Chief People Officer

SLIPSTREAM GROUP INC • Madison, WI

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

As a key member of the executive leadership team, the Chief People Officer (CPO) will shape and execute Slipstream’s people strategy in alignment with our mission. The CPO will foster a thriving, inclusive, and high-performing workplace and lead initiatives that enhance culture, strengthen organizational capability and compliance, and support long-term business success. While we operate both in-office and remotely, Slipstream hires only in select states. For this role, candidates located near our Madison, Wisconsin or Chicago, IL office are preferred.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required
• 15+ years of progressive HR experience, including senior leadership roles
• Demonstrated success in developing and implementing HR policies, systems, and programs across compliance, compensation, performance management, and organizational design.
• Deep knowledge of employment, labor, and payroll laws and regulations.
• Proven ability to build and lead cross-functional teams and manage complex operational systems.
• Skilled at serving as a strategic liaison between executive leadership, department heads, and staff.
• Strategic thinker with a track record of translating organizational goals into people-centered initiatives.
• Proficient in HR technologies

Nice To Haves

• MBA or MA/MS in Human Resources or a related field preferred.
• SHRM-SCP or SHRM-CP certification preferred.
• nonprofit experience strongly preferred.
• experience with Paycom is a plus.
• Deep alignment with Slipstream’s mission, values, and commitment to driving equitable climate and energy outcomes.
• A relationship-centered, inclusive leadership style that builds trust and cultivates a sense of belonging.
• Demonstrates integrity, confidentiality, and sound ethical judgment in all interactions and decisions.
• Able to collaboratively and independently make strategic decisions that strengthen organizational health and culture.
• Comfortable hearing diverse viewpoints, fostering constructive dialogue, and guiding groups toward shared agreements.
• Proactively seeks opportunities to improve systems and practices and is energized by building solutions.
• Advocates for equity and demonstrates humility, curiosity, and respect for all identities and lived experiences.
• Communicates clearly and adapts messaging for different audiences to build shared understanding and support.

Responsibilities

• Lead the strategic direction for all HR functions, including talent acquisition, performance management, compensation and benefits, compliance, payroll, and employee relations.
• Apply HR best practices and equitable frameworks to strengthen organizational culture and drive mission success.
• Develop and manage HR budgets and workforce planning strategies aligned with mission priorities, financial stewardship, and long-term sustainability.
• Establish and monitor key HR metrics to assess organizational health and inform continuous improvement.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws, and maintain policies that promote fairness, equity, inclusion, and organizational well-being.
• Build performance management processes that reinforce accountability, a culture of continuous improvement, and high performance.
• Design and implement employee development programs that support career growth and build organizational capacity.
• Champion employee engagement initiatives that foster belonging, connection, and a positive staff experience.
• Lead succession planning and leadership development to ensure talent readiness and continuity.
• Serve as a strategic advisor to senior leaders on organizational structure, change management, and workforce planning.
• Drive internal communication strategies that promote transparency, clarity, and trust across the organization.
• Translate organizational strategy into scalable systems, processes, and policies that enhance operational effectiveness.
• Collaborate with executive leadership to guide organizational development and change initiatives.
• Actively participate in executive leadership meetings, strategic planning sessions, and quarterly Board meetings.
• Support long-term operational planning and establish clear metrics to track progress toward strategic goals.
• Partner with the Chief of Staff to ensure Communities of Practice and Task Forces are aligned with strategic objectives and operating effectively.

Benefits

• Flexible hybrid work is available if located in Madison, WI or Chicago, IL.
• Flexible schedules
• Slipstream is an equal-opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all individuals feel valued, respected, and supported.
• Slipstream will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities to enable them to perform the essential functions of their position unless doing so would impose an undue hardship on Slipstream, or if it would pose a direct threat to the health or safety of the individual or others that cannot be mitigated.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive