Associate Vice President, Human Resources Operations

IMPORTANT APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

• Upload Resume or Curriculum Vitae for automatic population of information to the application.
• The contact information, work experience, and education listed on your Resume/CV will be parsed and input into your Montclair application.
• Review information and double-check all fields containing information that the system parsed - the software is intelligent, but you need to verify that the data is accurate.
• In the "My Experience" section, you will find a Resume/CV upload option where you can submit your cover letter and all other supporting documents.

Note: If you have an expansive CV, we recommend that you apply manually and only include the positions you have held in the last ten (10) years. You will then be able to attach your Resume/CV, as well as all other supporting documentation in the "My Experience" section of your application.

Job Description

SUMMARY:

Reporting to the Chief Human Resources Officer, the Associate Vice President of Human Resources Operations is a strategic leader responsible for shaping and executing a comprehensive vision for HR operations that aligns with institutional priorities. This role oversees Benefits, Compensation, Payroll, HR Operations Center. The AVP-HROps drives innovation, operational excellence, and a culture of continuous improvement to enhance employee experience, ensure compliance, and optimize HR service delivery.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develops and executes a strategic roadmap for HR operations, ensuring alignment with institutional goals and evolving workforce needs.
• Leads transformation initiatives to modernize HR processes, enhance service delivery, and foster a high-performance culture.
• Utilizes workforce analytics and HR metrics to drive data-informed decision-making, optimize resource allocation, and enhance operational efficiency.
• Provides direction and leadership to the Classification, Compensation, and Payroll, Benefits and Operations Center teams in administering managerial, unclassified, and classified staffing operations while ensuring compliance with multiple collective bargaining agreements and New Jersey State and civil service rules and federal law and regulations while ensuring a high level of customer service, efficient issue resolution, and streamlined communication regarding HR policies, practices, and workflows for all HR departments
• Establishes and leads a continuous improvement framework for HR services, leveraging technology, automation, and best practices to enhance efficiency and user experience.
• Champions process redesign initiatives to streamline HR workflows, eliminate inefficiencies, and improve response times.
• Oversees the development of service-level agreements (SLAs) and performance metrics to ensure accountability and a culture of excellence in HR service delivery.
• Provides strategic oversight for HR technology and Human Capital Management Systems (HRIS), ensuring seamless integration, data integrity, and system optimization to support business needs.
• Drives the adoption of innovative HR technology solutions that enhance employee self-service, reporting capabilities, and process automation.
• Leads the strategic design and implementation of total rewards programs, including compensation structures, benefits offerings, and retirement programs, to attract, retain, and engage top talent.
• Ensures compensation and classification practices are competitive, equitable, and compliant with collective bargaining agreements, labor laws, and institutional policies.
• Partners with senior leadership to develop workforce planning and succession strategies that support organizational growth and stability.
• Leads cross-functional teams to implement HR initiatives that drive employee engagement, operational effectiveness, and institutional success.
• Advocates for a data-driven, employee-centric HR approach that fosters inclusivity, trust, and transparency.
• Provides visionary leadership, mentorship, and professional development opportunities to HR operations teams, ensuring high performance and service excellence.
• Cultivates a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous learning within the HR organization.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Management retains the right to add or change job duties at any time.

QUALIFICATIONS

REQUIRED:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in organizational development, human resources, business administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of seven (7) years of progressive experience in human resources operations with at least five (5) years in a leadership role.
• Knowledge of federal and state benefits reporting regulations and procedures.
• Ability to influence at all levels using excellent communication, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills. Dynamic, articulate leader with proven ability to communicate clearly in both written and verbal form.
• Experience leading and managing cross-functional teams with a demonstrated ability to mentor and develop staff.
• Willingness to travel to off-campus meetings.
• Ability to work flexible hours and to have a strong physical presence on campus. Some remote work flexibility available.

PREFERRED:

• Master's degree from an accredited college or university in organizational development, human resources, business administration, or a related field.
• Experience in a higher education environment, preferably at a public institution.
• Experience in a unionized environment.
• Experience with Workday HCM and Payroll and Benefits is strongly preferred.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office, specifically Excel, and quickly learning new applications.
• Human Resources Certification (example: SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP)

PROCEDURE FOR CANDIDACY

Applicants should include a resume and cover letter describing how their background, skills and education match the needs of the University. When applying, please take a moment to carefully read and follow the steps in the application instructions.

Department
Human Resources

Position Type
Executive

Contact Information:

For questions or concerns, please contact Human Resources' Workday Recruiting Support at 973-655-5000 (Option 2), or email talent@montclair.edu.

Inclusion Statement

Montclair State University values access and educational excellence. We are committed to an environment of diverse perspectives which ensures that graduates will be civically engaged, committed to democracy, and prepared to thrive as global citizens. We foster a community that promotes varied experiences and voices. We seek applicants who will contribute diverse ideas and perspectives and who value an environment that promotes educational growth and advancement for all.

EEO/AA Statement

Montclair State University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action institution with a strong commitment to diversity.

Additional information can be found on the website at
www.montclair.edu/human-resources/about-us/eo-aa-and-diversity/

Title IX and 34 C.F.R. 106 Policy

Montclair State is required by Title IX and 34 C.F.R. 106 not to discriminate on the basis of sex or gender, and does not discriminate on the basis of sex or gender in the operation of education programs and activities. The requirement to not discriminate on the basis of sex or gender in the operation of education programs and activities extends to admission and employment. For further details, please visit: https://www.montclair.edu/human-resources/job-seekers/