Portland, OR

Assistant Vice President of Human Resources, Oregon Health & Science University Foundation

The Organization

Oregon Health & Science University Foundation (OHSUF) seeks an insightful, inclusive, and emotionally intelligent human resources professional with deep experience to serve as Assistant Vice President of Human Resources (AVP HR).

Founded originally in 1887 as the University of Oregon Medical School, with independence in 1974 and rebranding to Oregon Health & Science University in 2001, OHSU serves as the premier center for Oregon dentistry, nursing, medicine, and public health programs. OHSU is one of the leading medical treatment, education, and research centers in the country. In 2021, OHSU educated more than 4,700 students, treated more than 310,000 patients, and received over $586 million in research grants. OHSU’s leading research centers include the Knight Cancer Institute (led by the visionary Dr. Brian Druker), the Casey Eye Institute, the OHSU Knight Cardiovascular Institute, and the OHSU Neuroscience Initiative focusing on three main areas of brain health: neurodegeneration, neurodevelopment, and neuro-repair.

Building on considerable momentum from the successful seven-year, $2B Onward Campaign, OHSU Foundation leaders are continuing to invest in talent and thinking about how to continually stretch the boundaries of philanthropic goals while reflecting on how best to center equity and diversity in all efforts.

Position Overview

The AVP serves as a vital leader within the OHSU Foundation by providing vision, leadership, and a strategic framework for the Foundation’s recruitment, development, and retention of top-tier talent. Success for the next AVP will be defined in part by guiding the transformation of the HR function toward becoming a true strategic partner to executive leadership, focused on driving a culture of equitable accountability as well as promoting the OHSU Foundation’s brand as a talent magnet and employer-of-choice. The AVP leads a team of four human resources professionals across recruitment, engagement, learning and professional development, and payroll and benefits administration. Grounded in exceptional relationship-building skills, the AVP will serve to reinforce collaboration and integration across the enterprise and foster the development of high-quality leaders who will positively influence the culture internally and amplify the work of the OHSU Foundation externally.

A member of the president’s executive leadership team reporting to the Chief Financial Officer & Vice President of Finance, the AVP HR will be a strong coach and problem solver, diplomatic change agent, and an expert in understanding organizational dynamics. The AVP will incorporate active and engaged learning into the life and activities of the organization, instill a shared sense of accountability among team members that fortifies their approach to integrated teamwork, and create pervasive, sustainable cultural norms and values that align with OHSUF’s mission. Leading by example, the AVP will inspire a positive culture of mutual ambition and collective celebration of achievements.

The ideal candidate must have sound judgment to deal with confidential and sensitive information, and often act as a liaison between the President and other constituencies, both internal and external. They should be comfortable leading and sustaining change and embody a sophisticated sense of racial and social justice with an appreciation for fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion in all activities. The AVP must be able to thrive in a team environment, where members collaborate to ensure effective and smooth HR support to employees across the organization, while also serving as a strategic thought partner to the executive leadership team.

The OHSU Foundation seeks expertise in many of the following areas: organizational design, change management, professional development and training, leadership strategy, performance management, internal communications, conflict resolution, and human resource administration. Experience in a mission-driven, innovative, and fast-paced environment is highly desirable, along with a quick-thinking, flexible, and inclusive approach that values the need for consensus while driving progress against stated goals.

An authentic and accessible leadership style, well-suited to management in a complex, rapid-change environment, is a prerequisite, as is the creativity, energy, and political savvy needed to prioritize and uplift new ideas and shared successes. Strong managerial and motivational skills are required, as well as the compassion, clarity, and communication skills necessary to articulate clear organizational goals and empower OHSUF staff. A human resources credential is preferred.

How To Apply

The OHSU Foundation has partnered with Talent Citizen to assist in this recruitment. Please reach out to President Tracy D. Welsh and Senior Associate Rachel K. Partin to share your biographical materials via email at: ohsuf-avphr@talentcitizen.com.

OHSU believes that diversity and equity are imperative to its success, which is why it is committed to creating and sustaining a culture where all employees are empowered to do great work—and where the best decisions are made because they’re informed by multiple, diverse perspectives.

The OHSU Foundation provides equal opportunities to all individuals without regard to age, color, current or future military status, disability (physical or mental), gender, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, national origin, pregnancy, race, religion, sexual orientation, veteran, or any other status protected by law.

Please visit Oregon Health & Science University Foundation | Talent Citizen for more information.

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