Direct Jobs
Vice President of Human Resources and Workplace Experience
Direct Jobs, Yakima, Washington, United States, 98903
Overview
Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences (PNWU), located in Yakima, Washington, seeks an accomplished and solution oriented executive to serve as the Vice President of Human Resources and Workplace Experience (VPHRWE) to reimagine, elevate, and advance the role of human resources within the organization and to shape the future of workplace culture and employee experience. Since graduating its inaugural class of 70 Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine in 2012, PNWU has grown substantially, with five health science programs designed to meet the needs of rural and medically underserved communities. The College of Osteopathic Medicine, School of Physical Therapy, School of Occupational Therapy, School of Dental Medicine, and the Master of Arts in Medical Sciences program focus on producing healthcare professionals who reflect and serve the local communities. Located on a collaborative, 70-acre health sciences campus, with 690 students across five health programs, 97 faculty members, and 203 staff, PNWU serves as a hub of collaboration and innovation. The VPHRWE will join PNWU at a time of momentum with the continued advancement of a dynamic strategy plan (2025–2028), ongoing expansion of academic offerings, and deepening of clinical partnerships. The appointment of the institution's seventh President, Dr. Michael H. Mittelman, marks a pivotal moment for PNWU as the University expands its mission-driven work in health sciences education and service to underserved communities. Responsibilities
Reporting directly to the President and serving as a key member of the President's executive leadership team, the VPHRWE is the principal steward of PNWU's human-capital strategy, aligning strategy, resources, and operations to advance institutional priorities and shared accountability. The leader will build a modern, sophisticated, and strategic HR organization, establishing best practices, policies, systems, and programs to support the evolving needs of the organization and its mission-driven employees at all levels, with the HR organization known for service excellence, transparent communication, and evidence-based decision-making. Particular areas of focus include shaping a transformative and future-focused HR strategy, implementing best practices for recruitment and hiring of top talent, delivering comprehensive training for managers and supervisors, implementing programs to elevate workplace experience, and deepening campus-wide trust through transparent communication and engagement. A key priority is fostering a culture of university-wide succession planning, leadership development, and structured role-based learning pathways that cultivate supervisor capability and support employee career progression. Qualifications and Experience
The leader will bring demonstrated experience advancing transformational change in complex mission-driven environments, broad HR knowledge, a track record of driving efficiencies and innovation in HR practices, collaboration across all levels of an organization, and delivering strategic consultative services to organizational leadership. The ideal candidate will be a transparent and trusted colleague with excellent listening skills, and the humility to roll up their sleeves and be known as a solution-oriented problem solver. Integrity, strong management skills, and the ability to take a firm stand or apply a gentle touch as the situation requires are critical. A deep resonance with PNWU's service-centered mission and values and eagerness to contribute to and advance them within the University and beyond will be paramount. The leader should have experience supporting a workforce of diverse constituents, an understanding of the needs of faculty, including clinical faculty, and at least ten years of progressively responsible HR experience, including supervisory experience in higher education or a healthcare system of comparable size and complexity. Prior experience in a graduate health sciences institution is strongly preferred. Application and Selection Process
All applications, nominations, and inquiries are invited. Applications should include, as separate documents, a CV or resume and a letter of interest addressing the themes in the leadership profile available at www.wittkieffer.com. Professional references are not requested at this time. WittKieffer is assisting PNWU in this search. For fullest consideration, candidate materials should be received by November 3, 2025. Application materials, nominations, and inquiries can be directed to Sarah Palmer and Luis Bertot at PNWU_VPHRWE@wittkieffer.com. Compensation and Benefits
Anticipated annual salary range for the opportunity is $220,000 – $275,000, commensurate with experience and qualifications. Relocation assistance available. Benefits include medical, dental, and paid time off. Full details: PNWU Employee Benefits. PNWU is an equal opportunity employer and makes employment and student application decisions on the basis of merit. The University shall not discriminate against faculty, staff, volunteers, students, or applicants on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, religion, sex, gender, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation or gender identity, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by law for any reason including recruitment, selection, and promotion. PNWU prohibits all forms of harassment by students, employees, guests, or volunteers whether intentional or unintentional, on campus or at other facilities."
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Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences (PNWU), located in Yakima, Washington, seeks an accomplished and solution oriented executive to serve as the Vice President of Human Resources and Workplace Experience (VPHRWE) to reimagine, elevate, and advance the role of human resources within the organization and to shape the future of workplace culture and employee experience. Since graduating its inaugural class of 70 Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine in 2012, PNWU has grown substantially, with five health science programs designed to meet the needs of rural and medically underserved communities. The College of Osteopathic Medicine, School of Physical Therapy, School of Occupational Therapy, School of Dental Medicine, and the Master of Arts in Medical Sciences program focus on producing healthcare professionals who reflect and serve the local communities. Located on a collaborative, 70-acre health sciences campus, with 690 students across five health programs, 97 faculty members, and 203 staff, PNWU serves as a hub of collaboration and innovation. The VPHRWE will join PNWU at a time of momentum with the continued advancement of a dynamic strategy plan (2025–2028), ongoing expansion of academic offerings, and deepening of clinical partnerships. The appointment of the institution's seventh President, Dr. Michael H. Mittelman, marks a pivotal moment for PNWU as the University expands its mission-driven work in health sciences education and service to underserved communities. Responsibilities
Reporting directly to the President and serving as a key member of the President's executive leadership team, the VPHRWE is the principal steward of PNWU's human-capital strategy, aligning strategy, resources, and operations to advance institutional priorities and shared accountability. The leader will build a modern, sophisticated, and strategic HR organization, establishing best practices, policies, systems, and programs to support the evolving needs of the organization and its mission-driven employees at all levels, with the HR organization known for service excellence, transparent communication, and evidence-based decision-making. Particular areas of focus include shaping a transformative and future-focused HR strategy, implementing best practices for recruitment and hiring of top talent, delivering comprehensive training for managers and supervisors, implementing programs to elevate workplace experience, and deepening campus-wide trust through transparent communication and engagement. A key priority is fostering a culture of university-wide succession planning, leadership development, and structured role-based learning pathways that cultivate supervisor capability and support employee career progression. Qualifications and Experience
The leader will bring demonstrated experience advancing transformational change in complex mission-driven environments, broad HR knowledge, a track record of driving efficiencies and innovation in HR practices, collaboration across all levels of an organization, and delivering strategic consultative services to organizational leadership. The ideal candidate will be a transparent and trusted colleague with excellent listening skills, and the humility to roll up their sleeves and be known as a solution-oriented problem solver. Integrity, strong management skills, and the ability to take a firm stand or apply a gentle touch as the situation requires are critical. A deep resonance with PNWU's service-centered mission and values and eagerness to contribute to and advance them within the University and beyond will be paramount. The leader should have experience supporting a workforce of diverse constituents, an understanding of the needs of faculty, including clinical faculty, and at least ten years of progressively responsible HR experience, including supervisory experience in higher education or a healthcare system of comparable size and complexity. Prior experience in a graduate health sciences institution is strongly preferred. Application and Selection Process
All applications, nominations, and inquiries are invited. Applications should include, as separate documents, a CV or resume and a letter of interest addressing the themes in the leadership profile available at www.wittkieffer.com. Professional references are not requested at this time. WittKieffer is assisting PNWU in this search. For fullest consideration, candidate materials should be received by November 3, 2025. Application materials, nominations, and inquiries can be directed to Sarah Palmer and Luis Bertot at PNWU_VPHRWE@wittkieffer.com. Compensation and Benefits
Anticipated annual salary range for the opportunity is $220,000 – $275,000, commensurate with experience and qualifications. Relocation assistance available. Benefits include medical, dental, and paid time off. Full details: PNWU Employee Benefits. PNWU is an equal opportunity employer and makes employment and student application decisions on the basis of merit. The University shall not discriminate against faculty, staff, volunteers, students, or applicants on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, religion, sex, gender, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation or gender identity, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by law for any reason including recruitment, selection, and promotion. PNWU prohibits all forms of harassment by students, employees, guests, or volunteers whether intentional or unintentional, on campus or at other facilities."
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