Associate Vice President for Human Resources

Bennington College • Bennington, VT

70d • $140,000 - $160,000

About The Position

Bennington College invites applications for an Associate Vice President for Human Resources. Reporting to the Vice President for Finance and Administration, the Associate Vice President for Human Resources (AVP-HR) provides strategic and operational leadership for human resources in a largely unionized faculty and staff environment. The AVP-HR is a transformative people and culture leader who advances an inclusive, equitable, and engaged campus community. The role is responsible for shaping the HR service delivery model, strengthening employee and labor relations, driving data-informed decision-making, and leading training, development, and change management initiatives that align with the College’s mission and strategic priorities.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in human resources, business, organizational development, or related field required; Master’s degree preferred.
• Ten plus years of progressive HR leadership experience, with at least five years in a senior-level role.
• Demonstrated expertise in labor relations within a unionized environment.
• Strong knowledge of HR best practices, employment law; higher education experience preferred.
• Proven success in change management, organizational development, and culture building.
• Experience using HR data and analytics to drive decisions.
• Exceptional communication, conflict management, and leadership skills.
• SHRM certification preferred.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a thought partner to Cabinet members in cultivating a positive, collaborative, and inclusive workplace culture.
• Lead initiatives that advance employee engagement, organizational effectiveness, and workforce development.
• Provide forward-looking leadership on workforce planning, talent management, and succession planning.
• Oversee employee relations to ensure fair, consistent, and timely resolution of workplace issues.
• Serve as lead administrator for collective bargaining agreements; manage contract interpretation, grievance procedures, disciplinary actions, and negotiations.
• Foster constructive labor-management relationships that support institutional goals while respecting collective bargaining rights.
• Design and implement an HR service delivery model that emphasizes responsiveness, accountability, and excellence in customer service.
• Lead staff in providing services to include recruitment, onboarding, benefits, compensation, and compliance programs with a focus on continuous improvement and efficiency.
• Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations.
• Develop and leverage HR data and analytics to inform policy, identify trends, and support evidence-based decision-making.
• Provide regular reports and dashboards on workforce metrics, retention, and other key indicators.
• Build and lead a robust training and development program for supervisors and managers to strengthen leadership, compliance, and professional growth.
• Champion change management strategies that help the College adapt to evolving challenges in higher education.
• Promote a culture of continuous learning and organizational agility.
• Lead, mentor, and develop HR staff to build a high-performing, collaborative team.
• Foster professional development opportunities and model a culture of excellence, inclusion, and accountability.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance
• Retirement benefits
• Tuition benefits, including Tuition Exchange scholarships
• On-site fitness center
• Generous time off benefits

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Master's degree