INTERIM HR EXECUTIVE CONSULTANT

Independent Contractor (1099)  •  4–6
Month Contract  •  Washington, DC Region  •  Hybrid (3 Days On -Site)

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.

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.

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.

Team & Structure

•     Lead an HR team
of ~40 employees across core functional areas: Talent Solutions, Employee
Experience, HRIS, Total Rewards, Talent Acquisition, and Employee & Labor
Relations

•     Manage four
direct reports and support the hiring of two senior director roles

Operational Priorities

•     Oversee
day -to -day HR operations and maintain continuity during organizational redesign

•     Manage multiple
concurrent projects: labor relations initiatives, summer training programs, and
transition planning

•     Support upcoming
executive searches as a key operational resource

•     Collaborate with
key stakeholders: CFO, Provost, General Counsel’s Office, and Staff Council

Requirements

Required

•     Bachelor’s
degree; advanced degree or SHRM -SCP/SPHR certification preferred

•     10+ years of
executive -level HR leadership experience

•     Prior consulting
experience with a track record of managing complex client engagements

•     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

•     Proficiency in
Workday (or similar HRIS) and Microsoft Office Suite

Preferred

•     Experience in
higher education or similarly complex, mission -driven organizations

•     Familiarity with
unionized environments (organization works with four unions; in -house labor
counsel available)

•     Experience
supporting or managing executive -level recruitment processes

•     Project
management mindset with ability to coordinate multiple priorities
simultaneously

•     Operational
instincts to identify process gaps and intervene with sound judgment

•     Exceptional
communication skills across all organizational levels

•     Discretion and
sensitivity in handling confidential matters

•     Data -driven,
collaborative, and solutions -oriented leadership style

•     Act as a unifying “team captain,” driving accountability,
trust, and collaboration while maintaining clarity and alignment through change

•     Demonstrated
commitment to inclusive excellence

Engagement:  Independent
Contractor (1099)

Duration:  4–6
months

Location:  Washington,
DC region — Hybrid (3 days on -site; Tuesday is a core in -office day)

Hours:  Standard
9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (occasional 8 AM meetings)

Reports
To:  Client’s
Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

Client:  Confidential
higher education institution, Washington, DC region (disclosed to qualified
candidates)

Confidentiality is strictly maintained.

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 characteristic.