Executive Vice President - Chief People Officer

Executive Vice President - Chief People Officer

Work Location:

Madison, WI - National Office

Schedule:

Full time

While the preferred location of the role is at the National Service Center based in Madison, WI, remote working options will also be considered.

To advance the purpose of InterVarsity, the Chief People Officer will serve as a strategic executive leader responsible for developing and executing a comprehensive people strategy that integrates Human Resources, Diversity, and organizational development to advance the ministry's mission. Reporting directly to the President/CEO and serving as a member of the Executive Leadership Team, this role provides vision and leadership for all aspects of diversity, talent management, and workforce effectiveness across the Fellowship.

MAJOR RESPONSIBLITIES

Spiritual Growth:

• Be a maturing disciple of Jesus Christ: growing in love for God, God’s Word, God’s people of every ethnicity and culture, and God’s purposes in the world
• Be a lifelong learner who prizes the discipleship of the mind, particularly staying current on issues of Human Resources, talent management, diversity, leadership development, total rewards, HCM, organizational culture, and the church in our society.

Strategic Leadership:

• Serve as an effective member of the Executive Leadership Team, expertly representing Human Resources and Diversity, but making decisions as a leader of the entire Fellowship
• Develop and implement an integrated people strategy aligned with the InterVarsity’s mission, values, and strategic priorities
• Partner with executive leadership to ensure workforce planning supports current operations and future growth
• Provide data-driven insights and recommendations on organizational effectiveness, workforce trends, and organizational development
• Partner with HR Leaders at peer Christian ministries to adopt best practices and advance the Kingdom of God

Diversity and Belonging:

• Champion diversity and belonging efforts that reflect God's heart for all people while maintaining theological convictions. Encourage staff to engage in employee resource groups, diversity programs, and diversity initiatives
• Cast vision and developing strategy for diversity within InterVarsity
• Serve as a thought leader on diversity within InterVarsity’s leadership
• Address organizational diversity challenges with wisdom, courage, and redemptive intent
• Drive organizational capacity and growth through strategic diversity initiatives by establishing retention benchmarks for diverse staff segments, implementing targeted programs that improve retention rates and expanding our talent pipelines for mission-critical leadership roles

Talent Acquisition, Development, & Retention:

• Champion initiatives that strengthen the ministry's ability to attract, develop, and retain mission-aligned talent
• Oversee recruitment strategies that identify and attract qualified candidates who demonstrate both professional competency and spiritual alignment with InterVarsity’s doctrinal statement and mission
• Direct initiatives that promote leadership development and professional growth at all levels
• Design and implement retention programs that address the unique challenges of ministry work including competitive compensation frameworks, career development pathways, and work-life sustainability

Performance Management & Employee Relations:

• Establish performance management systems that encourage excellence, provide meaningful feedback, and support employee growth
• Guide leaders in addressing performance issues with both grace and accountability
• Oversee employee relations matters including conflict resolution, disciplinary processes, and terminations with appropriate pastoral sensitivity
• Ensure consistency and fairness in policy application while maintaining flexibility for individual circumstances

Compensation & Benefits:

• Direct the design and administration of compensation structures that balance biblical stewardship, market competitiveness, and internal equity
• Direct the design and administration of benefits programs, including ministry-specific provisions.  Ensure compliance with all applicable federal and state regulations while maintaining appropriate consideration for religious organization exemptions

HR Operations, Systems, and Finances:

• Provide oversight of HCM platform and employee data management
• Ensure accurate record-keeping and reporting for audit, compliance, and strategic planning purposes
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives that enhance operational efficiency and employee experience
• Provide oversight for HR/Diversity annual budget and vendor relationships

Board Relations:

• Serve as an officer of the Board of Trustees
• Prepare and present reports for the Board as requested by the President
• Provide strategic counsel on organizational health, diversity, and talent management matters when requested
• Recommend potential Trustee candidates to the President

Compliance & Risk Management:

• Serve as Risk Manager for HR/Diversity and ensure compliance with employment law, IRS regulations for tax-exempt organizations, and InterVarsity policies and procedures
• Maintain HR policies and procedures that reflect current legal requirements and ministry values
• Manage employment-related risk, including proper documentation, harassment prevention, and accommodation processes

Fund Development:

• Raise financial support and maintain relationships with donors to deepen their commitment and support to the ministry
• Partner with Development to raise funds for strategic initiatives
• Ensure proper supervision and accountability for staff within the department who are fundraising

Work Environment & Physical Requirements:

• Standard office environment at the National Service Center or a home office with extended computer use
• Required travel for Board meetings, fundraising, executive team meetings, departmental meetings, training, and conferences

QUALIFICATIONS

• Annually affirm InterVarsity’s Statement of Agreement and demonstrate a strong commitment to advancing our mission
• Thorough knowledge of or the ability to learn: the purpose, vision, ministries and policies of InterVarsity
• Clear personal testimony of faith in Jesus Christ and significant theological and spiritual maturity
• Bachelor’s degree is required; graduate degree in HR, Business Administration, Nonprofit Management, Organizational Development or related field is preferred. Advanced HR/Diversity certification is preferred
• A minimum of ten years of HR/Diversity leadership experience, with at least five years in a senior management role is required
• Demonstrated experience and success managing HR functions, leading diversity programs, and implementing People Strategy initiatives that achieve established goals
• Strong business acumen and deep knowledge of employment law, compensation practices, and HR best practices
• Strong understanding of current diversity trends, challenges, and best practices
• Direct experience working with Christian non-profit ministries and boards is preferred
• Demonstrated mature judgment, with a high level of integrity, wisdom, humility and servant leadership
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and change management skills
• Proficient knowledge of HCM platforms and Microsoft software applications
• Ability to travel as required

Benefits:

We offer a competitive benefits package, including health care and retirement savings with a match. Eligibility is based on employee type and hours worked.  Benefits include the following:

• 403(b) Retirement Savings Plan

• 403(b) matching contributions

• Dental insurance

• Employee assistance program

• Employee discounts

• Flexible work schedule

• Flexible spending accounts

• Health insurance

• Health savings account

• Life insurance

• Paid time off

• Parental leave

• Professional development assistance

• Vision insurance