Interim HR Executive Leader for Higher Ed (DC Hybrid)

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

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