University of Central Missouri - Interim Associate Vice President of Human Resources

Academic Career & Executive Search•Warrensburg, MO

25d

About The Position

University of Central Missouri Interim Associate Vice President of Human Resources Academic Career & Executive Search is pleased to assist University of Central Missouri in its search for Interim Associate Vice President of Human Resources. For full consideration, please apply by December 1, 2025. This 6-month interim position includes housing and offers the opportunity to apply for the permanent role. The position reports directly to the CFO. The University of Central Missouri (UCM) seeks an Interim Associate Vice President of Human Resources (AVP HR) to serve in a key, strategic leadership role within this dynamic, mission-driven public university. Reporting to the CFO and serving as a member of the President’s Strategic Leadership Team, the AVP HR will lead a talented, motivated human resources division dedicated to fostering a culture of excellence, compliance, and strategic talent management while shaping university-wide HR strategy in support of UCM’s mission and long-term vision. This 6-month interim appointment comes at a pivotal time as UCM continues to strengthen institutional capacity and employee engagement. The incoming leader will oversee day-to-day HR operations. With housing provided and the support of a high-performing HR team and university leadership, this is an exceptional opportunity for a seasoned HR executive to step into a highly collaborative, forward-moving environment and make an immediate impact. UCM is a comprehensive Midwestern university serving 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.

Requirements

Master’s degree in Human Resources, Industrial/Organizational Psychology, Business Administration, Public Administration, or related ﬁeld
10 years 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)
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.