About Us<\/span>
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HR Knowledge Source (HRKS) is an award -winning talent management consulting firm based in the Southeast U.S. We partner with organizations to transform how they attract, develop, and retain talent — delivering practical, high -impact solutions across strategic planning, leadership development, employee engagement, and recruiting. Joining HRKS means working alongside a collaborative team that's passionate about making work better — for our clients and for each other.<\/span>
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The Engagement<\/span>
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HRKS has been retained by a confidential higher education institution in the Washington, DC region to identify a seasoned HR executive for a critical interim consulting engagement. The client operates an HR function of approximately 40 employees with a compensation and benefits portfolio exceeding $380 million. The selected consultant will report to the client’s Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and partner closely with senior university leadership. The client’s identity will be disclosed to qualified candidates.<\/span>
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Role Overview<\/span>
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The Interim HR Executive Consultant will step immediately into active operations, providing hands -on leadership and stability across multiple HR centers of excellence. With two senior HR leadership roles currently vacant, the organization needs an experienced executive who can manage day -to -day functions, advance active initiatives, and serve as a steady operational presence while larger institutional efforts move forward. The ideal candidate brings a project management mindset, sound judgment under pressure, and the ability to hit the ground running from day one.<\/span>
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Scope of Responsibility<\/span>
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Team & Structure<\/span>
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•     <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>Lead an HR team of ~40 employees across core functional areas: Talent Solutions, Employee Experience, HRIS, Total Rewards, Talent Acquisition, and Employee & Labor Relations<\/span>
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•     <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>Manage four direct reports and support the hiring of two senior director roles<\/span>
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Operational Priorities<\/span>
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•     <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>Oversee day -to -day HR operations and maintain continuity during organizational redesign<\/span>
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•     <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>Manage multiple concurrent projects: labor relations initiatives, summer training programs, and transition planning<\/span>
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•     <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>Support upcoming executive searches as a key operational resource<\/span>
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•     <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>Collaborate with key stakeholders: CFO, Provost, General Counsel’s Office, and Staff Council<\/span>
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Requirements<\/h3>

Qualifications<\/span>
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Required<\/span>
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•     <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>Bachelor’s degree; advanced degree or SHRM -SCP/SPHR certification preferred<\/span>
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•     <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>10+ years of executive -level HR leadership experience<\/span>
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•     <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>Prior consulting experience with a track record of managing complex client engagements<\/span>
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•     <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>Expertise in at least 1 -2 areas of HR leadership (ex. Total Rewards, Employee & Labor Relations, Talent Acquisition). Functional depth in Total Rewards (Compensation and/or Benefits) is highly preferred<\/span>
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•     <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>Proficiency in Workday (or similar HRIS) and Microsoft Office Suite<\/span>
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Preferred<\/span>
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•     <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>Experience in higher education or similarly complex, mission -driven organizations<\/span>
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•     <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>Familiarity with unionized environments (organization works with four unions; in -house labor counsel available)<\/span>
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•     <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>Experience supporting or managing executive -level recruitment processes<\/span>
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Key Competencies<\/span>
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•     <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>Project management mindset with ability to coordinate multiple priorities simultaneously<\/span>
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•     <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>Operational instincts to identify process gaps and intervene with sound judgment<\/span>
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•     <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>Exceptional communication skills across all organizational levels<\/span>
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•     <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>Discretion and sensitivity in handling confidential matters<\/span>
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•     <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>Data -driven, collaborative, and solutions -oriented leadership style<\/span>
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•     <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>Act as a unifying “team captain,” driving accountability, trust, and collaboration while maintaining clarity and alignment through change<\/span>
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•     <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>Demonstrated commitment to inclusive excellence<\/span>
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Contract Details<\/span>
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Engagement:  <\/span><\/span><\/b>Independent Contractor (1099)<\/span>
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Duration:  <\/span><\/span><\/b>4–6 months<\/span>
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Location:  <\/span><\/span><\/b>Washington, DC region — Hybrid (3 days on -site; Tuesday is a core in -office day)<\/span>
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Hours:  <\/span><\/span><\/b>Standard 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (occasional 8 AM meetings)<\/span>
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Reports To:  <\/span><\/span><\/b>Client’s Chief Financial Officer (CFO)<\/span>
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Client:  <\/span><\/span><\/b>Confidential higher education institution, Washington, DC region (disclosed to qualified candidates)<\/span>
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Offers must be contingent on the successful completion of professional reference and background checks.<\/span><\/i>
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Confidentiality is strictly maintained.<\/span>
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HR Knowledge Source (HRKS) is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or any other protected charact<\/span><\/span><\/i>eristic.<\/span><\/span><\/i>
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