Assistant Vice President for Human Resources

Recent Jobs : Human Resources : Swarthmore College; Swarthmore (Delaware County); Hybrid; USD 180,000 - 215,000; Full time

Job summary

Swarthmore College invites an Assistant Vice President for Human Resources to lead a modern, mission-aligned HR function on a hybrid basis in the Swarthmore area. The AVP will partner with the VP to shape strategy, workforce development, and employee relations across departments.

The role requires a seasoned HR executive with deep expertise in talent management, learning and development, and data-driven decision making, ensuring inclusive, compliant practices and organizational effectiveness.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in human resources, business administration, or related field; advanced degree preferred.
• Eight or more years of progressively responsible HR leadership experience.
• Experience leading talent acquisition, talent alignment, employee relations, and development initiatives.
• Comprehensive knowledge of employment laws, regulations, and HR best practices.
• Experience conducting employee relations investigations and addressing workplace issues.
• Ability to build trust across diverse constituencies through collaborative leadership.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for talent management, alignment, and professional development.
• Strengthen employee relations practices and reduce institutional risk.
• Advance learning, leadership development, and performance management.
• Enhance organizational culture, employee engagement, and effectiveness.
• Lead workforce innovation and partner with HR to optimize Workday modules (Talent, Onboarding, Learning, Performance).

Skills

Strategic leadership

Talent management

Employee relations

Learning and development

Data analytics

Change management

Communication

Team leadership

Integrity

Education

Bachelor's degree

Advanced degree preferred

Tools

Workday

Job description

Assistant Vice President for Human Resources

Swarthmore College, a liberal arts institution located in Swarthmore, Pennsylvania, is seeking an Assistant Vice President for Human Resources (AVP) to advance a modern, mission‑aligned HR function.

The AVP will report to the Vice President for Human Resources and serve as a key strategic partner, shaping a cohesive HR strategy that supports the College’s mission, strategic plan, academic excellence, and the evolving needs of its workforce.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for talent management, talent alignment, and professional development.
• Strengthen employee relations practices and mitigate institutional risk.
• Advance learning, leadership development, and performance management.
• Enhance organizational culture, employee engagement, and institutional effectiveness.
• Lead workforce innovation and partner with HR senior staff to optimize Workday.

The AVP will lead, mentor, and empower a team of four professionals responsible for talent management, employee relations, and learning and development. Responsibilities include overseeing staff hiring processes, participating in or leading search committees for senior‑level positions, designing employee recognition programs, providing leadership for the employee relations function, supervising learning and development initiatives, and serving as the strategic process owner for Workday Talent, Onboarding, Learning, and Performance modules.

Required Qualifications

• 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, focusing on talent management, learning and development, employee relations, or related areas.
• 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.
• 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 institutional 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 Qualifications

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

Compensation and Location

Salary range: $180,000–$215,000 per year, determined by experience, education, and internal equity considerations.

Position is full‑time, based in Swarthmore, Pennsylvania, and is hybrid. The AVP is expected to be a visible campus leader and available to work on‑site as needed.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Swarthmore College is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate based on any identity or characteristic protected by law or College policy.