Interim HR Executive Consultant

hrknowledgesource; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Part time

Job summary

HR Knowledge Source (HRKS) has been retained by a confidential higher education institution in the Washington, DC region to identify a seasoned interim HR executive. The role leads an HR organization of ~40 staff across Talent Solutions, Employee Experience, HRIS, Total Rewards, Talent Acquisition, and Employee & Labor Relations, with two senior director roles vacant.

This independent contractor engagement spans 4–6 months, hybrid on-site (3 days a week), reporting to the CFO, and requires deep

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree; advanced degree or SHRM‑SCP/SPHR certification preferred.
• 10+ years of executive‑level HR leadership experience.
• Experience consulting on complex client engagements.
• Expertise in 1–2 HR leadership areas (Total Rewards, Employee & Labor Relations, Talent Acquisition).
• Functional depth in Total Rewards (Compensation and/or Benefits) is highly preferred.
• Proficiency in Workday (or similar HRIS) and Microsoft Office.

Responsibilities

• Lead an HR team of ~40 employees across core functional areas: Talent Solutions, Employee Experience, HRIS, Total Rewards, Talent Acquisition, and Employee & Labor Relations.
• Manage four direct reports and support the hiring of two senior director roles.
• Oversee day-to-day HR operations and maintain continuity during organizational redesign.
• Manage multiple concurrent projects: labor relations initiatives, summer training programs, and transition planning.
• Support upcoming executive searches as a key operational resource.
• Collaborate with CFO, Provost, General Counsel’s Office, and Staff Council.

Skills

Executive HR leadership

Team leadership

HR consulting

Workday HRIS

Higher education experience

Communication skills

Strategic planning

Education

Bachelor's degree

Advanced degree or SHRM-SCP/SPHR certification

Tools

Workday

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

About Us

HR Knowledge Source (HRKS) is an award-winning talent management consulting firm based in the Southeast U.S. We partner with organizations to transform how they attract, develop, and retain talent — delivering practical, high-impact solutions across strategic planning, leadership development, employee engagement, and recruiting. Joining HRKS means working alongside a collaborative team that's passionate about making work better — for our clients and for each other.

The Engagement

HRKS has been retained by a confidential higher education institution in the Washington, DC region to identify a seasoned HR executive for a critical interim consulting engagement. The client operates an HR function of approximately 40 employees with a compensation and benefits portfolio exceeding $380million. The selected consultant will report to the client’s Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and partner closely with senior university leadership. The client’s identity will be disclosed to qualified candidates.

Role Overview

The Interim HR Executive Consultant will step immediately into active operations, providing hands‑on leadership and stability across multiple HR centers of excellence. With two senior HR leadership roles currently vacant, the organization needs an experienced executive who can manage day‑to‑day functions, advance active initiatives, and serve as a steady operational presence while larger institutional efforts move forward. The ideal candidate brings a project management mindset, sound judgment under pressure, and the ability to hit the ground running from day one.

Scope of Responsibility

• Team & Structure
  • Lead an HR team of ~40 employees across core functional areas: Talent Solutions, Employee Experience, HRIS, Total Rewards, Talent Acquisition, and Employee & Labor Relations.
  • Manage four direct reports and support the hiring of two senior director roles.
• Operational Priorities
  • Oversee day-to-day HR operations and maintain continuity during organizational redesign.
  • Manage multiple concurrent projects: labor relations initiatives, summer training programs, and transition planning.
  • Support upcoming executive searches as a key operational resource.
  • Collaborate with key stakeholders: CFO, Provost, General Counsel’s Office, and Staff Council.
• Requirements
  • Bachelor’s degree; advanced degree or SHRM‑SCP/SPHR certification preferred.
  • 10+ years of executive‑level HR leadership experience.
  • Prior consulting experience with a track record of managing complex client engagements.
  • Expertise in at least 1‑2 areas of HR leadership (e.g. Total Rewards, Employee & Labor Relations, Talent Acquisition). Functional depth in Total Rewards (Compensation and/or Benefits) is highly preferred.
  • Proficiency in Workday (or similar HRIS) and Microsoft Office Suite.
  • Experience in higher education or similarly complex, mission‑driven organizations.
  • Familiarity with unionized environments (the organization works with four unions; in‑house labor counsel available).
  • Experience supporting or managing executive‑level recruitment processes.

Key Competencies

• Project management mindset with ability to coordinate multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Operational instincts to identify process gaps and intervene with sound judgment.
• Exceptional communication skills across all organizational levels.
• Discretion and sensitivity in handling confidential matters.
• Data‑driven, collaborative, and solutions‑oriented leadership style.
• Act as a unifying “team captain,” driving accountability, trust, and collaboration while maintaining clarity and alignment through change.
• Demonstrated commitment to inclusive excellence.

Contract Details

Engagement: Independent Contractor (1099)
Duration: 4–6 months
Location: Washington, DC region — Hybrid (3 days on‑site; Tuesday is a core in‑office day)
Hours: Standard 9:00AM – 5:00PM (occasional 8AM meetings)
Reports To: Client’s Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
Client: Confidential higher education institution, Washington, DC region (disclosed to qualified candidates)

Offers must be contingent on the successful completion of professional reference and background checks. Confidentiality is strictly maintained.

HR Knowledge Source (HRKS) is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or any other protected characteristic.