Vice President of Human Resources

Quinnipiac University (QU) seeks an accomplished ambitious and collaborative leader to serve as its Vice President of Human Resources (VPHR) to shape a strategic vision that elevates the Universitys capacity to attract support and retain an outstanding workforce. This is an exceptional opportunity for a seasoned human resources executive to modernize HR operations strengthen organizational culture and lead a forward looking people strategy aligned with QUs next era of growth.

The Vice President of Human Resources will join Quinnipiac at a time of significant momentum with the arrival of President Marie Hardin Ph.D. in July 2025 and an inclusive Strategic Visioning process underway since the fall of 2025 to chart the path for the institutions next era of growth and impact. Reporting to Mark Varholak the Chief Financial Officer and serving as a key member of the University Leadership Council the VPHR is responsible for providing executive-level leadership and guidance in all areas of human resources including payroll. The VPHR will work collaboratively across QU to continuously integrate high-quality services across all facets of the organization facilitate change and ensure that Quinnipiacs workforce is engaged flexible and resilient enabling the University to continue differentiating itself in a competitive market. The VPHR serves as a trusted partner with organizational constituents providing innovative and creative solutions and continuously building and maintaining relationships across the organization emphasizing dynamic communication and collaboration.

The incoming leader will have the opportunity to build upon the strengths of a dedicated human resources and payroll team of 16 professionals and pursue initiatives supporting an employee base of approximately 1300 faculty and staff including approximately 300 unionized employees making a lasting impact on the University. The successful candidate will be an innovative highly driven executive and will possess broad human resources knowledge; expertise in strategic collaborative and consultative services; a sophisticated approach to organizational leadership; and demonstrated experience in workforce planning market-driven compensation practices succession planning and advancing organizational and cultural change.

This leader will also bring experience leading human resources staff and programs in complex unionized environments and will demonstrate the core competencies and personal traits necessary for success including emotional intelligence sound judgment strong problem-solving skills diplomacy personal confidence and humility.

WittKieffer is supporting Quinnipiac University in this search. For greatest consideration applicants should submit a resume and a letter of interest addressing the themes in this profile to WittKieffers candidate portal by May 6 2026. You may also submit inquiries and nominations (handed confidentially) to the same portal.

Nominations inquiries and application materials can be directed to:

Sandra Chu and Sarah Palmer

Quinnipiac University isaprivate coeducational institution located 90 minutes north of New York Cityand two hours from Boston. The university currently hasan enrollment of 9700 students in more than 100 degree programs through its Schools of Business Communications Education Computing & Engineering Health Sciences Law Medicine Nursingand the College ofArts & Sciences. Our 21 Division I teams haveachieved remarkable success boasting multiple conference titles. This includesa2023 NCAANational Championship win in ice hockeyathree-time defending national champion womens rugby teamandatrip to the Sweet 16 for our womens basketball team. The Quinnipiac University Poll is nationally recognizedasa leader in public opinion researchand the university is consistently recognized by U.S. News & World Reportand Princeton Review. The Wall Street Journal ranked Quinnipiac #51among the best colleges in the nationand second in Connecticut for our exceptional graduation rate salary impact learning facilities career preparationand learning opportunities.

The university is in the midst of program expansionand renewal for both traditionalandadult learners the development of innovative strategic partnershipsand just openeda South Quad with three new buildings.

As Quinnipiac grows we remain guided by the core values that define our community and shape the experience of every student and employee.

• We are fiercely committed to ensuring every Bobcat thrives. We are a lifelong partner for every learner.
• We passionately care about our community. Everyone should feel welcome and valued.
• We boldly shape our universitys future. We will forge a path of impact together.

These values are the foundation of who we are and reflect the Quinnipiac spirit found across our campuses. For more information please . Connect with Quinnipiac on Facebook Instagram YouTube TikTokand X.

The role ensures compliance with employment laws promotes an inclusive and engaged campus culture and supports faculty and staff excellence across academic and administrative units. Key areas of accountability include but are not limited to the following:

• Strategic Leadership
• HR Transformation and Innovation
• Employee and Labor Relations
• HR Operations
• Payroll
• Compensation and Benefits
• Organizational Development

• A bachelors degree is required and an advanced degree or equivalent experience is preferred
• Senior-level human resources professional certification preferred

• Minimum of ten (10) years of progressively responsible senior-level human resources leadership experience including supervisory experience preferably in higher education or a similarly complex mission-driven unionized organization.
• Knowledge of applicable federal state and local employment laws rules and regulations and experience with advancing HR strategy and understanding of broad functional areas of human resources inclusive of but not limited to talent acquisition performance management onboarding and retention learning and development labor relations leave administration policy governance compensation and benefits workforce planning succession planning HR technology and analytics compliance and risk management.
  
• Proven success spearheading HR-transformation initiatives optimizing technology streamlining business processes and metrics-driven service enhancements that improve efficiency and user experience.
• Demonstrated experience in developing and implementing compensation strategies; proven ability to design and manage market-based pay structures job architecture and career frameworks that support internal mobility and talent development; ability to build and enhance compensation infrastructure including policies tools and scalable processes aligned with fiscal responsibility and data-informed practices.
• Evidence leading and developing high-performing HR teams within complex organizational structures while fostering cross-functional collaboration.
  
• Knowledge of payroll operations compliance with relevant tax legislation experience overseeing accurate and timely payroll processing for a large and diverse workforce and understanding of the practical application of tax regulations affecting employee compensation within the higher education environment are preferred.
• Proven ability to collaborate effectively with individuals from varied backgrounds

WittKieffer is supporting Quinnipiac University in this search. For greatest consideration applicants should submit a resume and a letter of interest addressing the themes in this profile to WittKieffers candidate portal by May 6 2026. You may also submit inquiries and nominations (handed confidentially) to the same portal.

Nominations inquiries and application materials can be directed to:

Sandra Chu and Sarah Palmer