Director of Human Resources – College of Natural Resources and Environment

Company: Virginia Tech
Location: Blacksburg
Posted on: February 22, 2026

Job Description:

Based in Blacksburg, Virginia, with locations in every county in the Commonwealth, Virginia Tech is a top 25 public research university. Under the leadership of a dynamic President, the university is growing in Blacksburg and expanding its presence across Virginia, most notably at the Health Science and Technology campus in Roanoke and the regional presence in the DC metropolitan area. As the commonwealth’s most comprehensive university and a leading research institution, Virginia Tech offers approximately 280 undergraduate and graduate degree programs to more than 37,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students across the commonwealth and manages a research portfolio of more than $650 million. With more than 7500 staff, professional, and wage employees, and an additional 3000 teaching and research faculty, the university fulfills its role as a land-grant institution by fostering a collaborative environment that integrates technology into all disciplines, so that the Virginia Tech community can serve as a force for positive change around the commonwealth, the country, and the world. The College of Natural Resources and Environment (CNRE) at Virginia Tech is nationally recognized for its leadership in advancing the science, management, and stewardship of natural resources and environmental systems. CNRE provides a highly interdisciplinary academic and research environment, where 1000 undergraduates and 300 graduate students engage with over 200 faculty and staff, and multiple partners and stakeholders, to collaborate and address complex challenges related to sustainability, resilience, and resource management at local to global scales. The college encompasses a diverse portfolio of programs, across 11 majors, such as forestry, wildlife and fisheries conservation, sustainable packaging and materials, and geography, unified by a strong commitment to innovation, experiential learning, and global engagement. The degree programs are unique in the Commonwealth and are a strength for the college. CNRE currently ranks fourth among colleges at Virginia Tech with research expenditures over $23 million. Virginia Tech is seeking an accomplished and visionary human resources professional to serve in the position of Director of Human Resources for the college. This position will report jointly to the Assistant Vice President for HR Consulting and Strategic Services within the Division of Human Resources and the dean of the college. Working as part of both the larger HR organization and the college administration, the HR director will align and execute unit-based HR strategy with the university’s mission and strategy. The incumbent will provide strategic and tactical leadership, consulting, and resources for all talent-related activities, including acquisition, development, management, and engagement. Responsibilities include oversight and/or coordination of hiring and onboarding activities, training programs, performance management and employee relations, position management, workforce planning and staffing, recruiting, retention strategies, and succession planning. This individual will serve as the key strategy collaborator with the dean while also serving as a member of the Division of Human Resources leadership team. To carry out these responsibilities, the incumbent must be proactive, a strategic thinker, able to understand the critical importance of planning and program delivery, able to successfully balance competing values, and able to align recommendations and actions with the strategies of the university. Success in this position will rely heavily on awareness of the culture and environment within CNRE, the university, and the Division of Human Resources. This will be enabled by developing strong relationships across campus and fostering respectful communications and collaborations within a diverse community of faculty, staff, and students. Given the joint reporting relationship, the incumbent must manage potentially conflicting interests, possess strong organizational skills, plan and schedule individual work and teamwork, set priorities, and independently manage multiple projects and deadlines. The ideal candidate will have a demonstrated track record in building strong relationships with a diverse group of individuals within a collaborative and collegial environment. Required Qualifications -Related bachelor’s degree with significant related experience in a professional human resources role -Recent progressive and consultative HR experience in a complex organization with diverse cultures and operating environments, including experience providing forward-facing strategic recommendations, working with senior leadership, and influencing and managing people and projects through direct and indirect supervisory roles -Increasing levels of responsibility to include a broad HR Generalist background with experience in multiple disciplines such as talent acquisition, talent management, talent development, performance management, compensation, and more -Experience working in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment with quickly shifting priorities -Strong interpersonal communications skills -Ability to maintain discretion and the highest ethical and professional standards while managing confidential information -Management level experience delivering HR services Preferred Qualifications -Master’s degree in human resources, management, or related field -Related HR certification such as SHRM-SCP or SPHR -Significant and increasing levels of HR responsibility within higher education -Experience leading HR programs across multiple geographical locations -Experience providing HR services to teaching and research faculty Overtime Status Exempt: Not eligible for overtime Appointment Type Regular Salary Information Salary range of $120,000 - $135,000 Hours per week 40 Review Date 3/3/2026 Additional Information The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check. About Virginia Tech Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School, and Honors College. The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including Blacksburg, the greater Washington, D.C. area, the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke, sites in Newport News and Richmond, and numerous Extension offices and research institutes. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $650 million in research annually. Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional development opportunities and university shared governance. These valuable contributions to university shared governance provide important representation and perspective, along with opportunities for unique and impactful professional development. Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, ethnicity or national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.

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