Skip to main content

This job has expired

Senior Associate Vice President, Chief Human Resource Officer - (28281)


Primary Function

The Senior Associate Vice President, Chief Human Resource Officer ( CHRO ) will be responsible for advancing a collaborative and innovative human resource (HR) organization that positions Northern Illinois University ( NIU ) for long-term success as an employer of choice that maximizes each employee’s potential. In addition to providing oversight to HR services, practices, and operations, the CHRO will be expected to approach HR from a strategic perspective, building upon current programs and service-delivery strategies to implement a comprehensive vision for HR that aligns with the university’s vision, mission, and values. The university seeks a CHRO to lead a Human Resource Services ( HRS ) department that is a strategic and trusted campus partner across the university units and divisions.

The CHRO reports directly to the President of NIU and is a valued member of the president’s cabinet. The CHRO is expected to be an enterprise-wide thinker who works collaboratively with other senior leaders to further NIU’s strategic priorities. The CHRO is a critical partner of the Vice President for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion/Chief Diversity Officer in initiatives and long ranging planning related to campus climate, workplace culture, talent acquisition and retention and other efforts that further NIU’s ability to attract and retain diverse talent. In addition, the CHRO works in collaboration with the Vice President/General Counsel and the Executive Vice President/Provost to support labor relations, the Chief Financial Officer to align workforce planning to budget and finance, and the Associate Vice President of Institutional Communication to develop consistent, accurate communications related to HR functions. The CHRO also ensures that HRS is a collaborative, supportive, and engaged partner and a service provider for department heads and unit and division leaders across the university.

This position provides executive-level leadership, strategic vision, and management for all of NIU’s HR functions, policies and practices. In addition, the CHRO works closely with a number of external agencies and vendors in Illinois (State Universities Civil Service System, State Universities Retirement System ( SURS ), Central Management Services). Functional areas that report directly to this position include position talent acquisition, affirmative action processing and planning, American with Disabilities Act (“ADA”) facilitation, payroll and benefits administration, employee wellness and coaching, leadership and professional development training, human resources information systems, civil service testing and processing, SURS and employee life cycle processing including onboarding, orientation, performance management, and a variety of compliance functions.

Duties and Responsibilities (generally)

Responsibilities and expectations for the CHRO include:

• Strategic Vision. Recognize and pursue opportunities to support organizational excellence at NIU with a focus on outcomes. Provide leadership towards better integration of the university’s core values into HR processes, improvements across the employee lifecycle, and development of processes and culture that increase the university’s ability to adapt in our dynamic environment.

• Leadership. Inspire and guide the HRS team. Ensure that their work and priorities align with and advance the university’s goals. Plan for continual improvement that is reflective of effective practices in HRS and support the HRS team by providing professional and personal growth opportunities.

• Exceptional Service Delivery. Leverage opportunities for process modernization, staff training and professional development, and effective communication. Ensure that HRS is celebrated across the NIU community as a collaborative, engaged partner and a service provider positioned to help NIU meet contemporary challenges.

• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Use an equity lens to view and apply HR processes and procedures, especially those related to recruitment, hiring, developing, and retaining talented employees, including student workers.

• Collaboration. Promote and support a productive organizational culture through collaboration with units and divisions across campus. Develop relationships and partnerships that add value to the university’s HR function and further NIU’s mission. Provide consultative support, counsel, and communication to all levels within the institution while aligning HR strategies to support the university’s needs. Develop productive relationships and work effectively with relevant external agencies.

• Resource stewardship. Steward resources by moving to efficient, effective HR systems and processes. Partner with Institutional Effectiveness and the Division of Information Technology to improve HR technology platforms and information systems. Utilize data, analytics, and technology to support initiatives aimed at enhancing efficiency, resilience, and long-term financial sustainability.

Minimum Required Qualifications for this position

Minimum Required Education and Experience:

• Master’s degree in human resource management, organizational development, public administration, higher education or related field or a bachelor’s degree and experience commensurate with a master’s degree; and
• At least ten years of progressively responsible professional experience in HR leadership, operations, or strategy.

Additional Requirements:

• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion outcomes;
• Excellent oral, written and other communications skills;
• Demonstrated commitment to empowering and leading professional teams;
• Demonstrated commitment to ethical leadership and experience with highly sensitive and confidential situations;
• Proven success at delivering HR functions and programs that are service-oriented and responsive to organizational and employee needs;
• Ability to lead HR in a complex, multi-faceted organization committed to strong shared governance;
• Understanding of contemporary trends that promote diversity, equity and inclusion, Affirmative Action, and Equal Employment Opportunity, and experience supporting inclusive excellence goals within the work environment of a higher education institution or similarly complex organization; and
• Excellent relationship-building skills and demonstrated ability to work collaboratively as part of an effective team to negotiate, reach goals, solve problems, and make decisions.

Specialty Factors (Additional Required Qualifications)

Education and Experience Preferred

Preferred Qualifications:
• Experience or in-depth knowledge of higher education;
• Understanding of state and federal laws, statutes and regulations related to employment, and a commitment to ensuring compliance as business processes are improved; and
• SHRM -CP, SHRM - SCP, or PHR / SPHR preferred.

List the knowledge, skills, and abilities critical to the performance of this position.

Working Hours
M-F 8am-4:30pm; hours will vary based on position need
Minimum Pay Rate (Hourly or Monthly)
Commensurate with experience, education, and internal equity; position includes a robust benefits package to eligible applicants. Salary is subject to negotiation at time of offer.
Hiring Rate Information

Actual hiring rate is commensurate with experience, education, and internal equity; position includes a robust benefits package to eligible applicants.

Posting Date
03/23/2021
Closing Date

Priority Review Date
04/19/2021
Special Instructions to Applicants

This search is being coordinated by David Gomez Partners, Inc. To apply, please visit https://employment.niu.edu/postings/55992 and complete your application profile, which includes uploading a cover letter and resume.

To ensure full consideration, application materials should be received by the priority date of April 19, 2021. Applications may be submitted after this date and may be considered as needed.

Nominations and inquiries are highly encouraged, and should be sent to David Gomez at David@davidgomezpartners.com and Kelly Collins at kcollins@davidgomezpartners.com

Link to Department Homepage
Work at NIU - CHRO
Physical Demands

EEO Statement

In accordance with applicable statutes and regulations, NIU is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, religion, age, physical and mental disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, political affiliation, or any other factor unrelated to professional qualifications, and will comply with all applicable federal and state statutes, regulations and orders pertaining to nondiscrimination, equal opportunity and affirmative action.

The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies:

Ethics and Compliance Officer, Title IX Coordinator
Health Services 230
TitleIXCoordinator@niu.edu
815-753-5560

Is Background Check Required
Yes
Visa Policy

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire.

ADA Accommodation

NIU remains committed to ensuring that its recruitment and application procedures include full opportunities for applicants with disabilities. Employment opportunities will not be denied to anyone because of the need to make accommodations for a person’s disability during either the application or interview process. An applicant who believes they require an accommodation to participate in the employment process due to a disability may request that accommodation through the Accommodation Request Form . For further assistance, please contact the office of Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity and Education ( AAEOE ) at ada@niu.edu .

Clery Act Information

NIU provides information regarding campus security, personal and fire safety, including topics such as: crime prevention, emergency response procedures and crime reporting policies, in addition to crime and fire statistics for the most recent three calendar years. The Annual Security Report containing security and safety information is available at www.safety.niu.edu/clery or by contacting the University Police Department and Public Safety Department at 815-753-9628 to receive a hard copy. The Annual Fire Safety Report is available at www.niu.edu/clery/fire_report.pdf or by contacting the Environmental Health and Safety Department at 815-753-0404 to receive a hard copy.

Quick Link
https://employment.niu.edu/postings/55992
Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Applicant Documents
Required Documents
  1. Resume/Curriculum Vitae
  2. Cover Letter
Optional Documents

Get job alerts

Create a job alert and receive personalized job recommendations straight to your inbox.

Create alert