About the position
Eastern Connecticut State University (Eastern) seeks a dynamic, distinguished executive to serve as its next Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) to guide the university through transformation and change. This is a unique opportunity for a visionary leader to join a vibrant, learning-centered community dedicated to teaching and scholarship, while also deeply committed to fostering a culture of inclusion. The CHRO is the principal steward of the human capital of the university, providing institutional leadership and service to sustain Eastern as an employer of choice and to help enable the achievement of the institution's academic and service missions. Reporting to President Karim Ismaili, the CHRO will serve as a key officer for the institution and member of the president's Cabinet. The CHRO will be charged with driving comprehensive transformational change within the human resources (HR) function to support the university. This includes expanding the HR team's strategic competencies and focus, ensuring delivery of high-level proactive support; overseeing sophisticated business processes, policies and practices; fostering a culture of talent development; and nurturing an inclusive campus climate.
Responsibilities
- Directing and supervising the Human Resources Department and all aspects of university human resources management.
- Participating in labor contract negotiations and developing bargaining strategy.
- Interpreting and implementing collective bargaining agreements, laws and regulations affecting personnel and labor relations.
- Processing grievances and advising managers and supervisors on labor relations and personnel management.
- Planning, developing, and recommending human resources policies, procedures, and objectives.
- Managing personnel records and reporting through a human resources information system (HRIS).
- Managing employment processing for all University employees including benefits administration, classification, and compensation.
- Developing training and talent development opportunities for all employees.
- Performing job analysis, classification and compensation.
- Conducting policy analysis and human resources studies.
- Working on special projects assigned by the President.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Labor Relations, Public Administration, Business Management, or related field.
- Seven years' progressively responsible experience in human resources administration, including five years of supervisory experience.
- Proven track record of success in implementing programs that attract and retain a high performing, diverse workforce.
- High level business acumen and proven effectiveness as an advisor working directly with executives to align human capital initiatives with organizational strategy.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; experience with conflict resolution.
- Human Resources' experience in a collective bargaining environment.
- Experience in handling labor and employee relations issues involving multiple collective bargaining units.
- Knowledge of labor and employment law.
- Experience in responding to claims from Federal and State agencies and interfacing with legal counsel.
- Demonstrated experience in maintaining a workplace that supports and respects diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Nice-to-haves
- Advanced degree in Human Resources, Personnel Management, Public Administration, Business Administration, Organizational Management, Law, or in a related field.
- Experience implementing professional development opportunities to enhance organizational success in Human Resources.
- Human Resources supervisory experience in public higher education.
- Human Resources supervisory experience in Connecticut State Government.
- Understanding and commitment to shared governance.
