Associate Vice President of People and Culture

Clark College is currently accepting applications for a full-time, 12-month, exempt Associate Vice President position in the Office of People and Culture.  Reporting directly to the Vice President of People and Culture, the Associate Vice President (AVP) of People & Culture is a leadership role responsible for advancing the college’s Human Resources, diversity, equity, and inclusion, and organizational culture initiatives in alignment with the strategic direction established by the Vice President. As the second-in-command within the Office of People & Culture, the AVP provides day-to-day leadership, operational oversight, and expert guidance across key Human Resources and diversity, equity and inclusion functions, including, but not limited to talent acquisition and development, employee and labor relations, total rewards, compliance, and employee engagement.

The AVP plays a pivotal role in translating institutional goals into operational practice, ensuring the consistent application of policies, processes, and diversity, equity and inclusion principles throughout the employee lifecycle. This leader has strong inclusive communication and fosters collaborative relationships across the college, helping to attract, develop, and retain a diverse workforce that supports student success and reflects the mission, vision, and values of the community college. This position is expected to work in-person, on campus and the position may offer occasional work from home days. 

The Office of People and Culture’s mission is to support and elevate the college community by embedding equity and continuous growth into every aspect of people practices – from recruitment and onboarding to learning, well-being and community partnerships.

At Clark, we value equity, diversity, and inclusion. We are committed to growing, learning, and supporting our employees. 

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Integration

Under the leadership and direction of the VP:

• The AVP will work to advance the institution’s DEI commitments by embedding equity-focused practices into HR operations, policies, and decision-making.
• Support efforts to diversify the faculty, staff, and leadership pipeline through inclusive recruitment, equitable hiring practices, and bias-reduction strategies.
• Ensure all Human Resources policies and processes are equitable, nondiscriminatory, and aligned with the college’s diversity, equity and inclusion goals through the college’s social equity framework.
• Develop and provide training and professional learning in areas such as cultural competency, inclusive leadership, conflict resolution, and equity-minded supervisory practices.

Human Resources Operations

Under the leadership and direction of the VP:

• Provide operational leadership for core Human Resources functions, including HRIS, personnel records, compliance, and process improvement.
• Ensure Human Resources services are timely, accurate, and accessible, meeting the needs of a diverse workforce.
• Implement and maintain policies and procedures that promote legal compliance, consistency, and fairness across the institution. 
• Collaborate closely with the VP to ensure day-to-day operations are aligned with the mission and vision of the Office of People and Culture’s.

Talent Acquisition, Development & Retention

Under the leadership and direction of the VP:

• Lead a comprehensive talent strategy focused on attracting and retaining highly qualified, diverse faculty and staff.
• Collaborate with hiring managers to ensure equitable screening, interviewing, and evaluation processes.
• Train, promote, develop, and engage in professional development program offerings, including training on leadership development, onboarding, and succession planning.
• Support continuous learning through programs that build cultural fluency and strengthen a growth-oriented workplace.

Employee & Labor Relations

• Provide leadership and guidance to Director of Employee Equity and Engagement to ensure learning pathways are implemented across all employee categories and resolve complex compliance situations. 
• Provide leadership and guidance to Director of Labor and Compliance and employees on conflict resolution, performance management, and contract interpretation, ensuring all actions reflect equity and fairness and timely resolution.
• Serve as a key liaison in collective bargaining processes, promoting respectful, transparent, and collaborative labor-management relations.
• Lead or coordinate workplace investigations, ensuring fairness, consistency, and alignment with DEI principles.
• Actively participate in labor–management relationships.

Compensation, Benefits & Total Rewards

• Oversee equitable compensation and benefits strategies, ensuring pay and benefits are competitive, transparent, and supportive of employee well-being.
• Conduct regular compensation analysis to identify and address pay disparities.
• Lead benefits education efforts that meet the diverse needs of employees across all demographics.
• Provide leadership and guidance to Director of Talent Acquisition and Compensation to ensure compensation is accurate and complex situations are resolved. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master’s degree in Human Resources, Organizational Development, Business Administration, Higher Education Administration, or related field OR a combination of relevant experience and education. 
• Three (3) years of direct experience with employee and labor relations, collective bargaining, and conducting investigations. 
• Three (3) years of direct experience supervising employees and running day-to-day operations of an office.  
• Experience in a community college or similarly mission-driven educational environment.
• Experience working with diverse, multicultural employees and student populations.
• Progressively responsible human resources and diversity, equity and inclusion leadership experience, preferably in higher education.
• Demonstrated success in embedding diversity, equity and inclusion principles into human resources systems, policies, and campus-wide practices.
• Knowledge of employment and labor laws, human resources best practices, and working in a unionized environment.
• Ability to work well with people of all ages from academically, culturally, and socioeconomically diverse backgrounds.

WHAT WE OFFER:

• Clark promotes work/life balance for employees.
• McClaskey Culinary Institute offers fast, fresh, and healthy dining options for students, faculty, staff, and the community. The space, located in Gaiser Hall, features three kiosks, a full-service retail bakery and barista bar, grab-and-go items, and a student-run restaurant.   
• Coffee Lounge in Hannah Hall and Clark Café in Joan Stout Hall.  
• Campus bookstore offers snacks, apparel, and specialty supplies.  
• On-campus early childhood education care program (pending registration and availability). 
• Gym and recreation facilities available for membership.  
• Clark promotes wellness with a variety of different workshops and events.

SALARY/BENEFITS:

Salary Range: $128,049-$148,267 annually (commensurate with qualifications and experience). 

Successful candidates are typically hired at the beginning of the salary range and receive scheduled salary increment increases.

Clark College offers an exceptional benefits package that includes vacation/sick leave; medical, dental, life and long-term disability insurance; retirement; and tuition waiver.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Required Online Application Materials:

• Clark College Online Application 

• Current resume, with a minimum of three (3) references listed.

• Cover letter describing background and experience related to qualifications and responsibilities of the position.

• Responses to the supplemental questions included in the online application process.

Please apply online at www.clark.edu/jobs

To contact Clark College Office of People and Culture, please call (360) 992-2105 or email recruitment@clark.edu. 

APPLICATION DEADLINE:  Required application materials must be completed and submitted online by 3 p.m., March 17, 2026

CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT:

Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted which includes a sexual misconduct background check as required under RCW 28B.112.080. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant’s suitability and competence to perform in the position.

Clark College does not currently sponsor H-1B visas.

DISABILITY ACCOMODATIONS 

Upon request, accommodations are available to persons with disabilities for the application process. Contact the Office of People and Culture at (360)992-2105 or by video phone at (360)991-0901.  

SECURITY

The security of all the members of the campus community is of vital concern to Clark College. Information regarding crime prevention advice, the authority of the Security/Safety Department, policies concerning reporting of any crimes which may occur on or near college property, and crime statistics for the most recent 3-year period may be requested from the Clark College Security/Safety Department, (360) 992-2133 or security.requests@clark.edu. The most recent Annual Security Report, written in compliance with the Clery Act, can be reviewed here: http://www.clark.edu/campus-life/student-support/security/report.php. 

ELIGIBILITY VERIFICATION

If you are hired, you will need proof of identity, and documentation of U.S. citizenship or legal authorization to work.

CORRECTIONS OR EXTENDED NOTICES
Corrected or extended notices will be posted online and in the Office of People and Culture.

Clark College’s Office People and Culture supports individuals with their academic, personal, and professional development, as well as provides training and educational resources for all members of the college community around diversity, inclusion, power, privilege, inequity, social equity, and social justice. The college offers further professional development for our employees through opportunities such as Employee Resource Groups, Cross Institution Faculty of Color Mentorship program and Faculty and Staff of Color Conference.

The Office of People and Culture aims to support and elevate the college community by embedding equity and continuous growth into every aspect of people practices - from recruitment and onboarding to learning, well-being, and community partnerships

Clark College values diversity and is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Educator. Protected group members are strongly encouraged to apply.  Clark College provides equal opportunity in education and employment and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, creed, religion, honorably discharged veteran or military status, citizenship, immigration status or use of a trained guide dog or service animal. Prohibited sex discrimination includes sexual harassment (unwelcome sexual conduct of various types). The college considers equal opportunity, affirmative action, and non-discrimination to be fundamental to the mission, vision, and values of the college. All faculty and staff hired at Clark College are encouraged to embrace, continually support, and enhance social equity on our campus and in our community. The college provides reasonable accommodations for qualified students, employees, and applicants with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and Federal Rehabilitation Act. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies, Title II and Title IX, and Affirmative Action: Michelle Jenkins, Director of Labor and Compliance, 360-992-2317, mljenkins@clark.edu,  1933 Fort Vancouver Way, Baird 122, Vancouver, Washington 98663. Clark College is a smoke-free/drug free environment.  This recruitment announcement does not reflect the entire job description and can be changed and or modified without notice.

Clark College Office of People and Culture

February 24, 2026

26-00013

https://www.clark.edu/jobs