Associate Vice Chancellor, Chief Human Resources Officer (On-site)

The University of California, Merced is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience. The salary range the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $208,000 - $261,000/yr.

Initial applicant review will begin on or around September 5, 2025. Posting will remain open until filled.

Priority consideration will be given to candidates who apply on or before (30 days out from the posting date - whenever the posting goes live).

This search is being conducted in partnership with UC San Diego's Executive Recruitment Services. For additional details or inquiries, please contact Suzi Harris (suziharris@ucsd.edu).

Remote/Hybrid eligibility: This position is Hybrid eligible.

The University of California, Merced, is the newest of the University of California system's 10 campuses and one of the youngest universities to be designated an R1 research university. With approximately 9,100 undergraduate and graduate students, UC Merced is a smaller, more intimate campus compared to its sister campuses, while equipped and staffed as a cutting edge, 21st century research institution. With bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree programs, strong research and academic partnerships and a growing community in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley, the UC Merced campus is continually evolving and requires talented, knowledgeable and dynamic educators, researchers, management and staff.

Ranked in the top 30 among the best public universities in the nation by U.S. News and World Report and #1 for social mobility by the Wall Street Journal, UC Merced is uniquely equipped to provide world class educational opportunities to dynamic and enterprising students in the Valley and throughout the state. In partnership with UC San Francisco, UC Merced has launched a rigorous medical education program that will supply the Valley with culturally competent providers dedicated to improving local access to quality care. The campus enjoys a special connection with nearby Yosemite National Park, is on the cutting edge of sustainability in construction and design and is accelerating the continued economic development of the region.

The Associate Vice Chancellor and Chief Human Resources Officer (AVC/CHRO) is responsible for providing executive level leadership to the campus Human Resources department and all its functions and programs. Working in consultation with campus senior leadership, the AVC/CHRO will lead, develop and manage progressive and transformative human resources services, programs, and systems aligned with the university mission of teaching, research and public service. The AVC/CHRO is a strategic position directing through subordinate managers, multiple large and complex critical programs impacting broad constituencies across the campus. Identifies objectives, manages very significant human, financial, and physical resources, and functions with an extremely high degree of autonomy. Accountable for formulating and administering policies and programs for major operational functions, the results of which can affect overall campus-wide performance and reputation. Directs through subordinate managers the development of strategic goals and objectives to achieve effective stewardship and accountability of university resources in a manner consistent with systemwide objectives and initiatives. Meets regularly with the Chancellor's Cabinet and serves as a member of the Chancellor's Extended Cabinet. Collaborates with and consults with UC systemwide Human Resources on matters of policy and programs for which the UC Office of the President has purview. The AVC/CHRO leads a team of subject matter experts in the modernization and continuous improvement of the human resources function for UC Merced, including Employee and Labor Relations, Talent Acquisition, Talent Development, Classification and Compensation, and Benefits and Leaves. Represents and engages the department in campus-wide and system-wide meetings and discussions. Recognized as an influential leader. Makes consequential decisions for the department and ensures achievement of objectives.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Responsible for leading, managing and providing strategic long-range planning for all aspects of Human Resources. Developing and implementing innovative and progressive human resource practices and procedures that meet the needs of a growing, maturing University of California campus. Participates with senior leadership to establish strategic plans and objectives. Makes decisions on all HR matters and ensures achievement of objectives. Responsible for managing and directing a large department of campus-wide HR programs including Employee and Labor Relations, Talent Acquisition, Talent Development, Classification and Compensation, and Benefits and Leaves. Develops strategic and functional HR objectives for the campus and determines the resources necessary to achieve those objectives. Oversees and leads HR related strategic initiatives, including but not limited to UC System mandates, human capital management, workforce planning and position management, process design and reengineering, and project and program management. Reviews and approves recommendations for operational planning and control. Engages campus leadership, academic and administrative stakeholders in collaborative planning, design, and execution of administrative service deployment strategies. Partners with other campus departments and units to advise on enhancing people effectiveness, organizational effectiveness, and cost effectiveness.
• Serves as a key change agent to align the HR operation and service delivery with the needs, strategic goals, and business objectives of senior leadership, campus partners, and UC Office of the President. Provides leadership to establish a human resources culture of support, collaboration, customer service, and partnership with diverse constituent groups across campus. Embraces a culture of client service, respect and belonging. Partners with other senior leaders to lead, oversee, and drive programs that promote a fair and equitable workplace. Serves as a key advisor, partner, and counselor for senior campus leaders and managers on critical human resources matters and works to develop effective and efficient solutions for what can often be very complex human resources matters. The AVC/CHRO leads and fosters a team of high performing service-oriented HR professionals and organizes the HR department for maximum visibility, impact, effectiveness, and customer service. Reviews, assesses, and develops new programs as needs emerge. Measure and monitor progress toward achievement of strategic initiatives. Provide effective and inspiring leadership by being actively involved in programs and services, developing a broad and deep knowledge of programs, and cultivating effective on-going relations with campus divisions. Achieve objectives through collaboration with key campus constituencies, including the Academic Senate, to work together in a system characterized by shared governance and a spirit of collaboration and consensus building.
• Provides staff a strong day-to-day leadership structure and leads teams to deliver outstanding client/customer services to the campus community. Establish organizational structures and supervisory relationships. Promote a culture of high performance client service, lead the performance management process, enforce accountability, and develop leaders. Partner with stakeholders to develop best practices and internal processes that support the campus' objectives. Make decisions on personnel, administrative and operational matters and ensure achievement of objectives (operational and budget, finance, recharge administration, human resources and position management, IT, space planning, etc.). Oversee the management of the annual operational budget for HR and manage effectively within the budget. Ensure the continued financial viability of HR through sound fiscal management and financial controls. Align strategic and tactical plans into multi-year operating budgets and prioritize budget requests within the context of a campus plan. Utilizes HR-specific and organizational metrics to gauge customer satisfaction, assesses HR department performance, and fosters a continuous improvement environment within HR. Ensures compliance and effective administration of all relevant Federal and State laws and regulations including Equal Opportunity, FLSA, UC Personnel and Business and Finance policies, and applicable Collective Bargaining Agreements. Advocates for and represents UC Merced interests in campus-wide and University of California system-wide meetings and discussions, as well as with a broad range of external groups (e.g., government officials, external agencies, and the business community).

EDUCATION and REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited university in a related area and/or equivalent experience / training. (Required)
• Advanced degree from an accredited university. (Preferred)
• 10 years of senior leadership/management experience including 8 years of leadership/management experience in Human Resources, preferably in higher education, unionized environment. Advanced degree is preferred but may not substitute the required years of experience.
• SHRM-Certified Professional, SHRM-Senior Certified Professional, Professional in HR, Senior Professional in HR, Certified Compensation Professional, Certified Employee Benefits Specialist, or Certified Professional in Talent Development, (Preferred)

CRITICAL KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

• Substantial knowledge of personnel administration, with demonstrated knowledge and experience working in the following areas of human resources: employment, classification/compensation, labor relations, employee relations, benefits, training, and affirmative action.
• Makes a decisions regarding hiring, evaluating, and development of subordinates; discretion in determining the best way of achieving unit goals.
• Has excellent management skills that include collaboration, coaching and developing subordinates; ability to build relationships. Demonstrated ability to handle extremely difficult or volatile situations/individuals effectively.
• Expert skills to work collaboratively and act persuasively in sensitive situations; skills in conflict management techniques.
• Strong working knowledge of the full scope of human resources activities in a complex organization; demonstrated understanding of best practice public sector policies and practices.
• Strong knowledge and understanding of human capital management (HCM) theory and practices with demonstrated ability to effectively lead campus partnerships into deeper adoption of HCM culture and realization of greater process efficiencies and talent optimizations.
• Excellent communicator who effectively with a diversity of communication styles; demonstrates and leads with a high level of political acumen; communicates effectively orally and in writing up and down all levels of the organization. Models a credible high standard of personal integrity and engagement from junior supervisors to senior management levels. Keen ability to develop and build strong strategic pathways with priority consensus that achieve critical progress/alignment with the campus vision. Ability to effectively draw, unite, and lead all levels of campus constituencies with a personal style of effective coaching and engagement, that recognizes and fosters a strong campus community relational culture, that is built on a foundation of strong mutual respect and kindness toward each other.
• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of organizational design and organization development, with willingness to champion progressive and innovative organizational approaches within constraints of University practices and policies.

Background check required.

How to Apply:
An online application is required for each position to apply.The University of California, Merced is aware that some web-based application processes may be cumbersome for differently abled applicants. Where appropriate, alternative accommodations will be provided. For applicants with disabilities who need additional assistance using TAM, or reasonable accommodations during the interview or search process, please contact ucmjobs@ucmerced.edu.

As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

Equal Employment Opportunity:
The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories covered by the UC Anti-Discrimination Policy.

It is the policy of the University of California to undertake affirmative action and anti-discrimination efforts, consistent with its obligations as a Federal and State contractor.

Smoke and Tobacco Free Policy:
The University of California, Merced is a smoke and tobacco free workplace. Information and the Smoke and Tobacco Free policy is available at http://smokefree.ucmerced.edu.

E-Verify:
All employers who receive Federal contracts and grants are required to comply with E-Verify, an Internet-based system operated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in partnership with the Social Security Administration (SSA). E-Verify electronically verifies employment eligibility by comparing information provided on the I-9 form to records in the DHS and SSA databases. Certain positions funded by federal contracts/subcontracts requires UC Merced to notify job applicants that an E-Verify check will be conducted and the successful candidate must pass the E-Verify check.

Pay, Benefits & Work Schedule:
For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University of California visit: http://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/compensation-and-benefits/