About APIA Scholars
Based in Washington, D.C. and founded in 2003, Asian Pacific Islander American Scholars (APIA Scholars) is the nation’s leading non-profit organization devoted to the academic, personal, and professional success of Asian American Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander students. Through scholarships, higher education research and policy, student programs, and institutional partnerships, APIA Scholars carries out its mission to educate, elevate, and empower a diverse community of 25 million strong and growing.
Position Summary
Reporting directly to the Chief Operating Officer, the Associate Vice President (AVP) of People & Culture holds a strategic and transformative position within the organization. As a key thought partner to the Senior Leadership Team, the AVP is instrumental in advancing people and culture priorities that drive organizational success.
APIA Scholars seeks a visionary leader to shape and nurture the organizational culture. Acting as a vital representative for the People & Culture department, the AVP is a champion of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB), dedicated to fostering an inclusive and engaging workplace where all employees can thrive.
The AVP of People & Culture is responsible for designing and implementing initiatives that enhance staff engagement, support professional growth, and align HR strategies with organizational objectives. In addition to overseeing all aspects of the employee lifecycle, the AVP ensures that every touchpoint reflects the organization's values and commitments. This role is an opportunity for a servant leader who is passionate about transforming outward commitments into internal realities, driving meaningful change, and positioning the organization as a leader in people and culture excellence.
Roles and Responsibilities
Leader & DEIB Practitioner:
- Cultivate, build, and set a clear vision and direction for APIA Scholars DEIB initiatives, fostering a culture rooted in DEIB
- Lead and manage the People and Culture department
- Develop and oversee the implementation of a DEIB strategic plan
- Create DEIB metrics and oversee ongoing monitoring to measure progress and inform continuous improvement practices
- Lead courageous conversations with staff related to diversity, equity, and inclusion topics
- Oversee the creation and support of Employee Resource Groups (ERGs)
- Provide DEIB-related recommendations to APIA Scholars leadership, including readings, trainings, and other professional development opportunities
Partner and Strategic Contributor:
- Collaborate with the Chief Operating Officer, Senior Leadership Team and President, aligning people and culture strategies with organizational objectives
- Work closely with the Chief Operating Officer to ensure alignment and integration of strategies across the organization
- Direct workplace investigations, offering guidance and assistance to managers in navigating employee relations
- Provide strategic support to managers in performance management, talent acquisition, and career advancement
- Work with the leadership team to set a strategic vision and priorities for all talent work, including an explicit equity lens
- Partner with hiring managers and the Senior Leadership Team on talent needs, recruitment strategies, and process improvements
- Provide HR advice and counsel to managers and the Senior Leadership Team
People Champion & Advocate:
- Champion talent development initiatives, including training, career pathways, and succession planning
- Advocate for employees' well-being, growth, and engagement, promoting a positive and inclusive workplace culture
- Oversee matters related to people management and talent within the organization
- Maintain knowledge of best practices to support and develop staff and build a professionally invigorating work environment where people can grow
- Reinforce and integrate the organization’s values and core competencies into daily operations and staff interactions
- Regularly solicit feedback through staff satisfaction surveys and input from all staff, both formally and informally, and analyze data to drive ongoing continuous improvement efforts in coordination with the Director of People & Culture
- Set the vision and framework for staff meetings and retreats in collaboration with the Director of People & Culture
Human Resources Strategy & Oversight:
- Establish a clear vision and direction for the People & Culture Team
- Proactively address the organization's people and culture needs, encompassing workforce planning, talent acquisition, staff retention, organizational and professional development, and performance management
- Provide high-level oversight and strategic direction for a robust HR operation, ensuring HR policies and regulations are administered effectively and communicated in a supportive manner in collaboration with the Director of People & Culture
- Formulate and execute HR strategies that align with organizational goals and objectives, including the entire recruitment and selection process to attract and retain top talent
- Supervise the hiring and onboarding process for full-time staff, ensuring a smooth and efficient experience for new hires
- Manage and oversee employee relations, including conflict resolution, disciplinary actions, and grievance procedures, ensuring a positive and compliant work environment
- Optimize staff data systems to capture, organize, and analyze HR, performance review, and coaching/development information, enabling data-driven decision-making
- Provide strategic oversight for internal HR systems
- Ensure organizational compliance with all applicable labor laws, regulations, and industry standards. Stay up-to-date with changes in employment legislation and lead the implementation of necessary policy and practice adjustments
- Develop, implement, and continuously improve HR policies and procedures that not only comply with legal requirements but also uphold and enhance the organization’s values and culture
- Lead and oversee the annual staff compliance training program, ensuring completion and adherence to organizational and legal standards
Qualifications
- 8+ years of proven experience in a senior HR role, preferably within a non-profit organization or higher education
- Strong knowledge of HR policies, procedures, and regulations
- Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
- Ability to build and maintain positive relationships with employees at all levels
- Strategic thinker with strong problem-solving skills
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and projects simultaneously
What We Offer
Salary in the range of $94,000-$120,000 annually. The salary for this position is commensurate with experience. The organization operates within a four-day work week to support a holistic approach to work and life for its staff. APIA Scholars provides a comprehensive benefits package including health, vision, dental, 401k, life insurance, and generous paid leave including 15 vacation days, 10 sick leave days, federal holidays, and an additional one-week winter closure.
APIA Scholars is committed to fostering diversity and inclusivity. We encourage applications from individuals of all communities, including people of color, persons with disabilities, women, LGBTQ+ individuals, veterans, and other marginalized groups.
