VP of Human Resources

Join a Community Where People Matter

Founded in 1955, Deerfield Episcopal Retirement Community is a faith-based, nonprofit, open to all, Continuing Care Retirement Community located in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of Asheville, North Carolina. Home to 650 residents and 380 employees, and growing, Deerfield is committed to providing exceptional service while fostering a culture built on respect, integrity, compassion, and excellence.

We are seeking a dynamic, strategic, and collaborative Vice President of Human Resources to serve as a key member of our Executive Leadership Team. This role provides the opportunity to shape the future of our workforce, strengthen our culture, and help Deerfield attract, engage, and retain exceptional talent while supporting our mission and long-term success.

Position Summary

The Vice President of Human Resources serves as Deerfield's senior Human Resources leader, reporting directly to the President & CEO. This role provides leadership for all Human Resources functions and is responsible for shaping the strategies, programs, and practices that support our people, strengthen our culture, and advance Deerfield's mission. The Vice President leads workforce planning, organizational and leadership development, succession planning, total rewards, employee engagement and retention, compliance, and risk management, while partnering with leaders throughout the organization to build an exceptional employee experience and a thriving workplace community.

What You'll Do

Strategic Leadership

• Serve as a member of the Executive Leadership Team and contribute to organizational planning and decision-making.
• Develop and execute Deerfield's Human Resources strategic plan.
• Align workforce initiatives with organizational goals and future growth.
• Provide executive consultation and coaching to leaders across the organization.

Workforce Planning & Organizational Development

• Lead workforce planning and talent strategies that ensure Deerfield attracts, develops, and retains top talent.
• Oversee succession planning and leadership pipeline development.
• Guide organizational change initiatives and workforce transitions.
• Support leadership effectiveness and organizational performance.

Culture, Engagement & Retention Strategy

• Establish Deerfield's employee engagement, retention, and culture strategy.
• Review workforce metrics, engagement data, and retention trends to identify opportunities and priorities.
• Sponsor initiatives that strengthen employee experience, recognition, communication, and workplace culture.
• Partner with leaders to promote a positive, inclusive, and mission-driven work environment.

Compensation, Benefits & Total Rewards

• Oversee compensation philosophy, salary administration, and total rewards strategies.
• Ensure compensation and benefit programs remain competitive and fiscally responsible.
• Review market trends and recommend enhancements that support recruitment and retention goals.

Compliance & Risk Management

• Provide executive oversight of employment law compliance and workforce policies.
• Advise leaders regarding employment-related risk management.
• Oversee significant employee relations matters and complex workplace investigations.
• Partner with legal counsel and external resources as needed.

Department Leadership

• Lead and develop the Human Resources team.
• Establish departmental goals, priorities, and performance measures.
• Manage departmental budgets and resources.
• Foster a culture of accountability, service excellence, and continuous improvement.
  

What We're Looking For

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Organizational Development, or related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive Human Resources experience.
• Minimum of 5 years of senior HR leadership experience.
• Demonstrated success leading multiple HR disciplines, including employee relations, talent management, compensation, benefits, compliance, and organizational development.
• Strong knowledge of federal and state employment laws and HR best practices.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in a related field.
• SHRM-SCP or SPHR certification.
• Experience in healthcare, senior living, hospitality, nonprofit, or another complex service-based environment.
• Experience supporting workforce growth, organizational change, and leadership succession planning.

The Ideal Candidate

The successful candidate will be:

• A strategic thinker who can connect workforce initiatives to business outcomes.
• A trusted advisor who builds strong relationships with leaders and employees.
• An influential leader with exceptional judgment and integrity.
• Comfortable balancing strategy with practical execution.
• Passionate about employee engagement, organizational culture, and leadership development.
• Committed to Deerfield's mission and values.

Why Deerfield?

At Deerfield, employees are part of something bigger. We believe our team members are our greatest asset, and we are committed to creating an environment where people feel valued, supported, and empowered to do their best work.

If you are looking for an opportunity to help shape the future of an exceptional organization while making a meaningful difference in the lives of employees and residents, we encourage you to apply.

Deerfield Episcopal Retirement Community is an Equal Opportunity Employer.