supports individuals with their academic, personal, and professional development, as well as provides training and educational resources for all members of the college community around diversity, inclusion, power, privilege, inequity, social equity, and social justice. The college offers further professional development for our employees through opportunities such as Employee Resource Groups, Social Justice Leadership Institute, Cross Institution Faculty of Color Mentorship program, Administrators of Color Leadership Program, and Faculty and Staff of Color Conference.

Clark College values diversity and is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Educator. Protected group members are strongly encouraged to apply.  Clark College provides equal opportunity in education and employment and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, creed, religion, honorably discharged veteran or military status, citizenship, immigration status or use of a trained guide dog or service animal. Prohibited sex discrimination includes sexual harassment (unwelcome sexual conduct of various types). The college considers equal opportunity, affirmative action, and non-discrimination to be fundamental to the mission, vision and values of the college. All faculty and staff hired at Clark College are encouraged to embrace, continually support and enhance social equity on our campus and in our community. The college provides reasonable accommodations for qualified students, employees, and applicants with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and Federal Rehabilitation Act. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies, Title II and Title IX, and Affirmative Action: Michelle Jenkins, Director of Labor and Compliance, 360-992-2317, MLJenkins@clark.edu, 1933 Fort Vancouver Way, Baird 142, Vancouver, Washington 98663. Clark College is a smoke-free/drug free environment.  This recruitment announcement does not reflect the entire job description and can be changed and or modified without notice.

Clark College Human Resources

January 30, 2025

25-00005

Salary : $137,062 - $158,703