Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO)

Catholic Charities Archdiocese of New Orleans•New Orleans, LA

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) is a mission-driven executive responsible for leading the people and culture strategy for Catholic Charities Archdiocese of New Orleans and its affiliated ministries, serving an organization of approximately 300 employees. The CHRO ensures human capital practices reflect the organization’s Catholic identity, commitment to human dignity, and dedication to serving vulnerable populations. This executive oversees all aspects of Human Resources, including talent strategy, organizational culture, employee relations, leadership development, compensation and benefits, compliance, and workforce planning. The role ensures HR policies, systems, and practices meet regulatory requirements associated with government-funded programs while fostering a culture of compassion, service, accountability, and excellence. The CHRO serves as a strategic advisor to the President/CEO and executive leadership team and works with ministry leaders to align mission, culture, and human capital practices. The role also collaborates with legal counsel, finance, and compliance teams; supports board governance with HR reporting and recommendations; and oversees reviews and audits of HR, payroll, and related systems. The CHRO leads strategic workforce planning, organizational development, talent acquisition and retention, leadership pipelines, succession planning, professional development, employee relations, investigations, HR operations, policy development, employee engagement, and culture-building. The position provides executive oversight of compensation, benefits, HRIS, job classification and grading, performance management, employment policies, and compliance. It also leads the internal people-response during emergencies and promotes employee well-being and mission-centered service. The position is exempt, full-time, Monday through Friday. Travel is 30% local and 10% non-local, with the remaining 60% on-site. Compensation is $100,000–$120,000 annually, depending on experience.

Requirements

Master’s degree in human resources, business administration, organizational leadership, or a related field.
At least 10 years of human resource management experience, including executive-level responsibility.
Expertise in employment law, compliance, and HR best practices.
Demonstrated experience managing compliance requirements associated with government-funded programs.
Strategic thinking and the ability to translate mission and vision into effective people strategies.
Strong leadership and relationship-building skills, including the ability to influence across diverse teams and ministries.
Experience navigating complex organizational structures and multiple reporting relationships.
High emotional intelligence and the ability to lead with compassion, discretion, and integrity.
Exceptional communication and organizational leadership skills.
Proven problem-solving expertise.
Budget management skills.
Computer proficiency for necessary tasks using common office and HR programs.
Reliable transportation.
Valid driver’s license.
Commitment to the mission and values of Catholic Charities and Catholic Social Teaching.
Sensitivity to the cultural and socioeconomic characteristics of the service population.

Nice To Haves

Experience leading HR functions in large, complex organizations; organizations with 300 or more employees are preferred.
Experience in nonprofit or social services settings is strongly preferred.
SHRM-SCP, SPRHR, or comparable HR leadership certification.

Responsibilities

Develop and implement a comprehensive human capital strategy aligned with the mission, strategic priorities, and growth of Catholic Charities and affiliated agencies.
Advise the President/CEO and executive leadership team on organizational culture, workforce planning, and leadership development.
Lead strategic workforce planning and organizational development initiatives; develop and monitor workforce metrics and HR analytics.
Promote a workplace culture reflecting Catholic Social Teaching, respect for human dignity, service to vulnerable people, stewardship, accountability, and excellence.
Lead recruitment, onboarding, and retention strategies for approximately 300 employees across multiple program areas and service locations.
Develop leadership pipelines and succession plans to support organizational sustainability and mission continuity.
Design and oversee professional development programs for employee growth, leadership capacity, and mission integration.
Lead, mentor, and develop the Human Resources team, including performance management and professional development.
Advise managers and employees on workplace concerns, performance management, and conflict resolution.
Conduct HR-related investigations and guide leadership in handling grievances, disciplinary actions, and terminations in legally and ethically appropriate ways.
Serve as the final escalation point for complex workplace disputes and seek fair, empathetic, documented resolutions, using restorative justice frameworks where possible.
Oversee HR operations, including compensation strategy, benefits administration, HRIS systems, policy management, and performance management processes.
Lead job classification, position grading, pay-range development, and role evaluations.
Use workforce data, including turnover, tenure, and demographic trends, to inform decisions and objectives.
Develop, evaluate, implement, and communicate HR policies, procedures, and practices that support compliance, organizational effectiveness, and employee engagement.
Provide guidance on policies and practices related to FMLA, ADA, FLSA, workers’ compensation, background screening, and other applicable workplace regulations.
Modernize and maintain Employee Handbooks and arrange regular legal review of proposed handbook changes.
Lead internal people-response efforts during emergencies and external events affecting staff well-being.
Lead initiatives to strengthen employee engagement, well-being, communication, collaboration, and morale, including engagement surveys and stay interviews.
Establish and maintain onboarding and offboarding strategies that support engagement, knowledge transfer, and positive employee experience.
Gather and analyze employee experience and engagement data to guide culture-building and organizational improvements.
Work with legal counsel, finance, and compliance teams to ensure organization-wide compliance with employment laws and regulations and to promote accountability and risk mitigation.
Monitor HR best practices and regulatory developments and adapt policies, procedures, and workforce strategies as needed.
Support board governance by preparing HR reporting, workforce metrics, and policy recommendations for executive leadership and board committees.
Establish consistent employment practices across affiliated agencies while allowing flexibility for their operational and programmatic needs.
Oversee periodic internal reviews and audits of HR, payroll, and related systems to ensure accuracy, strengthen controls, and support continuous improvement.
Complete assigned professional development in a timely manner and ensure staff complete required professional development assignments.
Follow safety training and protocols and take precautions to protect the safety and well-being of self and others.
Protect confidential organizational, client, donor, investigation, and financial information.
Use a solution-oriented approach and promote collaboration and commitment to the organization’s Mission and Vision.
Adhere to the organization’s Code of Conduct and Faith and Moral Policy.
Perform other duties as assigned by the President/CEO.