Vice President, Employee Engagement

Nexstar Media Group is seeking a dynamic and innovative Vice President of Employee Engagement who is passionate about creating an exceptional workplace experience. This leader will oversee HRIS, benefits, and payroll, shaping how our employees interact with the company from onboarding to every step of their career journey.

The Vice President of Employee Engagement will design and execute a comprehensive strategy that elevates the employee experience and strengthens Nexstar’s connection with its people. This position will lead teams responsible for HR technology, benefit programs, and payroll operations—ensuring systems are seamless, processes are compliant and efficient, and every employee interaction reflects Nexstar’s values.

Key Responsibilities:

• Build and implement a multi-year roadmap for HRIS, Benefits, and Payroll that supports Nexstar’s growth, digital modernization, and commitment to the employee experience
• Partner with senior leaders across HR, Technology, Finance, and Broadcast/Network Operations to align people-facing programs with enterprise priorities
• Leverage data and analytics to inform decision-making, identify trends, and drive strategic improvements
• Establish strong governance, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and scalability across employee data and processes
• Serve as a visible and trusted leader, engaging directly with employees and responding to emerging needs with empathy and agility
• Work to enhance communication, transparency, and service delivery
• Oversee Workday HR system strategy, functionality, integrations, and user experience
• Drive optimization projects that increase automation, efficiency, and self-service capability
• Ensure data accuracy, compliance, and reporting readiness
• Lead the design, administration, and evaluation of comprehensive benefit offerings (health, wellness, retirement, and more)
• Monitor market trends to ensure competitive, cost-effective programs aligned with employee needs
• Ensure regulatory compliance and effective vendor partnerships
• Oversee multi-state payroll operations to ensure accuracy, compliance, timeliness, and operational excellence
• Collaborate with Finance and Legal to maintain strong controls, risk mitigation, and audit readiness
• Lead payroll transformation initiatives focused on accuracy, service quality, and employee support

Qualifications:

• 10+ years of progressive HR leadership experience with direct oversight of HRIS, Benefits, Payroll, or related functions, for large organizations, preferably with Workday experience.  Experience with collective bargaining units also a plus.  
• Proven ability to lead large-scale initiatives and operational transformations
• Strong executive presence with the ability to influence at all levels of a large, complex organization
• Experience in media, broadcasting, technology, or similarly fast-paced, decentralized environments is a plus
• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree or professional certifications (SPHR, SHRM-SCP, CEBS, CPP) strongly preferred Think several steps ahead, anticipating business needs and employee expectations
• Champions digital transformation, embracing new ideas, tools, and approaches
• Delivers flawless execution in complex environments
• Use data, metrics, and analytics to guide decisions and improve processes
• Build high-performing teams that are collaborative, accountable, and engaged
• Create a culture of continuous improvement and ownership
• Lead transformational initiatives with clarity and communication
• Help employees and leaders navigate change with confidence
• Communicate with transparency, clarity, and purpose
• Build trust with employees at all levels, including front-line teams and senior executives.
• See the employee experience holistically - balancing empathy with business needs
• Ensure systems and processes reflect simplicity, clarity, and accessibility

This leadership role is based on-site at Nexstar’s Irving, Texas headquarters.

Nexstar Media Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: NXST) is a leading diversified media company that produces and distributes engaging local and national news, sports, and entertainment content across its television and digital platforms.  For more information, please visit nexstar.tv.

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