• Vice President of Human Resources and Workplace Experience
  • Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences

Position Information

  • Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences (PNWU), located in Yakima, Washington, seeks an accomplished and solution oriented executive to serve as the Vice President of Human Resources and Workplace Experience (VPHRWE) to reimagine, elevate, and advance the role of human resources within the organization and to play a critical role in helping to shape the future of PNWU’s workplace culture and employee experience. Since graduating its inaugural class of 70 Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine in 2012, PNWU has grown substantially, with five health science programs designed to meet the needs of rural and medically underserved communities. The College of Osteopathic Medicine, School of Physical Therapy, School of Occupational Therapy, School of Dental Medicine, and the Master of Arts in Medical Sciences program focus on producing healthcare professionals who reflect and serve the local communities. Located on a collaborative, 70-acre health sciences campus, with 690 students across five health programs, 97 faculty members, and 203 staff, PNWU serves as a hub of collaboration and innovation.

    The VPHRWE will join PNWU at a time of meaningful momentum with the continued advancement of a dynamic strategic plan (2025–2028), ongoing expansion of academic offerings, and deepening of clinical partnerships. In addition, the recent appointment of the institution’s seventh President, Dr. Michael H. Mittelman, marks a pivotal moment for PNWU, as the University continues to expand its mission-driven work in health sciences education and service to underserved communities.

    Reporting directly to President Dr. Michael H. Mittelman and serving as a key member of the President’s executive leadership team, the VPHRWE is the principal steward of PNWU’s human-capital strategy, aligning strategy, resources, and operations to advance institutional priorities and shared accountability. Following the institution’s two decades of rapid growth, this leader will have the opportunity to build a modern, sophisticated, and strategic human resources organization, to establish best practices, policies, systems, and programs to effectively support the evolving needs of the organization and its mission-driven employees at all levels. As a result, the HR organization will be known for service excellence, transparent communication, and evidence-based decision-making.

    Particular areas of focus for the VPHRWE include shaping a transformative and future-focused strategy for human resources, implementing best practices for the recruitment and hiring of top talent, delivering comprehensive training for managers and supervisors, implementing programs to elevate workplace experience, and deepening campus-wide trust through transparent communication and engagement. In addition, a key priority for the VPHRWE is fostering a culture of university-wide succession planning, leadership development, and structured role-based learning pathways that cultivate supervisor capability and support employee career progression. This ensures that the University not only retains top talent but also empowers individuals at every level to advance and realize their professional goals. As a result, the VPHRWE will support a dynamic and resilient workforce, driving operational excellence and positive outcomes for the community, and will sustain university-wide employee engagement and productivity across the institution.

    The PNWU community desires a leader who brings demonstrated experience advancing transformational change in complex mission-driven environments, who possesses broad human resources knowledge and a strong record of driving efficiencies and innovation in HR business practices, fostering collaboration across all levels of an organization, and delivering strategic consultative services to organizational leadership. In addition, the ideal candidate will have a reputation as a transparent and trusted colleague, an excellent listener, and will possess the humility to roll up their sleeves and be known as a solution-oriented problem solver. Unquestionable integrity, strong management skills, and the courage to take a firm stand or apply a gentle touch as a situation requires will be critical.

    A deep resonance with and eagerness to embrace PNWU’s service-centered mission and values and contribute to and advance these within the University and beyond will be paramount. The leader will bring experience supporting a workforce of diverse constituents, an appreciation for and understanding of the nuanced needs of faculty, including clinical faculty, and at least ten years of progressively responsible human resources experience, including supervisory experience with an institution of higher education or healthcare system of comparable size and complexity. Prior experience in a graduate health sciences institution is strongly preferred.

    All applications, nominations, and inquiries are invited. Applications should include, as separate documents, a CV or resume and a letter of interest addressing the themes in the leadership profile available at https://apptrkr.com/6567430.

    Professional references are not requested at this time. WittKieffer is assisting Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences in this search. For fullest consideration, candidate materials should be received by November 3, 2025.

    Application materials, nominations, and inquiries can be directed to: Sarah Palmer and Luis Bertot at PNWU_VPHRWE@wittkieffer.com

    Anticipated annual salary range for the opportunity is $220,000 – $275,000, commensurate with experience and qualifications. Relocation assistance available. Benefits include medical, dental, and paid time off. Full details: PNWU Employee Benefits at https://www.pnwu.edu/job-opportunities/employee-benefits/.

    PNWU is an equal opportunity employer and makes employment and student application decisions on the basis of merit. The University shall not discriminate against faculty, staff, volunteers, students, or applicants on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, religion, sex, gender, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation or gender identity, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by law for any reason including recruitment, selection, and promotion. As well, PNWU prohibits all forms of harassment by students, employees, guests, or volunteers whether intentional or unintentional, on campus or at other owned or contracted facilities.

Organization Information

  • https://www.pnwu.edu
  • https://apptrkr.com/6567430