Assistant Vice President, Human Resources

Overview

Brooklyn Public Library (BPL) is one of the nation’s largest library systems and among New York City’s most democratic institutions.

As a leader in developing modern 21st-century libraries, we provide resources to support personal advancement, foster civic literacy, and strengthen the fabric of community among the more than 2.

7 million individuals who call Brooklyn home. BPL provide nearly 60,000 free programs a year with writers, thinkers, artists, and educators from around the corner and around the world.

And we give patrons millions of opportunities to enjoy one of life’s greatest satisfactions : the joy of a good book.

The Assistant Vice President acts as a senior HR leader and has responsibility in various HR functions across the team. Working closely with leaders and colleagues across the library, supports the implementation of strategic plans and identifies opportunities for growth success on the team.

Reporting to the Chief Human Resources Officer, the AVP represents the department as required, including in the absence of the CHRO.

Responsibilities

Role Responsibilities

• Provide executive-level leadership to BPLs HR operations
• A leading partner in setting, enforcing, and evaluating legally compliant HR policies, procedures, and best practices
• Identifying and implementing long-range strategic talent management goals
• Manages various HR functions including operations and benefits administration
• Supports the implementation and management of HR’s strategic plan in collaboration with the CHRO and other members of the HR management team
• Identifies opportunities for enhancing, scaling, and clarifying business processes and procedures originating from Human Resources
• Maintains knowledge of laws, regulations, and best practices in employment law, human resources, and talent management
• Leads special projects as assigned. Provides guidance and leadership to the human resource management team; assists with resolving human resources, compensation, and benefits questions, concerns, and issues
• Ensures compliance with employment, benefits, insurance, safety, and other laws, regulations, and requirements
• Utilizes first-class communication strategies to help educate and enable employees to maximize human resources technology
• Support change management initiatives
• Provides strategic direction to HR operations while remaining hands-on as a functional lead
• Models a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion
• Occasionally manages complex and sensitive workplace investigations in collaboration with the General Counsel and the members of the Employee Relations team
• Implements data informed decision-making, especially when problem-solving
• Ensures operational functions comply with federal and state laws and align with union contract(s)
• Participates as an active member of the Executive Management Team and Safety Committees
• Serves as primary contact for the employment assistance program
• Participates in professional development and networking conferences and events.
• Performs other duties as assigned

People Manager Responsibilities

• Manage, mentor, and develop a team of 3-4 direct reports
• Creates a culture of continuous learning and skill development across all team members
• Recruits, interviews, hires, and trains HR colleagues
• Mentors and coaches' team to execute daily department workflow
• Provides constructive and timely performance feedback

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent in Human Resources, or a related field required. Relevant Certifications preferred
• Minimum of ten (10) years of progressive HR generalist experience
• Minimum of seven (7) years in a people management leadership role(s)
• Ability to work effectively as a valuable partner and trusted advisor to all levels of Library management
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Extensive project management skills across varying areas of expertise
• Exceptional interpersonal, conflict resolution and relationship-building skills, with a proven capacity to exercise skills at all organizational levels
• A strong record for leading in a complex unionized environment
• Model flexible and inclusive leadership style that is informed by best practices, including emotional intelligence, and leading with empathy
• Proven time management and decision-making skills, with expert analytical and organizational skills
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, delivering across competing timelines
• Demonstrated ability to partner with and build strong relationships with other teams outside of Human Resources
• Ability to influence and lead in the absence of formal authority
• Strong knowledge and ability to interpret and communicate employment laws and HR policy
• Comfort with ambiguity and taking part in complex strategy discussions
• High aptitude for collaboration, accountability, and enthusiasm
• Extensive knowledge of HRIS systems is highly desirable
• Experience in dispersed public sector environments preferred

This is a non-union, exempt position. The compensation for this position is $155,000-164,000.

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume with their application.