INTERIM HR EXECUTIVE CONSULTANT

Independent Contractor (1099)  •  4–6 Month Contract  •  Washington, DC Region  •  Hybrid (3 Days On-Site)

HR Knowledge Source (HRKS) is an award-winning talent management consulting firm based in the Southeast U.S. We partner with organizations to transform how they attract, develop, and retain talent — delivering practical, high-impact solutions across strategic planning, leadership development, employee engagement, and recruiting. Joining HRKS means working alongside a collaborative team that's passionate about making work better — for our clients and for each other.

HRKS has been retained by a confidential higher education institution in the Washington, DC region to identify a seasoned HR executive for a critical interim consulting engagement. The client operates an HR function of approximately 40 employees with a compensation and benefits portfolio exceeding $380 million. The selected consultant will report to the client’s Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and partner closely with senior university leadership. The client’s identity will be disclosed to qualified candidates.

The Interim HR Executive Consultant will step immediately into active operations, providing hands-on leadership and stability across multiple HR centers of excellence. With two senior HR leadership roles currently vacant, the organization needs an experienced executive who can manage day-to-day functions, advance active initiatives, and serve as a steady operational presence while larger institutional efforts move forward. The ideal candidate brings a project management mindset, sound judgment under pressure, and the ability to hit the ground running from day one.

Team & Structure

•     Lead an HR team of ~40 employees across core functional areas: Talent Solutions, Employee Experience, HRIS, Total Rewards, Talent Acquisition, and Employee & Labor Relations

•     Manage four direct reports and support the hiring of two senior director roles

Operational Priorities

•     Oversee day-to-day HR operations and maintain continuity during organizational redesign

•     Manage multiple concurrent projects: labor relations initiatives, summer training programs, and transition planning

•     Support upcoming executive searches as a key operational resource

•     Collaborate with key stakeholders: CFO, Provost, General Counsel’s Office, and Staff Council

Requirements

Required

•     Bachelor’s degree; advanced degree or SHRM-SCP/SPHR certification preferred

•     10 years of executive-level HR leadership experience

•     Prior consulting experience with a track record of managing complex client engagements

•     Expertise in at least 1-2 areas of HR leadership (ex. Total Rewards, Employee & Labor Relations, Talent Acquisition). Functional depth in Total Rewards (Compensation and/or Benefits) is highly preferred

•     Proficiency in Workday (or similar HRIS) and Microsoft Office Suite

Preferred

•     Experience in higher education or similarly complex, mission-driven organizations

•     Familiarity with unionized environments (organization works with four unions; in-house labor counsel available)

•     Experience supporting or managing executive-level recruitment processes

•     Project management mindset with ability to coordinate multiple priorities simultaneously

•     Operational instincts to identify process gaps and intervene with sound judgment

•     Exceptional communication skills across all organizational levels

•     Discretion and sensitivity in handling confidential matters

•     Data-driven, collaborative, and solutions-oriented leadership style

•     Act as a unifying “team captain,” driving accountability, trust, and collaboration while maintaining clarity and alignment through change

•     Demonstrated commitment to inclusive excellence

Engagement:  Independent Contractor (1099)

Duration:  4–6 months

Location:  Washington, DC region — Hybrid (3 days on-site; Tuesday is a core in-office day)

Hours:  Standard 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (occasional 8 AM meetings)

Reports To:  Client’s Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

Client:  Confidential higher education institution, Washington, DC region (disclosed to qualified candidates)

Confidentiality is strictly maintained.

HR Knowledge Source (HRKS) is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or any other protected characteristic.