The Associate Vice President of Human Resources and Employment Practices (AVP HR and EP) is responsible for supporting the culture and all people functions within the organization. The AVP of Human Resources and Employment Practice is responsible for implementing MSM’s human resource strategy and managing human capital risks while maintaining compliance with institutions policies and governmental laws and regulations. This position serves as a member of the HR leadership team, acting as a strategic partner and organizational leader in the execution of HR’s strategic vision and the development of employee relations practices. This role focuses on implementing scalable, institution-oriented workplace initiatives and policies that promote a positive and engaged culture while leading a team of HR professionals in executing projects that will enhance the Morehouse School of Medicine community.
With responsibility for supporting the people function of the institution, the individual in this role has critical responsibility for planning, developing, and implementing quality-based ER programs and services in consultation with appropriate key leaders and decision-makers. This individual will provide oversight, guidance, and tactical hands-on support for HR functions, including but not limited to employee relations, equal employment opportunity/affirmative action, leaves of absence, disability accommodations, investigations, conflict resolution, and disciplinary actions.
The AVP must stay current on industry trends, best practices, and changes in employment laws to ensure HR remains compliant and maintains a competitive employee relations strategy.
This role has responsibility for employment practices, which are carried out by maintaining alignment between Mission area leaders and Human Resources and managing the HR Business Partners as they provide guidance and solutions to leaders to meet the institution’s human capital needs.
Core focus AREAS
- Employee Relations
- Positive Employment Practices
- HR Policies and Practices
- HR Compliance
- HR Consulting
- Employee Engagement
Key Responsibilities:
- Executes the institution’s HR strategic vision, with a commitment to accountability, service excellence, and improved employee experience.
- Provides counsel to the Chief People Officer on all matters related to ER and HR Compliance in support of institution-wide goals and objectives. Participates in strategic planning and decision making for the ER function of the institution to build the workforce culture required to endure substantial growth and change at a rapid pace.
- Participates as a member of the HR Leadership Team and in key decisions pertaining to HR strategic initiatives, operating model, and operational execution of HR’s strategic plan.
- Partners with members of the HR team and COE leaders in talent acquisition, learning and development, organizational design, employee engagement and retention, benefits, and other subject matter experts on employee-centered initiatives.
- The AVP will guide the HR Business Partners in enhancing their strategic presence, impact, and capabilities across Morehouse School of Medicine to ensure alignment between the mission areas of the school and HR. The AVP will also guide the HRBPs to assist managers and supervisors in understanding and implementing institutional and HR plans related to performance, discipline, and other topics.
- Performs ongoing assessments of workplace trends and implements strategies to resolve issues before they negatively impact business operations (i.e., conflict resolution, comprehensive disciplinary process, etc.). Develops proactive employee relations strategies and programs that minimize and mediate workplace disputes and foster a positive work environment.
- Owns a robust employee relations process and verifies employee relations matters are handled confidentially, impartially, and in accordance with all relevant laws, rules, regulations, and policies and practices.
- Collaborates with the Office of General Counsel, Office of Compliance and Corporate Integrity, Office of Faculty Affairs and Development, and other stakeholders regarding employee issues as appropriate.
- Enhance, develop, implement, and enforce HR policies and procedures to improve the overall effectiveness of the institution.
- Manages employees responsible for handling investigations of workplace concerns, including providing training and developing guidelines on effective investigation techniques. Responsible for conducting investigations for all complex and escalated issues, or those representing significant risk to the institution.
- Communicates with employees regarding employee relations concerns; provides leaders guidance and recommendations for resolution of issues.
- Identify and ensure compliance with regulatory and governmental reporting requirements affecting the HR function. Manages the institution’s Affirmative Action Program and reporting, and disability services and accommodations for employees.
- Manages a team of HR professionals including HR Business Partners, Senior HR Business Partners, Leaves Specialists, ER Advisors, and others to ensure strong alignment with appropriate protocols and process consistency.
** The above statements describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this classification. This is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties required of personnel so classified.