Director of Human Resources, School of Veterinary Medicine - University of Pennsylvania

University Overview


The University of Pennsylvania, the largest private employer in Philadelphia, is a world-renowned leader in education, research, and innovation. This historic, Ivy League school consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the annual U.S. News & World Report survey. Penn has 12 highly-regarded schools that provide opportunities for undergraduate, graduate and continuing education, all influenced by Penn’s distinctive interdisciplinary approach to scholarship and learning. As an employer Penn has been ranked nationally on many occasions with the most recent award from Forbes who named Penn one of America’s Best Large Employers in 2023.




Penn offers a unique working environment within the city of Philadelphia. The University is situated on a beautiful urban campus, with easy access to a range of educational, cultural, and recreational activities. With its historical significance and landmarks, lively cultural offerings, and wide variety of atmospheres, Philadelphia is the perfect place to call home for work and play.




The University offers a competitive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare and tuition benefits for employees and their families, generous retirement benefits, a wide variety of professional development opportunities, supportive work and family benefits, a wealth of health and wellness programs and resources, and much more.








Posted Job Title

Director of Human Resources, School of Veterinary Medicine





Job Profile Title

Director D, Human Resources, School/ Center





Job Description Summary

The Director of Human Resources (HR) will serve as a strategic partner to senior management in the School of Veterinary Medicine, playing a critical role in advancing the school’s mission and organizational goals. Reporting to the Vice Dean of Administration and Chief Financial Officer, with a dotted line to the Executive HR Director in the Division of Human Resources, the Director will lead the development and execution of comprehensive HR strategies that support the school's diverse and complex operations, which include clinical enterprises, research entities, and academic departments.





Job Description








The University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine was founded in 1884 and has a long-standing tradition as a global leader in veterinary medicine . With two campuses, one urban and one rural, Penn Vet ’s mission is to train the next generation of veterinary leaders to advance healthcare outcomes and access, ensure global health, bolster sustainable agriculture, support interdisciplinary career paths, and foster diversity, equity, and inclusion in the profession.




Penn Vet is comprised of the areas listed below:

+ A large animal hospital in Chester County, Kennett Square, PA

+ Ryan Small Animal Hospital on Penn’s main campus

+ Diagnostic labs across both campuses

+ Research Centers and Laboratories across both campuses

+ Agricultural Services supporting the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania






Director of Human Resources, School of Veterinary Medicine




The Director of Human Resources (HR) will serve as a strategic partner to senior management in the School of Veterinary Medicine, playing a critical role in advancing the school’s mission and organizational goals. Reporting to the Vice Dean of Administration and Chief Financial Officer , with a dotted line to the Executive HR Director in the Division of Human Resources, the Director will lead the development and execution of comprehensive HR strategies that support the school's diverse and complex operations, which include clinical enterprises, research entities, and academic departments.




This position will lead a team of three HR professionals, overseeing the delivery of a comprehensive range of HR services while promoting a culture of diversity, inclusion, and equity. The role involves addressing key organizational challenges across various employee groups, including faculty, staff, residents, interns, and non-tenured academic personnel. Given the diverse operations of this multifaceted organization, creative problem-solving will be essential to develop balanced and effective solutions across all levels.




Key Responsibilities:

+ Serve as a strategic HR partner to senior management and collaborate with central HR to ensure alignment with organizational goals.

+ Provide consultation on HR management issues, organizational restructuring, and policy interpretation.

+ Investigate and resolve employee relations matters, including disciplinary actions, misconduct, and complaints.

+ Lead conflict resolution and mediation processes, ensuring fair and consistent application of HR policies.

+ Collaborate with supervisors to address daily HR operational needs, ensuring effective workforce management.

+ Oversee HR programs including benefits, retirement, family medical leave, disability, occupational health, and workers' compensation.

+ Advise managers on job design, classification, and salary administration to ensure competitive and equitable compensation practices.

+ Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations by reviewing and updating HR policies.

+ Lead HR communications related to policy changes, compliance updates, and best practices.

+ Supervise and guide the recruitment and selection process, fostering best practices in talent acquisition and retention.

+ Manage the HR role within Workday, overseeing recruitment, compensation, benefits, and performance management processes.

+ Provide oversight and training for the University’s annual and semi-annual performance evaluation program.

+ Develop and administer HR policies in collaboration with central HR leadership to ensure compliance and alignment with university standards.

+ Participate in strategic projects, committees, and working groups across the school and University

+ Perform other duties as assigned to meet evolving business needs.






Key Attributes:

+ Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to manage relationships at all levels within the University.

+ Strong leadership, negotiation, and mediation abilities to resolve complex HR challenges.

+ Advanced problem-solving and analytical skills to devise creative solutions across a multifaceted organization.

+ Thorough knowledge of employment laws and HR regulations.

+ Proficiency in HR software systems, particularly Workday, and familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite.

+ Proven ability to manage politically sensitive issues, demonstrating tact, diplomacy, and maintain the utmost confidentiality

+ Ability to strategize solutions that meet long-term objectives .






Qualifications:

+ Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resources , Business Administration, or a related field ( Master’s degree preferred).

+ Minimum of 7–10 years of progressive HR management experience, with a strong background in higher education or complex organizations.

+ Experience with Workday or other HRIS systems preferred.

+ Professional HR certification (PHR, SPHR, or SHRM-CP/SHRM-SCP) highly desirable.




Please submit a resume and cover letter to be considered for this position.












Job Location - City, State

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania





Department / School

Human Resources





Pay Range

$90,860.00 - $165,000.00 Annual Rate

Salary offers are made based on the candidate’s qualifications, experience, skills, and education as they directly relate to the requirements of the position, as well as internal and market factors and grade profile.




Affirmative Action Statement Penn adheres to a policy that prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, creed, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected class.




Special Requirements Background check required after a conditional job offer is made. Consideration of the background check will be tailored to the requirements of the job.




University Benefits

+ Health, Life, and Flexible Spending Accounts : Penn offers comprehensive medical, prescription, behavioral health, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits to protect you and your family’s health and welfare. You can also use flexible spending accounts to pay for eligible health care and dependent care expenses with pre-tax dollars.

+ Tuition : Take advantage of Penn's exceptional tuition benefits . You, your spouse, and your dependent children can get tuition assistance here at Penn. Your dependent children are also eligible for tuition assistance at other institutions.

+ Retirement: Penn offers generous retirement plans to help you save for your future. Penn’s Basic, Matching, and Supplemental retirement plans allow you to save for retirement on a pre-tax or Roth basis. Choose from a wide variety of investment options through TIAA and Vanguard.

+ Time Away from Work: Penn provides you with a substantial amount of time away from work during the course of the year. This allows you to relax, take vacations, attend to personal affairs, recover from illness or injury, spend time with family—whatever your personal needs may be.

+ Long-Term Care Insurance: In partnership with Genworth Financial, Penn offers faculty and staff (and your eligible family members) long-term care insurance to help you cover some of the costs of long-term care services received at home, in the community or in a nursing facility. If you apply when you’re newly hired, you won’t have to provide proof of good health or be subject to underwriting requirements. Eligible family members must always provide proof of good health and are subject to underwriting.

+ Wellness and Work-life Resources : Penn is committed to supporting our faculty and staff as they balance the competing demands of work and personal life. That’s why we offer a wide variety of programs and resources to help you care for your health, your family, and your work-life balance.

+ Professional and Personal Development: Penn provides an array of resources to help you advance yourself personally and professionally.

+ University Resources: As a member of the Penn community, you have access to a wide range of University resources as well as cultural and recreational activities. Take advantage of the University’s libraries and athletic facilities, or visit our arboretum and art galleries. There’s always something going on at Penn, whether it’s a new exhibit at the Penn Museum, the latest music or theater presentation at the Annenberg Center, or the Penn Relays at Franklin Field to name just a few examples. As a member of the Penn community, you’re right in the middle of the excitement—and you and your family can enjoy many of these activities for free.

+ Discounts and Special Services : From arts and entertainment to transportation and mortgages, you'll find great deals for University faculty and staff. Not only do Penn arts and cultural centers and museums offer free and discounted admission and memberships to faculty and staff. You can also enjoy substantial savings on other goods and services such as new cars from Ford and General Motors, cellular phone service plans, movie tickets, and admission to theme parks.

+ Flexible Work Hours: Flexible work options offer creative approaches for completing work while promoting balance between work and personal commitments. These approaches involve use of non-traditional work hours, locations, and/or job structures.

+ Penn Home Ownership Services: Penn offers a forgivable loan for eligible employees interested in buying a home or currently residing in West Philadelphia, which can be used for closing costs or home improvements.

+ Adoption Assistance: Penn will reimburse eligible employees on qualified expenses in connection with the legal adoption of an eligible child, such as travel or court fees, for up to two adoptions in your household.




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To learn more, please visit: https://www.hr.upenn.edu/PennHR/benefits-pay



The University of Pennsylvania's special character is reflected in the diversity of the Penn community. We seek talented faculty and staff who will constitute a vibrant community that draws on the strength that comes with a substantive institutional commitment to diversity along dimensions of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, religion, disability, veteran status, interests, perspectives, and socioeconomic status. Grounded in equal opportunity, nondiscrimination, and affirmative action, Penn's robust commitment to diversity is fundamental to the University's mission of advancing knowledge, educating leaders for all sectors of society, and public service. The University of Pennsylvania prohibits unlawful discrimination based on race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, creed, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected class.