Assistant Vice Chancellor for Human Resources

Institution: University of Alabama System Office

Location: Tuscaloosa, AL

Reports To: Senior Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration

Website: uasystem.edu/home

The Opportunity

The University of Alabama (UA) System Office is seeking a strategic partner and experienced human resources professional for the role of Assistant Vice Chancellor for Human Resources (AVCHR). This next leader will be ready to roll up their sleeves while shaping the future of HR across a complex, multi-campus system. Reporting to the Senior Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration, this role will set the vision for the System Office Human Resources function, lead a high-performing team, and serve as a trusted advisor on everything from talent strategy and employee relations to benefits oversight and compliance for more than $6 billion in plan assets. The AVCHR will collaborate with the Chief Human Resource Officers at three doctoral research universities and the University of Alabama at Birmingham Health System, drive initiatives in compensation and classification, and ensure human resources practices align with the priorities of the Board of Trustees and the Chancellor. This is an opportunity for a bold, business-minded leader to bring innovation, operational excellence, and strategic insight to a growing organization while influencing policy and shaping the employee experience across the UA System.

Position

The Assistant Vice Chancellor, Human Resources is the chief human resources officer of the University of Alabama System Office, which coordinates among the University of Alabama System operating divisions - the University of Alabama, the University of Alabama at Birmingham, the University of Alabama in Huntsville, and the UAB Health System – as appropriate and oversees centralized System functions. The role leads all aspects of the System Office Human Resources Department, serves as an advisor and strategic partner to System Office administration, and is responsible for System-shared benefits applicable to all UA System entities, including affiliates.

Essential Duties

• Set the strategic direction for the System Office Human Resources Department by offering vision, leadership, and strategic planning in alignment with the priorities of the Board of Trustees and the Chancellor;
• Collaborate closely with executive leadership and stakeholders across the UA System;
• Supervise all functions within the System Office Human Resources Department, including recruitment, retention, succession strategies, benefits design, consultant and vendor relationship management, administration, organizational development and training programs, compensation, classification, salary administration, and performance management;
• Address employee relations matters with utmost confidentiality, integrity, ethical standards, initiative, and sound judgement, including consulting with the General Counsel and Senior Vice Chancellor on personnel issues as needed;
• Provide leadership and guidance regarding System-shared employee benefits; chair, coordinate and work collaboratively with the System Benefits Committee, which includes HR leaders from each university within the UA System (UA, UAB and UAH), to evaluate and implement benefit plans that enhance the UA System's competitive standing; serve as Plan Sponsor for UA System 403(b), 457(b), 401(a), and 415(m) retirement and deferred compensation plans, coordinate with recordkeepers and third-party investment consultants to manage plan investments;
• Develop, motivate, and retain a high-performing, customer-focused Human Resources team committed to operational excellence and recognized for their competence, collaboration, support, efficiency, and innovation;
• Participate actively on the System Policy Committee to lead reviews of current policies and contribute to the formulation of new policies, practices, and procedures;
• Ensure full compliance with all federal, state, and local employment regulations;
• Support the Compensation Committee of the Board of Trustees by overseeing executive hiring, reporting, and salary administration, as well as benchmarking for roles governed by Board Rule 302.
  
  

Other Duties

• The position may be required to perform other duties as assigned.
  
  

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Director of Human Resources
  
  

Minimum Qualifications

LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE AND CORE COMPETENCIES:

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources Management, Business Administration or a related field;
• 10 years of related experience and a history of progressively responsible management and leadership experience in areas of significant, complex, and high-level responsibility in human resources and administrative operations.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• An advanced or terminal degree (e.g., Master’s, J.D., Ph.D.) in a field relevant to the responsibilities of the role;
• Career-related certifications such as Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM) and/or Human Resources Certification Institute (HCRI) designations, Certified Benefits Professional (CBP) or Certified Compensation Professional (CCP);
• Experience in higher education or healthcare.
  
  

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities (Competencies)

• Demonstrated strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively with diverse individuals and groups, including senior executives and board members;
• Proven success in advancing through leadership roles within human resources, with expertise in areas such as compensation and benefits, talent acquisition and succession planning, performance management, and employee engagement;
• Proficient in HR systems, data analytics, and software programs including Microsoft Office Suite and Smartsheet;
• Exceptional planning, organizational, and time-management abilities, with a track record of managing multiple priorities and meeting deadlines;
• Skilled in providing guidance on employee performance issues, resolving conflicts, mediating disputes, conducting investigations, and managing complex employee relations matters confidentially;
• Adept at making timely, well-informed decisions and involving relevant stakeholders in decision-making processes when appropriate;
• Comprehensive and up-to-date understanding of all applicable federal and state employment laws and regulations (e.g., ADA, FMLA, Title IX) to ensure organizational compliance;
• Demonstrated experience and ability to lead a small, high-performing HR team while effectively collaborating with larger HR operations across multiple campuses in a complex, system-wide environment.
  
  

The Process

Confidential review of applications, nominations, and expressions of interest will begin immediately and will continue until an appointment is made.

To ensure full consideration, please email a letter of interest, a resume, and complete contact information of three professional references, as 3 separate PDFs, by January 26, 2026 to UofA-AVCHR@zrgpartners.com

About Zrg Partners

ZRG is a global talent advisory firm that is changing the way companies hire and manage talent. ZRG’s data-driven approach to executive and professional search has been changing the way clients think about how to find top talent. The company’s digital Zi platform combines talent intelligence, candidate insights, and process improvement to dramatically deliver executive searches quicker and with proven better results.