Executive Director, Human Resources Operations

Are you a visionary HR leader ready to shape systemwide operations at the nation’s largest and most diverse four-year public university system? Join the CSU Office of the Chancellor to lead the launch of a shared services HR model supporting all 23 campuses. This newly created role offers the opportunity to drive innovation, operational excellence, and service delivery at scale.

Chancellor's Office Statement

The CSU Chancellor's Office, located on the waterfront adjacent to the Aquarium of the Pacific in downtown Long Beach, is the headquarters for the nation's largest and most diverse system of higher education.

Salary

The anticipated salary range is between $212,352 and $237,804 per year, commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Work Arrangements

Flexibility to telecommute two days a week, with three days on-site at the main headquarters in Long Beach, California.

Premium Benefits

Comprehensive Health, Dental, and Vision Benefits

Generous vacation plan

15 paid holidays a year

Tuition waiver education program (also applies to eligible family members)

Membership in the California Public Employees Retirement System (PERS)

More details here: Comprehensive Benefits Package

Classification

Administrator IV

Position Information

The California State University, Office of the Chancellor, is seeking an Executive Director, HR Operations to oversee the development, implementation and management of the new Multi University Collaboration (Multi U) specializing in HR operations. Designed as a dispersed shared service model, a team within the Multi U Collaboration will perform HR operations functions on behalf of all 23 CSU campuses and the Chancellor’s Office. Team members will work from campus locations while reporting to this position. HR Operations team members can work at any campus location or at the Chancellor’s Office. The Executive Director will be based in Long Beach at the Chancellor’s Office.

This position will be initially responsible for benefits administration functions across the system with additional shared service HR operations functions to be added to the Multi U Collaboration in the future. 

Key Responsibilities

• Launch and Lead Multi U HR Operations: Drive the strategic direction and operational rollout of CSU’s new shared services HR model, starting with benefits administration.
• Oversee Benefits Administration: Ensure accurate, compliant, and efficient enrollment, onboarding/offboarding, and employee support functions.
• Project Leadership: Manage systemwide implementation, timelines, risk mitigation, and change management for HR operations transitions.
• Team Leadership: Hire, coach, and lead a dispersed, high-performing team; foster a culture of continuous improvement, service, and accountability.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Serve as a key liaison to campus leaders, HR teams, and executive stakeholders to ensure alignment and progress.
• Drive Operational Excellence: Monitor performance, implement best practices, and improve service delivery across all assigned HR functions.

Qualifications

This position requires:

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field; Master’s degree preferred, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• At least 10 years of senior-level HR operations experience, including 5 years of supervisory experience and managing large teams.
• Proven success leading complex, multi-site or systemwide HR projects in large, distributed organizations.
• Expertise in HR operations such as benefits, payroll, compliance, and employee lifecycle processes.
• Strong project management, strategic planning, and change management capabilities.
• Excellent communication, stakeholder engagement, and leadership skills.
• Experience working in unionized environments and/or higher education or public sector settings is highly desirable.
• Proficiency with enterprise systems and data-driven decision-making.

Application Period

Priority consideration will be given to candidates who apply by July 28, 2025. Applications will be accepted until the job posting is removed.

How To Apply

Please click "Apply Now" to complete the California State University, Chancellor's Office online employment application.

Equal Emp