Assistant Vice President-Exec Mgt

Working/Functional Title

Assistant Vice President of HR Operations

Position Summary

Michigan State University (MSU) is seeking a skilled and innovative leader to serve as the Assistant Vice President (AVP) of Human Resources Operations reporting to the Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer and serving as critical member in HR leadership team. This critical role is responsible for overseeing and optimizing HR processes, ensuring that HR staff and IT solutions work seamlessly to deliver efficient and effective services across the university. The AVP will lead efforts to streamline HR operations, enhance the use of technology, and support the strategic goals of the university by fostering a collaborative and solutions-oriented environment within the HR team. The AVP will also focus on improving customer service and responsiveness, setting benchmarks, and ensuring HR services meet the needs of employees, HR partners, and stakeholders. The AVP will need to be an effective change leader who can take risks to find better ways of accomplishing goals and improving HR service and operations. They should be able to recognize trends, patterns, and events to improve the current state of the HRIT/HRIS function.

Key Responsibilities

• 40%-Operational Leadership:
• Oversee the daily operations of HR processes, ensuring efficiency, consistency, and alignment with university objectives. Manage all aspects of technology service delivery, including high-level consultation with senior leadership, product development, and prioritizing multiple projects and venues to ensure services add value.
• Identify and implement process improvements to enhance HR service delivery, reduce redundancies, and improve overall efficiency. Lead initiatives to automate and digitize HR workflows, reducing manual tasks. Continuously evaluate and refine HR processes to ensure they meet the evolving needs of the university.
• Lead the integration and optimization of HRIT solutions, including HRIS and other digital tools, to streamline operations and support data-driven decision-making.
• Ensure HR operations comply with university policies, as well as federal, state, and local regulations.
• Oversee HRIT, HRIS, HR Finance, project management and HR services functions
• Collaborate with MSU IT, Finance, Faculty and Academic Staff Affairs, and other university departments and stakeholders to develop and implement innovative HR solutions that enhance service delivery and user experience.
• Drive improvements in customer service and responsiveness within HR, ensuring HR services are delivered in a timely, professional, and customer-focused manner.
• 40%- HR Technology Management:
• Ensure the integrity, security, administration, and confidentiality of HR data, including demographic, benefits, and payroll information, complying with relevant data protection regulations.
• Lead efforts to implement new HR technologies and systems, providing strategic direction and oversight for successful deployment and adoption.

• Develop written guidelines and procedures for use with related HR systems. Manage and maintain all related documents, manuals, job aids, and training.
• Identify areas of opportunity or process improvements to leverage technology through a documented organizational roadmap.
• Serve as a contact for HR computer equipment, including hardware and software management. Research and make recommendations on the use and acquisition of computer systems, desktop, and web applications to support and augment HR processes and improve efficiency through technology.
• Interpret and provide direction on applicable federal, state, and local laws, and University rules, policies, and procedures related to HR services and products.
• Manage the HRIS suites' complete technology life cycle, including analysis, design, testing, application functionality rollout, and production support. Generates reports, designs dashboards, and responds to data requests related to HR data from related activities and programs.
• Maintain confidential HR system data and confidentiality of University employee information and issues.
• Evaluate process effectiveness and leverage technology to improve operational efficiency, implementing best practices and benchmarking HR operations against industry standards.
• 20%-Team Leadership and Development:
• Serves as a key leader of the Human Resources executive leadership team in shaping and implementing strategic HR policies and practices for the university.
• Oversees an assigned portfolio of HR functions, teams, and people to provide leadership and guidance on strategic initiatives, and fosters a culture of teamwork, learning, diversity, equity, and inclusion while providing exceptional HR services.
• Represent HR to university administration, unit HR partners, employees, and external stakeholders.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of HR professionals, fostering a collaborative, innovative, and high-performing work environment. The AVP should be an effective manager who can build an environment that encourages others to be creative.
• Promote professional development opportunities for staff, ensuring they are equipped with the skills and knowledge to manage evolving HR processes and technologies.
  
  

You Will Excel In This Role If You Have

• The ability to apply the principles and practices of strategic planning, development, and evaluation to an HRIS team.
• A proven track record of developing new work systems and tools, as well as creating and implementing related policies and procedures.
• Strong working knowledge of key HR functions, including talent management, recruiting, benefits administration, attendance and leave, performance management, and processes involving systematic mass changes.
• The ability to evaluate process effectiveness and develop changes or alternatives to enhance performance.
• Experience in researching and benchmarking best practices relevant to areas of responsibility.
• The capacity to develop solutions to complex problems by reviewing relevant information and evaluating options.
• The ability to serve as an effective liaison with central IT and payroll to ensure seamless coordination.
• Skills in facilitating the development, professional motivation, and growth of employees and teams.
• The ability to lead and direct programmatic, budgetary, and operational functions as a visionary leader, strategic facilitator, motivator, customer advocate, and coach.
• Knowledge of and the ability to interpret and apply relevant federal, state, and local laws, ordinances, rules, and regulations.
• Expertise in project planning, development, and evaluation, including defining critical steps, resources, roles, and responsibilities.
• Experience leading or participating in the facilitation of HRIS system changes.
  
  

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Degree

Bachelors -Human Resources, Business Administration, Information Technology, or a related field

Minimum Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Information Technology, or a related field is required. Significant, relevant experience in human resources, operations, process management, or IT systems. Demonstrated experience in implementing and managing HR technologies and process improvements. Knowledge of principles and practices of project planning, development, and evaluation to include critical steps, resources, roles, and responsibilities. Analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to use data and technology to drive decision-making and process improvements. Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders across the university. Leadership and project management skills, with a proven ability to manage complex HR operations and technology initiatives. In-depth knowledge of HR processes, systems, and best practices, including experience with HRIS and other HR technologies. Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information with discretion and care. Experience working with people from diverse backgrounds.

Desired Qualifications

Advanced degree in Business, Human Resources, Information Technology or related field. Experience in higher education. Experience in a large, complex organization. Professional certifications related to HR operations or HR technology, such as SHRM-SCP or SPHR. Working knowledge of other areas of HR including talent management, benefits administration, attendance and leave, performance management, and processes with systematic mass changes. Ability to apply the principles and practices of strategic planning, development, and evaluation to an HRIT/HRIS team.

Required Application Materials

Resume

Cover Letter

Review of Applications Begins On

02/25/2025

Remote Work Statement

MSU strives to provide a flexible work environment and this position has been designated as remote-friendly. Remote-friendly means some or all of the duties can be performed remotely as mutually agreed upon.

Website

https://hr.msu.edu/

MSU Statement

Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years. One of the top research universities in the world, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 200 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges.