Senior Director for Strategy and Operations
About The Position
Virginia Tech is seeking a dynamic HR leader with demonstrated expertise in strategy, operations, and change leadership. Reporting to the Vice President for Human Resources/Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO), the Senior Director will play a pivotal role in advancing the university's HR strategic plan while overseeing key operational functions and project portfolio management across the division. The Senior Director will lead a team that includes process improvement specialists, project coordinators, and a project manager. As part of the senior HR leadership team, this leader will also oversee budget and financial operations, space management, and communications. Over time, the portfolio may expand to include additional functions such as learning & development and recruitment, offering opportunities for continued leadership growth. Over the past seven years, Human Resources at Virginia Tech has transformed-implementing seven new systems, launching centers of excellence, and establishing a successful business partner model. Building on this foundation, the Senior Director will help elevate a strong HR organization to the next level by strengthening strategic planning, project portfolio management, and operational excellence.
Requirements
- Demonstrated HR leadership experience with a proven ability to drive change in complex organizations.
- Bachelor's degree in human resources or a related field.
- Proven success leading strategic projects in HR or a related discipline.
- Substantial leadership experience in business, healthcare, government, or higher education at a comparable scale and complexity.
- Strong communication, interpersonal, and consensus-building skills, with an innovative and collaborative leadership style.
Nice To Haves
- Professional HR certification (PHR/SPHR or SHRM-CP/SCP).
- Advanced degree in human resources or a related field.
- Experience as an HR practitioner and/or leadership in the HR talent portfolio (learning and development, recruitment, etc.).
- Certification in Change Management (Prosci or related).
- Demonstrated experience with multiple HR-related IT systems.
Responsibilities
- Strategic Leadership: Partner with the CHRO and senior HR leadership team to develop and execute the HR strategic plan. Translate strategy into a prioritized project portfolio, drive accountability, and ensure timely, effective delivery with measurable impact.
- HR Leadership: Manage and develop professionals across strategic and operational areas, including process improvement, project coordination, finance, and communications. Build trusted relationships within HR and across campus to ensure alignment, secure stakeholder buy-in, and champion the "OneHR" model.
- Project & Process Management: Oversee HR strategic projects and continuous improvement efforts. Collaborate with process specialists, project coordinators, and project managers to advance HR and IT-related initiatives.
- ERP Implementation: Serve as a key HR leader in the selection and implementation of Virginia Tech's new enterprise resource planning (ERP) system, focusing on HR and Finance modules over a 3-5 year period. Provide strategic oversight and alignment for HR's role, ensuring priorities, resources, and business processes are fully represented and integrated. Partner closely with functional and technical HR leads to coordinate change management, communication, and stakeholder engagement.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
Industry
Executive, Legislative, and Other General Government Support
Number of Employees
101-250 employees
