Associate Vice President of Human Resources - Central Washington University

Another Source's client, Central Washington University, is recruiting an Associate Vice President of Human Resources to join their team in Ellensburg, Washington. This is an onsite position, and relocation support is available.  

Here's a little about Central Washington University: 

Central Washington University is a learning community built around access, opportunity, and student success. At CWU, that mission extends beyond the student experience to the people who make the university’s work possible. The university is committed to creating an environment where employees can contribute, grow, and help shape an institution focused on excellence and continuous improvement. 

That makes this an especially meaningful opportunity for a senior HR leader. CWU is looking for Human Resources to play an active role in shaping the employee experience and university culture—from how people are welcomed and developed to how leaders navigate change, build stronger teams, and create opportunities for employees to do their best work. 

The AVP of Human Resources will serve as a legacy leader and institutional citizen, helping bring CWU’s vision, mission, and values to life as a brand ambassador, culture keeper, community builder, innovator, and lifelong learner.  

Learn more about Central Washington University: 
https://www.cwu.edu/about/index.php 

Learn more about Human Resources at CWU: 
https://www.cwu.edu/about/offices/human-resources/index.php 

About this role: 

The Associate Vice President (AVP) of Human Resources is responsible for planning, developing, and implementing a fully integrated human resources and organizational strategy for the university reflecting the university’s vision of becoming a model learning community of access and opportunity. The AVP will act as a strategic partner to university leaders and provide insightful, innovative thinking and problem solving regarding human resources and organizational initiatives. 

The AVP HR is responsible for establishing, leading, and executing the strategies and programs designed to continuously improve the overall employee experience at Central, with an emphasis on onboarding, performance, development, and retention of employees. This position provides excellent human resource leadership and management of a whole person/customer-focused operation with a student-centered approach, and must be adept at working in fast-paced and growth-minded environments, adapting to change quickly, and acting as a positive change agent. 

Reporting to the Sr. Vice President of Finance and Administration, this position maintains close working relationships with administrative and other personnel of the university, public agencies, and the general public. The AVP HR works collaboratively and collegially with all levels of the university community, including the president, vice presidents, department heads, deans, faculty, and staff to address a variety of HR- and culture-related issues.  

Scope & Impact 

Serve as the university’s primary human resources officer (50%): 

• Develop and implement comprehensive HR and organizational strategies, policies, and programs that support the university’s talent needs.  

• Lead and manage all aspects of the HR function, including talent acquisition, performance development, employee engagement, compensation and benefits, labor management, learning and development, HR operations, and payroll.  

• Provide vendor management.  

• Partner closely with the executive team to understand business goals and provide strategic guidance on human capital management and organizational development initiatives.  

• Drive the recruitment and onboarding process to attract and select top talent, ensuring a seamless and positive candidate experience.  

• Foster a culture of continuous learning and development, implementing programs that enhance employee skills, engagement, and career growth.  

• Champion university strategic initiatives.  

• Oversee employee relations, ensuring compliance with employment laws, handling employee issues, and promoting a positive work environment.  

• Optimize HR systems and processes to streamline operations and enhance efficiency. 

• Stay up to date with industry trends, best practices, and regulatory changes to ensure HR policies and programs remain compliant and effective.  

• Participate in the development of the university’s plans and programs as a strategic partner from the perspective of the impact on employees and culture.  

• Manage the Human Resources budget to achieve efficient, effective use of resources. 

• Serve on the Culture of Respect Leadership Council.  

Cultivate the Employee Experience (30%): 

• Establish a vision for the entire employee experience at CWU and implement a strategy that engages, excites, educates, equips, empowers, and inspires the workforce to deliver their best performance.  

• Lead the effort to create and maintain a whole-person, human-centered workforce committed to being values-aligned institutional citizens.  

• Develop a personal-professional development environment focused on emotional intelligence, management, adaptive leadership, succession planning, and career pathways.  

• Ensure the employee experience is consistent and aligned with CWU values.  

• Champion and influence positive cultural shifts through strategic, intentional, ongoing efforts to bring the vision, mission, and values to life.  

Work with the President and ELT to shape the culture of the institution (15%): 

• Engage the adaptive challenges facing the university.  

• Foster collaborative and inclusive decision-making.  

• Become adaptive and innovative.  

• Nurture strategic, creative, and innovative thinking that proactively addresses issues and challenges.  

• Advance the professional development of the unit to nurture leadership talent that assists the university in realizing its vision, mission, and strategic plan.  

Other duties (5%): 

• Perform other duties as assigned and/or required.  

Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s degree AND five years of progressively responsible leadership experience, including senior-level administrative experience in human resources (may include some combination of HR service and/or HR strategic/planning responsibilities).  

• Demonstrated commitment to fostering a culture of collaboration, respect, and institutional excellence through leadership and engagement with students and/or colleagues.  

• Change management knowledge and demonstrated experience in implementing change effectively.  

• Record of positive relationship-building both within and outside the organization and areas of responsibility.  

• Experience with unions and labor-management issues.  

• Experience leading investigations.  

• Excellent interpersonal, writing, speaking, analytical, priority setting, and leadership skills.  

• Proven ability to work effectively and collaboratively with people from a wide range of abilities, backgrounds, and experiences.  

• Experience in conflict management and building this competency in others.  

• Ability to work under pressure and thrive in ambiguity.  

• Ability to effectively manage difficult and/or urgent situations and work with multiple constituents toward resolution, delivering quality work that oftentimes includes tight deadlines.  

• Thorough knowledge of human resources functions, programs, and legal requirements.  

• OR an applicable combination of education and/or experience which demonstrates the ability to perform the essential functions of the position.  

Preferred Qualifications 

• Master’s degree in HR Management, Business Administration, or related field or a Juris Doctorate.  

• Human resource experience in a state or other type of governmental system.  

• Experience working in higher education.  

• Experience with data-driven decision models or practices.  

• SPHR/PHR or SHRM-CP/SHRM-SCP certification.  

• A record of promoting institutional excellence in the work environment.  

• Ability to incorporate a variety of perspectives and relevant societal issues into everyday conversations.  

Leadership Competencies 

• Accountability/Dependability: Accepts responsibility for quality of own work and the work of HR staff; acknowledges and corrects mistakes, ensuring each is a learning opportunity.  

• Judgement: Makes timely, informed decisions. Analyzes options and determines appropriate course of action. Responds quickly and effectively to uncertainty and constant changes.  

• Teamwork: Promotes cooperation and mutual support to achieve goals. Encourages participation and mutual support. Establishes and maintains effective and strategic working relationships and partnerships with others both inside and outside CWU.  

• Adaptability/Flexibility: Responds positively to changing business needs and responsibilities. Adapts approach and methods to achieve results; recovers quickly from setbacks and finds alternatives. Responds to management direction and solicits feedback to improve performance.  

• Commitment to Belonging: Values the uniqueness of every individual and fosters an environment where everyone feels respected and empowered to thrive.  

• Emotional Intelligence: Exhibits and exemplifies the four core competencies of emotional intelligence—self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, and relationship management. Uses emotional intelligence to support decisions that are aligned with the goals and values of CWU.  

Compensation & Benefits 

The anticipated annual salary range for this position is $140,000 – $220,000. Relocation support is available. 

Central Washington University offers employee benefits designed to support employees and their families. Learn more about CWU’s benefits and leave offerings here: 
https://www.cwu.edu/about/offices/human-resources/benefits-leave/index.php 

Another Source works with their clients, on a retained project basis. We are committed to building inclusive candidate pools as we partner with hiring teams. As you read through the job posting and review the list of qualifications (required and/or preferred), please do not self-select out if you feel you do not meet every qualification. No one is 100% qualified. We encourage you to apply and share your story with us. 

 Application deadline 10/18/2026