Description
Vice President of Talent, Culture and Human Resources
Lewisburg, Pennsylvania
Bucknell University invites nominations and applications for the position of Vice President of Talent, Culture and Human Resources (VPTCHR). The Vice President holds a senior leadership role at the University responsible for shaping a thriving, inclusive workplace and a high-performing workforce. Reporting to the President as a key member of the senior team, the VPTCHR will lead a comprehensive strategy that balances HR operations with cultural strategy. The VP will have an exceptional opportunity to contribute to – and collaborate with – the Bucknell community at a time of tremendous momentum for the institution.
Bucknell, a private, comprehensive undergraduate university, is ranked No. 30 in National Liberal Arts College by U.S. News & World Report 2026, and No. 7 in Most Innovative Schools. Bucknell has been ranked No. 1 among colleges and universities in Pennsylvania and 12th nationally among all colleges and universities on Forbes’ 2026 America’s Best Midsize Employers list. Bucknell is supported by over 1,300 full-time employees (more than 400 faculty and more than 900 staff) and has a dedicated network of more than 57,000 alumni. The University serves over 3,900 undergraduates and 47 graduate students across three distinct colleges: the College of Arts & Sciences, the College of Engineering and the Kenneth W. Freeman College of Management. Bucknell awards bachelor’s degrees in more than 50 fields, including nine interdisciplinary programs, and select master’s degrees. For fiscal year 2025-26, Bucknell had an operating budget of $304 million and an endowment of $1.26 billion.
The Office of Talent, Culture and Human Resources (TCHR), led by the Vice President, is supported by 17 HR professionals who serve and support University employees, including student employees, in the areas of Employee Experience, Culture and Title IX; Compensation and Benefits; Learning and Organizational Development; HRIS and Operational Excellence; Talent Acquisition and Retention; Engagement and Inclusion; and, Total Rewards and Recognition. Bucknell employees enjoy tuition benefits; a University-backed mortgage guarantee program; wellness plans including Be Well; and medical and life insurance and retirement savings programs, all of which are administered by TCHR. Bucknell successfully implemented the Workday platform in 2017 for personnel, payroll and financial management.
The VP serves as a primary advisor to senior leadership on human capital, campus climate and organizational health, providing timely and direct advice that enhances the President's ability to lead and support a complex workforce. The VPTCHR leverages Workday and other HRIS tools to deliver actionable people analytics that inform leadership decision-making and identifies and acts upon challenges and opportunities for growth. The VP oversees a departmental operating budget of roughly $1 million and manages a self-insured employee health care plan with a budget of $42 million.
The VPTCHR assumes critical oversight of the University’s Title IX function and Student Employment operations as part of the portfolio, ensuring a holistic approach to talent, and compliance across the institution. The VP also orchestrates strategies that foster inclusive excellence and belonging, ensuring a culture of belonging for every staff and faculty member at a transformative moment in the institution’s history. The new VP will be responsible for developing a progressive, innovative, efficient and collaborative TCHR organization that supports a culture of excellent customer service, compliance and engagement. They will also design, implement and evaluate strategies and policies to ensure that the University meets objectives related to employee resources, talent and benefits.
The successful candidate will be a seasoned human resources and culture leader with a minimum of 7-10 years of progressive leadership experience in human resources, organizational development, or talent management, preferably within a complex organization or higher education environment. They will have demonstrable success in leading transformative changes in policy development, compensation strategy and employee engagement. They will be a leader with a deep commitment to fostering an inclusive environment, demonstrated by the ability to effectively engage with and champion individuals from diverse lived experiences. Experience overseeing or partnering with Title IX/EEO compliance functions and a Master’s degree are strongly preferred.
This is a full-time position that will be based on-site in Pennsylvania. Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience and includes a generous benefits package. The salary range for this role is $295,000 – 325,000. This is a full-time position that will be performed on site in the state of Pennsylvania.
The full prospectus is available here: Bucknell - Vice President of Talent, Culture & Human Resources
Nominations and applications should be submitted electronically as soon as possible. The VPTCHR Search Committee will begin reviewing applications in March 2026. Applications should include a curriculum vitae/resumé and a detailed letter of interest that responds to the opportunities and challenges and the desired attributes for the new VPTCHR expressed in this search prospectus. All materials will be considered in full confidence. DSG Storbeck has been exclusively retained for this engagement, which is being led by Carly Rose DiGiovanni, Managing Director, and Kate Phillips, Senior Associate.
To express interest in this role please submit materials directly to the talent profile: Bucknell University - Vice President of Talent, Culture and Human Resources. For nominations and inquiries, please contact: BucknellVPTCHR@dsgco.comAll inquiries are strictly confidential.
Bucknell University is committed to excellence through diversity in its faculty, staff, and students. An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer, Bucknell University especially welcomes applications from candidates underrepresented in higher education.
