Chief Human Resources Officer

Job DetailsJob Location: Springfield, MA 01119Position Type: Full Time StaffSalary Range: $155,000.00 - $185,000.00 Salary/yearPosition Summary

The Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) serves as the University’s senior Human Resources executive, providing strategic and day-to-day operational leadership for all human resources functions supporting approximately 650 faculty and staff. Reporting to the Vice President for Finance and Administration, the CHRO leads a team of seven and is responsible for developing and executing HR strategies, policies, systems, and services that support the University’s mission, values, and long-term objectives.

As a strategic partner to senior leadership, the CHRO advises campus stakeholders on workforce planning, organizational effectiveness, employee relations, and change management. The role champions a culture of trust, accountability, civility, and engagement, while ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations and fostering an inclusive, respectful, and high-performing workplace.  The role balances big picture leadership with attention to HR operational details and provides hands-on guidance and problem solving across all HR disciplines.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership and Organizational Effectiveness


Provide overall strategic and operational leadership for all human resources functions, including recruitment and onboarding, retention, compensation, payroll, benefits, health and wellness, training and development, performance management, HRIS, policy development, compliance, and change management.
Develop and implement long-range human resources strategies that anticipate institutional needs, enhance employee engagement, improve organizational effectiveness, mitigate risk, and ensure fiscal responsibility, and are consistent with and supportive of the University’s strategic plan.
Serve as a trusted advisor to senior leadership on organizational design, management practices, workforce planning, and employee relations matters.
Lead organizational initiatives that support institutional priorities and strengthen leadership and professional development at all levels.


Talent Management, Recruitment and Workforce Development


Develop and promote an employer brand that attracts, engages, and retains high-quality talent, while encouraging faculty and staff to serve as ambassadors for the University.
Provide leadership in developing University-wide strategies to recruit, develop, and retain a diverse, inclusive, and highly competent workforce.
Direct and support faculty and staff search processes, providing training and guidance to search committees to ensure fair, equitable, and unbiased recruitment and hiring practices.
Lead the analysis and evaluation of employee performance to identify gaps, develop performance improvement strategies, support career development, and optimize talent utilization across the institution.
Maintain direct involvement in recruiting and hiring for key and hard-to-fill roles.  Engage in sourcing, interviewing, and finalist selection as needed.
Plan and execute any necessary reductions in force or organizational changes that affect personnel needs.


Compensation, Payroll, Benefits, and HR Operations


Design, implement, and evaluate comprehensive compensation and benefits programs that are competitive, equitable, and aligned with market benchmarks and institutional goals.
Annually review and assess exempt and non-exempt pay structures for external competitiveness and internal equity, ensuring compliance with federal and state laws.
Establish HR metrics and regularly analyze data to assess effectiveness, inform decision-making, and ensure alignment with institutional priorities.


Employee Relations, Culture, and Compliance


Promote and reinforce organizational values and expected conduct, including the University’s Commitment to Civility, to foster a respectful, collaborative, and positive campus environment.
Intervene in and mediate employee conflicts, supporting fair resolution and building conflict management capacity across the organization.
Stay current with industry trends, best practices, and legal and regulatory requirements to ensure compliance with University policies and applicable laws.


Title IX, ADA, and Regulatory Oversight


Oversee Title IX/Title IV functions and services, including the investigation and resolution of discrimination and harassment complaints involving faculty, staff, students, applicants, and third parties.
Evaluate and coordinate requests from employees for reasonable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
Ensure institutional compliance with all relevant employment-related laws and regulations.


Leadership and Team Development


Lead, supervise, and evaluate the performance of the Human Resources team, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuou