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Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO), prestigious University Graduate School System

  • Community Nonprofit
  • New Orleans, LA

About the Client: We’re seeking a Chief Human Resources Officer for a highly respected Graduate School System in New Orleans.

About the Position: Seeking an experienced CHRO to shape, promote and promulgate human resource values through appropriate programs, policies and services. You’ll be accountable for: talent acquisition, development and management; core HR operations e.g. compensation and benefits, regulatory compliance and employee relations; and employment best practices e.g. employee engagement. As a state institution, the CHRO is an Appointing Authority for classified service employees, under the auspices of the Chancellor.

About the Opportunity: This is a game-changing career move; as CHRO you will

  • interact with the senior leadership team to drive organizational culture,
  • have an opportunity to build new programs and initiatives,
  • leave your legacy on the employees and communities served.
  • enjoy ample opportunities for continuous learning and growth.

Responsibilities: The successful candidate for CHRO will have a proven track record of performing all or most of the following responsibilities:

  • Partnering with the organization’s senior management as a trusted advisor and HR Leader, driving human capital strategies in support of staffing, organizational design, compensation planning, performance management, goal setting and employee development.
  • Providing transformational leadership for staff, fostering an environment of trust and loyalty, in which employees are engaged and empowered.
  • Participating in strategic planning and providing leadership guidance in executing key initiatives.
  • Serving as an integral partner in advancing a culture of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging
  • Driving strategic planning via shared vision, mission and values; playing an active role in the executing short-term initiatives, strategic programs and achieving long-term organizational objectives.
  • Driving HR-enabled innovation through the use of technology to identify, attract, retain, manage, engage and develop talent, in a manner conducive to diversity and inclusion through a combination of best practices, systems, tools and processes.

Requirements: In addition to a proven track record of performing all or most of the responsibilities above, the successful candidate must meet the following qualifications and experience requirements.

  • 15 + years of progressive human resources leadership, including experience managing a staff of at least ten people.
  • Bachelor’s degree is required; master’s preferred; master’s degree offsets two years experience
  • Prior HR leadership experience as a Director, AVP, VP, or CHRO in HR, Talent Management, Diversity & Inclusion, and Organizational Leadership related positions.
  • Proven ability to drive execution; individual must be able to effectively pivot from strategic to tactical to ensure progress and meaningful impact.
  • Experience building a solid HR organization and team that can drive organizational change.
  • Appreciation and understanding for academic culture, perhaps gained through experience in higher education or in a similarly complex and mission-driven organization, e.g. civil service
  • Experience in higher education or civil service strongly preferred.
  • SPHR or PHR certification a plus.

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