The Senior Talent Engagement Manager is a key contributor within the Finance and Administration team at the Owen Graduate School of Management (OGSM). Reporting directly to the Chief Business Officer, the role serves as a strategic partner and the primary human resource officer and is responsible for a wide range of human resource management and personnel administration for the OGSM’s staff and faculty. The position works closely with the Chief Business Officer and Associate Deans to support and execute the human capital strategic direction of the school and create collaborative and enriching environment for all faculty and staff.
About the Work Unit
The OGSM is a professional school at Vanderbilt University, located in Nashville, Tennessee, focused on graduate-level business education. OGSM’s mission is to create opportunities for its faculty, staff, and students to discover, grow, and thrive in business and beyond. OGSM recognizes discovery in traditional forms, such as scholarly research, intellectual curiosity, and curricular learning. But it also celebrates discovery unique to the human experience, that is, the art of becoming, which is lived through a desire to connect with others, to find meaning in work and relationships, and to create something new. OGSM sees transformation as foundational.
The Finance and Administration department serves the OGSM constituents by developing and overseeing financial planning, allocation, maintenance, and oversight of the school's financial and physical resources. The department responds to the needs of the Dean and OGSM departments while meeting the University expectations regarding school's performance, human resources, and administrative policies.
Duties and Responsibilities
Organizational Strategic Initiatives
Collaborates with the Dean, Chief Business Officer, and Associate Deans to develop and execute the organizational talent objectives aligned with the OGSM mission, objectives, and financial goals. Provides advisory support on organizational structure, change management, and process improvements to enhance operational efficiency and effectiveness. Develops performance metrics to inform data-driven decision-making related to talent management which may include retention, development and engagement. Builds and maintains strong working relationships within the school, peers across the University, and VU People, Culture and Belonging centers of expertise. Facilitates effective internal communication to ensure consistent and clear information dissemination across departments and maintain a cohesive work environment.
Talent Operations, Reporting, and Compliance
Implements institutional initiatives related to talent management within OGSM. In conjunction with the Chief Business Officer and the Dean, and in alignment with institutional compensation philosophy, actively participates in the development and distribution of a comprehensive compensation annual budget. Performs salary and compensation analysis to ensure consistent and equitable compensation practices. Maintains and updates the OGSM organizational charts. Oversees the staff conflict of interest disclosure requirements and advises leaders on approval processes and development of appropriate management plans. Serves as the OGSM Effort Certification Coordinator managing faculty effort certification processes. Serves as the HCM specialist processing faculty and staff employee transactions, including hiring, transfers, reclassifications, compensation, labor costing, administrative leaves, and end of employment actions. Oversees the timesheet/wage and hour compliance for non-exempt staff and absence management for exempt staff, including communication to ensure time records are submitted and approved timely and accurately. Serves as the initial resource for absence and leave management and reporting, including paid and unpaid leaves, and FMLA for staff and faculty, in coordination with VU center of leave expertise. Assists team members with navigating and understanding institutional and departmental procedures and policies, job/organizational structure and compensation matters. Keeps abreast of industry HR trends and best practices to identify opportunities for innovation and continuous improvement.
Talent Acquisition
Supports strategic initiatives focused on talent management, retention, and career progression opportunities for OGSM staff to maximize the school’s human capital potential. Collaborates with senior and department leadership on workforce planning and talent management. Facilitates talent acquisition initiatives to include development of position descriptions, supporting talent selection committees, liaising with VU People Experience and/or Compensation centers of expertise on position classification and compensation. Manages the full employee lifecycle, including recruitment, onboarding, performance management, and offboarding in collaboration with line managers and Vanderbilt People, Culture and Belonging.
Employee Relations and Talent Development
Identifies and facilitates professional development opportunities that enhance staff professional acumen and leadership capabilities. Manages the execution of comprehensive performance management processes at the school level including goal setting and accountability assessment. Provides coaching and support on employee performance-related and disciplinary issues working closely with VU People, Culture and Belonging centers of expertise to determine the best course of action. Develops and manages employee appreciation and recognition activities to provide an enriching environment for employees and achieves the school’s programmatic goals.
Supervisory Relationships
This position currently does not have supervisory responsibility and reports administratively and functionally to the Chief Business Officer.
Qualifications
A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education in human resources, business administration or other related field is required. At least five years of progressive experience in a human resources or related role. HR certification preferred.Experience and Skills
Proven ability to partner effectively with senior leadership in developing and implementing organizational development strategies. Demonstrated ability to manage an increasing volume of people related responsibilities amidst continuous business demands. Strong working knowledge of employment laws, HR best practices, and HR information systems. Ability to interpret and apply a broad range of laws, policies, and regulations to business environment and HR challenges. Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community. Ability to work in a dynamic organization by balancing multiple priorities and stakeholders simultaneously. Ability to effectively communicate HR related information, policies, and/or procedures to constituents. Ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders. Skilled in general Microsoft Office software including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Strong consulting and conflict resolution skills to provide appropriate impartial counsel and advice to senior leadership and staff on people related matters. Demonstrated high level of integrity and confidentiality to create strong, trusting, and collaborative relationships with OGSM and VU leaders and constituents. Ability to adapt to change and embrace new approaches to enhance faculty and staff experience.
Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
At Vanderbilt University, we are intentional about and assume accountability for fostering advancement and respect for equity, diversity, and inclusion for all students, faculty, and staff. Our commitment to diversity makes us who we are. We have created a community that celebrates differences and lets individuality thrive. As part of this commitment, we actively value diversity in our workplace and learning environments as we seek to take advantage of the rich backgrounds and abilities of everyone. The diverse voices of Vanderbilt represent an invaluable resource for the University in its efforts to fulfill its mission and strive to be an example of excellence in higher education.
Vanderbilt University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Please note, all candidates selected for an offer of employment are subject to pre-employment background checks, which may include but are not limited to, based on the role for which they have been selected: criminal history, education verification, social media review, motor vehicle records, credit history, and professional license verification.