Posting Details

Posting Details

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Institution
Northern State University

Working Title
Associate Vice President for Human Resources

Posting Number
NFE03162P

Department
NSU-Finance & Administration

Physical Location of Position (City)
Aberdeen

Posting Text

Northern State University invites applications for the position of Associate Vice President for Human Resources, an exceptional opportunity for an experienced human resources professional to serve as the University's chief HR officer.

Reporting to the Vice President for Finance and Administration and the Board of Regents Chief HR Officer, the Associate Vice President for Human Resources provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for all human resource functions while fostering a culture of excellence, engagement, and service across campus. In addition, this position serves as a valued member of the SD Board of Regents HR Leadership team. This position also provides comprehensive human resources and payroll services to the South Dakota School for the Blind and Visually Impaired, making it a unique opportunity to support two outstanding public institutions dedicated to education and student success.

The Associate Vice President for Human Resources serves as a trusted advisor to executive leadership, managers, faculty, and staff on all aspects of human resources. This position is responsible for developing and implementing strategic HR initiatives that support the University's mission and strategic plan while ensuring compliance with federal, state, and South Dakota Board of Regents policies. The successful candidate will lead initiatives in recruitment and retention, employee relations, performance management, compensation and classification, benefits administration, compliance, organizational development, payroll oversight, and HR information systems.

Primary Responsibilities• Provide strategic leadership for all Human Resources operations.
• Advise leadership on workforce planning, organizational development, and employee relations.
• Lead recruitment, hiring, onboarding, and retention initiatives for faculty, staff, and administrators.
• Oversee employee relations, workplace investigations, performance management, and corrective action processes.
• Ensure compliance with employment laws and Board of Regents policies, including FLSA, FMLA, ADA, ACA, Title VII, Title IX, and EEO requirements.
• Manage HR information systems, workforce reporting, and personnel records.
Oversee payroll operations within a complex system governing Board of Regents campuses.
• Support organizational effectiveness through strategic planning and data-informed decision-making.

Required Qualifications
• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Management, Leadership, or a closely related field.
• Significant progressively responsible professional experience in human resources, including management and leadership responsibilities.
• Demonstrated knowledge of employee relations, employment law, compensation, benefits, recruitment, organizational development, and HR information systems.
• Exceptional communication, interpersonal, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, maintain confidentiality, and build collaborative relationships across the organization.

Preferred Qualifications
• Master's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Leadership, or a related field.
• PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP, or SHRM-SCP professional certification.
• Experience working in higher education or another complex public-sector organization.

Posting Date
08/04/2026

Closing Date

Open Until Filled
Yes

First Consideration Date
08/24/2026

Advertised Salary
Depends on Experience

Duration of the Term
12 months

If Other, describe duration

Appointment Percent
100%

Work Hours

8-5

Typical Hours Worked Per Week
40+

Appointment Type
Regular

Faculty Status
No

Scope of Search
External (includes Internal)

If internal, define scope of search

This position requires
Travel, Overnight stays, Valid Drivers License

If other, please indicate

Department Description and Cultural Expectations

Northern State University is a student-centered public university committed to academic excellence, innovation, and community engagement. Located in Aberdeen, South Dakota, Northern offers a collaborative campus environment where employees make a meaningful impact on students, faculty, staff, and the communities we serve. We seek an experienced HR leader who is passionate about developing people, improving organizational effectiveness, and serving as a trusted partner to campus leadership.

Position will report directly to the Vice President for Finance & Administration

Contact Information