Assistant Vice President for Human Resources

Swarthmore College; Swarthmore (Delaware County); On-site; USD 180,000 - 215,000; Full time

Job summary

Swarthmore College is seeking an Assistant Vice President for Human Resources to lead a mission-driven, modern HR function. The AVP will partner with campus leaders, shape workforce strategies, and advance HR technology, including Workday modules, to improve the employee experience.

The role supervises a team of four, oversees talent management, employee relations, learning and development, performance management, and engagement, and drives inclusive, data-informed decision making across the

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in human resources, business administration, or related field.
• Eight or more years of HR leadership experience.
• Experience leading talent acquisition, talent alignment, and learning & development initiatives.
• Knowledge of employment laws and HR best practices.
• Experience conducting employee relations investigations.
• Ability to build trust across diverse constituencies.
• Experience leveraging data and technology to improve HR programs.
• Experience leading high-performing teams.
• Change management and transformation experience.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
• Integrity, discretion, and inclusive leadership.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for talent management, alignment, and professional development; oversee hiring processes and pipelines.
• Strengthen employee relations and design equitable recognition programs.
• Advance learning, leadership development, and performance management; guide onboarding and succession planning.
• Lead HR technology transformation and Workday optimization across modules.
• Leverage data and analytics to strengthen decision-making and operations; address AI impact on workforce practices.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Talent management

Employee relations

Learning & development

Change management

Data analytics

Team leadership

Communication skills

Integrity & discretion

Regulatory knowledge

Title IX awareness

Education

Bachelor's degree in HR or related field

Advanced degree preferred

Tools

Workday

Job description

Assistant Vice President for Human Resources

Swarthmore College, one of the world's premier liberal arts institutions, seeks a strategic, collaborative, and forward‑looking Assistant Vice President for Human Resources ("AVP") to help advance a modern, mission‑aligned human resources function as the College strengthens its employee experience, workforce strategies, and HR technology infrastructure.

Overview

The AVP reports to the Vice President for Human Resources and serves as a key strategic partner. The role involves shaping a cohesive human resources strategy that supports the College's mission, strategic plan, academic excellence, and the evolving needs of its workforce.

Leading, mentoring, and empowering a team of four professionals, the AVP will oversee core HR areas including talent management, employee relations, learning and development, performance management, and employee engagement.

Key Opportunities and Challenges

• Provide strategic leadership for talent management, talent alignment, and professional development; oversee hiring processes, search committees, and talent pipelines.
• Strengthen employee relations practices, mitigate institutional risk, and design equitable recognition programs.
• Advance learning, leadership development, and performance management, guiding onboarding, succession planning, and the integration of Workday Learning.
• Execute HR technology transformation, workforce innovation, and optimize Workday across relevant modules.
• Leverage data, analytics, and technology to strengthen decision‑making and operational effectiveness; address the impact of artificial intelligence on workforce practices.

Qualifications and Characteristics

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in human resources, business administration, or a related field; advanced degree preferred.
• Eight or more years of progressively responsible HR leadership experience focused on talent management, learning and development, or employee relations.
• Demonstrated success leading talent acquisition, talent alignment, employee relations, and learning and development initiatives.
• Comprehensive knowledge of employment laws, regulations, and HR best practices.
• Experience conducting employee relations investigations and addressing complex workplace issues with sound judgment.
• Demonstrated ability to build trust and credibility across diverse constituencies through a consultative and collaborative leadership style.
• Experience leveraging data, analytics, and technology to improve HR programs and organizational effectiveness.
• Experience leading and developing high‑performing teams.
• Demonstrated skill in change management and institutional transformation initiatives.
• Exceptional communication, relationship‑building, and problem‑solving skills.
• Unquestioned integrity, professionalism, discretion, and commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace culture.

Preferred

• Experience with Workday or similar implementation, optimization, or administration.
• Familiarity with the opportunities and implications of artificial intelligence in workforce and HR settings.
• An understanding of higher education and the liberal arts, or experience working within a mission‑driven, collaborative organization.
• Experience with Title IX in a higher education institution.

Compensation and Location

The market range for this position is $180,000–$215,000 per year. The salary is based on experience, education, budget availability, internal equity, and market information. The position is a full‑time, hybrid role based in Swarthmore, Pennsylvania. The AVP is expected to be a visible leader on campus and available to work on site as needed.

Applications, Inquiries, and Nominations

Screening of complete applications begins immediately and will continue until the search is complete. Submissions should be made through the Isaacson, Miller website: https://www.imsearch.com/open-searches/swarthmore-college/assistant-vice-president-human-resources.

EEO Statement

Swarthmore College is committed to creating a culture of respect and inclusion so that every community member feels a sense of belonging. We actively seek and welcome candidates with diverse perspectives and experiences, exceptional qualifications, and a demonstrable commitment to a more inclusive society and world. Swarthmore College is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate based on any identity or characteristic protected by law or College policy.

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Advertised: Jul 14 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: (no closing date provided)