Stony Brook University - Vice President for Human Resources

Stony Brook University seeks an accomplished and visionary leader to serve in the critically important role of Vice President for Human Resources (VPHR). This is an exceptional opportunity for an executive to lead the transformation of human resources practices, structure, culture and programming over the next several years. This position is open due to the upcoming retirement of current VPHR Lynn Johnson, who has been an integral member of the Stony Brook University community for more than 20 years, serving in various management positions.

A member of the Association of American Universities (AAU) and a recently named flagship of the State University of New York (SUNY) System, Stony Brook is one of America’s most dynamic public universities. Established in 1957 as a college for the preparation of secondary school teachers of mathematics and science, Stony Brook is now recognized as one of the nation’s important centers of learning and scholarship. The university is dedicated to carrying out the mandate given by the State Board of Regents in 1960 to become a university that would “stand with the finest in the country.” Recognized by Forbes as one of America’s Best-in-State Employers and as an institution that provides exemplary employment opportunities on Long Island and in New York State, the university is also ranked on the 2022 America’s Best Employers for Diversity Forbes list and has been ranked the #1 public university in New York State. Stony Brook Medicine is also one of the nation’s leaders in patient care, research and health sciences education.

Reporting to the Senior Vice President for Finance and Administration, the Vice President for Human Resources serves as a champion for the role of human resources (HR) and ensures that the HR organization is positioned as a valued and accessible resource for employees and leadership. The VPHR is a member of the university leadership team and oversees talent acquisition/recruitment, total rewards, training, organizational development, employee engagement, as well as payroll, appointments, HRIS/employee records, healthier U and EAP. The VPHR also oversees employee and labor relations for the academic campus, works with eight unions, and oversees the interpretation and administration of the applicable collective bargaining agreements.

This is a unique opportunity to complete the design and implementation of an HR organization and culture specifically tailored to adding value to a university recognized as one of the nation’s important centers of learning and scholarship. HR NOW, a collaborative campus initiative, was established with the aim to enhance the employee experience and positioning the university for future success through improved HR systems and practices. As the university implements this comprehensive plan, it seeks a VPHR with a demonstrated record of leadership and management during a period of significant organizational change.

The successful leader 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 technical expertise in key areas of human resources. This leader will also bring experience leading human resources staff and programs in large and complex unionized organizations, and will demonstrate the core competencies and personal traits necessary for success, including intelligence, sound judgment, strong problem-solving skills, diplomacy, political savvy, tolerance for organizational ambiguity, cultural awareness and sensitivity and personal confidence and humility.

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.

WittKieffer is assisting Stony Brook University in this search. For fullest consideration, candidate materials should be received by August 21, 2023. Application materials should be submitted using the buttons below.

All nominations and inquiries can be directed to John Thornburgh and Sarah Palmer at:
StonyBrookVPHR@wittkieffer.com

Stony Brook University is committed to excellence in diversity and the creation of an inclusive learning, and working environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, familial status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status and all other protected classes under federal or state laws.