Associate Vice Chancellor for Human Resources

The University of Illinois Chicago seeks a thoughtful, innovative, and business-minded leader to serve as Associate Vice Chancellor for Human Resources (AVC), the University’s chief human resources (HR) officer. The largest and only public research university in Chicago, UIC is one of three universities within the University of Illinois System. Deeply committed to social justice in its student body composition, curriculum, research programs and engagement with the city of Chicago, UIC is a national leader among public higher education institutions providing access to underrepresented, first generation, and international students and proud of its designation as a Minority-Serving Institution (MSI) by the U.S. Department of Education. UIC is a major research enterprise, supporting an annual research portfolio of nearly $500 million, drug and licensing revenue of more than $35 million, and several notable NIH research programs. A thriving hub for research, education, and innovation, UIC serves more than 34,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in 16 colleges, including seven health sciences colleges and Chicago’s only public law school. UIC is the state’s principal educator of health professionals and a major health care provider to underserved communities. UIC employs more than 3,000 highly accomplished faculty, more than 3,400 academic professional staff, and more than 7,300 civil service support staff. UIC has total FY 2023 operating revenues of $2.57 billion and health care system revenues of $1.33 billion. UIC is located in Chicago, the third largest city in the United States, one of the most diverse cities in the country, and an important global hub for culture and commerce.

Reporting to the Vice Chancellor for Finance, the AVC is responsible for oversight and administration of an important array of HR services for the university. The AVC advises the institution’s senior leadership on human resource issues, recommending and managing innovative and collaborative approaches to leadership, talent acquisition and management, employee relations, compensation, equity and inclusion, professional development, and human capital management programs.  The AVC oversees an HR organization of 70 staff and collaborates with more than 275 individuals who do not report to the AVC but provide HR services in UIC’s colleges, schools, departments, and administrative units within the University’s decentralized structure.

This is an extraordinary opportunity for a transformational HR leader with a business process improvement mindset who is inspired by UIC’s public mission and commitment to social justice, and eager to contribute to helping a dynamic institution fulfill its mission of providing exceptional education and serving the public good. UIC seeks an innovative leader and change agent who will bring strategic and operational experience; keen organizational, planning, and facilitation skills; excellent relationship-building skills; a strong commitment to accountability; and human resources management experience in a complex university, public sector, non-profit, or other setting. The AVC should have outstanding communication and influencing skills complemented by a collegial style that will engender trust and facilitate collaboration. The AVC must be able to function as a partner with Executive Leadership; be creative in identifying possibilities, options, and their implications as they relate to the University’s mission; and anticipate issues that will require discussion, consultation, and action.

The successful candidate must possess a bachelor’s degree in business, human resources, or related field from an accredited institution of higher education and progressive HR Senior Leadership experience in leading a complex and highly matrixed HR strategy framework. A master’s degree in business, human resources, or related field from an accredited institution of higher education and professional certification(s), such as PHR (Professional in Human Resources), SPHR (Senior Professional in Human Resources), SHRM-CP (Society for Human Resource Management Certified Professional) SHRM-SCP (Society for Human Resource Management Senior Certified Professional), HRMP (Human Resource Management Professional), HRBP (Human Resource Business Professional) and/or CCP (Certified Compensation Professional), are strongly preferred. The AVC will have a record of developing and implementing successful organization-wide human resource initiatives; demonstrated knowledge of key functional areas of HR, including compensation, employment, employee and labor relations, and organizational development; demonstrated knowledge of employment law and experience in ensuring compliance with applicable state and federal statutes, regulations, and policies; a strategic perspective and strong team management skills; project planning and implementation skills; evidence of innovation and creativity; demonstrated experience assessing organizational structures, streamlining processes, and promoting effectiveness; a pragmatic approach that recognizes constraints and finds innovative solutions; a proven record of accomplishment in advancing and supporting a diverse and inclusive environment; excellent interpersonal skills; strong personal integrity, commitment to ethical principles, keen sense of equity; and expertise in creating environments of trust and transparency, and championing a diverse, modern workforce.

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until February 23, 2024. Applications (including CV, a cover letter addressing interest, leadership philosophy, and commitment to diversity; and the names of five references) should be submitted using DSG’s candidate portal here.  Once the application review period has closed, candidates selected to advance to the next phase of the search will be directed to formally apply via UIC’s applicant tracking system. Nominations and inquiries should be directed to [email protected].

Compensation: The salary range for the role starts at $200,000, commensurate with experience, in addition to a generous benefits package.

Kim M. Morrisson, Ph.D. and Beth Schaefer, Managing Directors

Nancy Helfman, Vice President and Senior Associate

Diversified Search Group

The University of Illinois Chicago is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer that has a strong institutional commitment to the principle of diversity and is particular interested in receiving applications from a broad spectrum of people. We are committed to equal employment opportunities regardless of sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.

For additional information, please consult oae.uic.edu.