Chief Human Resources Officer

People Architects•Cleveland, OH

2d•$140,000 - $160,000

About The Position

Following the landmark 2024 campus transformation- unveiling 375,000 sq. ft. of world-class exhibit space- the Cleveland Museum of Natural History is seeking a Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO). As the chief architect of our people strategy, you will lead the evolution of a "one museum" culture that bridges the gap between high-level scientific research, public education, and visitor experience. You will serve as a strategic partner to the President and CEO, ensuring our 100-year legacy is powered by a modern, inclusive, and high-performing workforce dedicated to the "story of life on Earth."

Requirements

A minimum of 15 years of progressive HR experience, with at least 8 years in a senior executive leadership role (VP or above). Experience in a complex non-profit, museum, or research-driven environment is highly preferred.
Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s Degree (MBA/MA-HR) or Juris Doctor (JD) is strongly preferred.
SPHR or SHRM-SCP certification is expected.
Proven track record of leading organizations through significant physical or strategic transformations.
Ability to respect and integrate the unique needs of a research-heavy workforce (fieldwork, peer reviews) with a public-facing visitor experience team.
Strong understanding of non-profit finance, including endowment-linked compensation and grant-funded staffing models.
Exceptional diplomacy and the "soft power" required to influence at the Board level while remaining accessible to all staff members.

Responsibilities

Serve as a core member of the Executive Leadership Team (ELT) to integrate human capital strategies into the Museum’s long-term master plan and mission-driven goals.
Act as the primary HR advisor to the Board of Directors on executive benchmarks and succession planning.
Architect a departmental structure that supports the "unified story" exhibit design, fostering cross-functional collaboration between scientists, educators, and operations staff.
Move the Museum’s inclusive culture from concept to systemic reality, ensuring diversity of opinion and background is reflected in every level of leadership.
Lead the internal change management required to sustain the momentum of the 2024 campus expansion, fostering an environment of innovation and adaptability.
Position CMNH as a premier global employer in the museum and scientific research sectors to attract top-tier talent and become employer of choice.
Design and manage competitive executive total rewards packages that align with non-profit governance standards and market data.
Oversee the human resources budget, analyzing the ROI of labor costs, benefits, and professional development relative to the Museum’s financial health.
Shift from traditional benefit administration to a comprehensive wellness strategy that supports the diverse needs of field researchers, educators, and office-based staff.
Identify and develop the next generation of Museum leaders, ensuring continuity for critical roles in research, curation, and administration.
Leverage HRIS (ADP) to provide the ELT with predictive insights regarding turnover, workforce demographics, and labor trends.
Establish a "learning organization" culture where staff across 12,500+ acres of natural areas and the main campus have access to elite professional development.