Associate Vice President of People

Webster University•Webster Groves, MO

About The Position

The Associate Vice President of People (AVP People) serves as the University’s senior strategic leader for core Human Resources functional areas including Talent Acquisition, Employee Relations, Benefits, HRIS and Payroll. The AVP People provides vision, direction, and oversight for these units to ensure exceptional service delivery, regulatory compliance, operational efficiency, and alignment with University mission, values, and institutional strategy. The role partners closely with University leadership to design and implement people-focused strategies that strengthen employee experience, enhance organizational effectiveness, and promote a healthy, equitable, and mission-centered culture. The AVP People supervises professional staff across assigned units and serves as a key advisor to the Senior Vice President of People, Mission, Legal & Chief of Staff.

Requirements

Minimum 7–10 years of progressively responsible HR experience, including supervisory responsibilities, with strong background in at least two of the following: Talent Acquisition, Employee Relations, Benefits management, HRIS and/or Payroll.
Comprehensive knowledge of HR best practices and regulatory requirements related to recruitment, benefits, payroll, and general employment law.
Demonstrated leadership and staff management experience in HR functional areas.
Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and decision-making abilities.
Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build trust and influence across the organization.
Proficiency with HRIS/payroll systems and data management tools.
Proven ability to manage complex projects and improve operational processes.
Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality, integrity, and ethical standards.

Responsibilities

Provides strategic leadership and oversight for the Talent Acquisition, Employee Relations, Benefits, HRIS and Payroll functions, ensuring high-quality services, compliance, and operational excellence.
Designs and implements strategies to attract, recruit, and retain high-caliber talent aligned with University mission and workforce needs.
Leads the development, administration, and continuous improvement of employee benefit programs; ensures compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.
Oversees the University payroll function to ensure accuracy, timeliness, compliance, and effective integration with HRIS and finance systems.
Partners with the SVP of People, Mission, Legal & Chief of Staff to develop HR strategies, policies, and initiatives supporting University goals.
Supports institution-wide efforts related to organizational culture, workforce planning, change management, and employee engagement.
Ensures the Talent, Benefits, and Payroll teams maintain current, accurate processes, leveraging technology to optimize efficiency and user experience.
Implements key metrics and analytics to evaluate HR program effectiveness and drive data-informed decision-making.
Provides counsel to managers and supervisors on HR practices related to recruitment, onboarding, job structure, compensation interface, and employment policies.
Develops and manages budgets for assigned areas.
Selects, develops, and evaluates staff; promotes continuous learning and professional development.
Maintains strict confidentiality and handles sensitive information with the highest ethical standards.
Serves on University committees as assigned.