Associate Vice President of Human Resources

Overview

Associate Vice President of Human Resources – Humboldt

Job no: 554938 Work type: Management (MPP)
Location: Humboldt

Close Date: April 12, 2026

At Cal Poly Humboldt, bold hearts and open minds shape the future.

Cal Poly Humboldt is a comprehensive university with hands-on, impactful programs, designated a polytechnic in 2022. This is a full-time, benefited, exempt, 12-month, at-will position in the Human Resources Department. The AVP HR leads the Office of Human Resources and provides strategic and day-to-day oversight of HR functions, with responsibility for employee relations, compliance, organizational learning and development, benefits, recruitment, classification and compensation, and payroll.

This is an Administrator III position in the CSU Management Personnel Plan (MPP).

Salary information: Salary Range is listed in the job posting. Final salary placement is commensurate with experience, internal equity, and budget considerations. Information about MPP policies is available at the CSU.

The Associate Vice President (AVP), Human Resources (HR) develops and implements the university’s HR strategy in support of the university’s strategic plan. The AVP HR serves as a partner and advisor to Cal Poly Humboldt’s senior leaders on HR matters and leads the Office of Human Resources. This role provides vision and strategic leadership for planning and implementing innovative, integrated HR programs.

Reporting to the Vice President for Administration and Finance, the AVP HR leads professional and support staff and oversees key HR functions across the campus, including employee relations, compliance, organizational learning and professional development, benefits, recruitment, classification and compensation, and payroll.

Human Resources Management and Administration – 70%

Leadership Responsibilities

Lead core HR areas and provide strategic counsel on workforce planning, talent management, employee engagement, and organizational effectiveness. Guide a team of HR professionals to deliver high-quality, timely, and transparent service. Build relationships through active listening and collaboration, while streamlining processes and enhancing policies.

Promote a culture that integrates and empowers HR staff and strengthens cross-functional collaboration and communications across the campus community.

Employee Relations

Provide leadership in labor and employee relations, build relationships with unions, address grievances, conduct investigations, and resolve complex personnel matters. Maintain accountability and professionalism.

• Oversee contract interpretation of grievance procedures
• Advise and assist President's Office and managers on grievance handling
• Represent University at arbitration and PERB hearings

Organizational Structure

• Advise administrators on department organization issues, supervision, classification, and staff utilization

Employee Performance/Development

• Serve as a resource for managers on performance issues and evaluation processes

Compensation and Classification

• Maintain and interpret campus guidelines for compensation and classification
• Lead salary analyses for internal equity and external competitiveness; interpret data for leadership and planning
• Oversee classification standards review and independent contractor compliance

Staff and Administrative Recruitment Program

• Ensure recruitment complies with laws, regulations, and policies; build diverse applicant pools
• Provide recruitment strategies and respond to campus questions

EEO/Compliance Officer – 20%

• Ensure compliance with federal/state law and CSU policies; coordinate Equal Employment activities
• Mandatory Sexual Harassment Prevention Training;
  Affirmative Action;
  Whistle blower protections;
  Civil Rights investigations

Administrative Oversight – 20%

• Budget, internal policies/procedures, performance evaluation review

Other Duties as Assigned – 5%

• Knowledge of collective bargaining agreements and labor-management relations
• Experience handling civil rights complaints and investigations in compliance with applicable laws
• Understanding of payroll systems and academic/shared governance…