University of Central Missouri - Associate Vice President of Human Resources

Academic Career & Executive Search • Warrensburg, MO

17d

About The Position

University of Central Missouri (UCM) seeks an Associate Vice President of Human Resources (AVP HR) to serve in a senior, strategic leadership role at a pivotal moment for the institution. Reporting to the CFO and serving as a member of the President’s Strategic Leadership Team, the AVP HR will play a vital role in advancing a people-centered, high-performing workforce that supports UCM’s mission, operational excellence, and long-term institutional goals. This leadership appointment comes as UCM continues to strengthen institutional capacity, enhance employee engagement, and align human resources strategy with university-wide priorities. The AVP HR will lead a talented and motivated human resources division and oversee day-to-day operations while serving as a trusted advisor to senior leadership on matters of talent strategy, compliance, organizational effectiveness, and workforce development. This is an exceptional opportunity for an experienced HR executive to step into a highly collaborative, forward-moving environment and make an immediate and lasting impact. The AVP HR will join a university community defined by momentum, mission and a deep commitment to supporting its people. This comprehensive Midwestern university serves more than 13,000 students across two campuses, in Warrensburg , a welcoming college community about 50 miles southeast of Kansas City, and Lee’s Summit , located within the Kansas City metro area, as well as through online and hybrid programs. The university has recently been recognized among the Top 20 Public Universities in the Midwest by U.S. News & World Report (2026) and is celebrating strong enrollment trends, expanding partnerships such as the MACC+UCM Direct-Connect initiative, and the success of a recent HLC reaccreditation visit. UCM’s engaged faculty and staff proudly support a student population that includes a high percentage of first-generation students, high post-graduation placement rates, and strong student satisfaction outcomes. UCM offers an exceptional benefits package , including participation in the Missouri State Employees' Retirement System (MOSERS) defined-benefit pension plan for eligible employees. Vesting occurs after five years of service, providing lifetime retirement benefits. Additional benefits include: Complimentary tuition at UCM for employees Tuition and mandatory fees covered for eligible spouses and dependents Comprehensive health, wellness, and professional development benefits

Requirements

• Master’s degree in Human Resources, Industrial/Organizational Psychology, Business Administration, Public Administration, or related field
• 10 years of progressively responsible experience in human resources management with at least 5 years in a high level managerial and/or executive leadership role

Nice To Haves

• Doctorate in Human Resources, Business Administration, Higher Education Administration, Public Administration, or related field
• Higher education experience
• Professional certification (PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP, or SHRM-SCP)
• Experience with Ellucian Banner ERP system

Responsibilities

• Responsible for the formulation, interpretation, and administration of university personnel policies and practices, including, but not limited to, wage and salary policies, leave policies, employee discipline policies, complaints and grievances, and separation policies.
• Periodically review and make recommendations for revisions to employee policies.
• Develop and monitor appropriate recruiting and hiring strategies.
• Establish and monitor the application and effectiveness of management development and employee training programs.
• Ensure compliance with Federal and State laws and regulations governing human resources issues.
• Administer the University’s employee insurance, retirement, and other benefits programs.
• Provide direction and oversight in the development and implementation of employee relations strategies and programs designed to minimize and mediate workplace disputes and foster a positive and productive work environment.
• Develop and manage the annual human resources budget.
• Develop HR plans and strategies to support the achievement of the overall university operations and the strategic plan.
• Promote a university culture that supports UCM’s mission, vision, and values.
• Responsible for the optimum utilization of human resources staff. This involves responsibility for employment, training, assignment of duties, providing proper equipment and working conditions, recommending salary adjustments, and maintaining morale.

Benefits

• participation in the Missouri State Employees' Retirement System (MOSERS) defined-benefit pension plan for eligible employees
• Vesting occurs after five years of service, providing lifetime retirement benefits
• Complimentary tuition at UCM for employees
• Tuition and mandatory fees covered for eligible spouses and dependents
• Comprehensive health, wellness, and professional development benefits

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive