Deputy Chief Human Resources Officer, Emory University

Emory University•Atlanta, GA

About The Position

The Human Resources Division seeks an accomplished and strategic human resources executive to serve as Deputy Chief Human Resources Officer (Deputy CHRO). This individual will help to shape the future of human resources at Emory University. Reporting directly to the Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer, the Deputy CHRO is a key member of the Human Resources Division leadership team and plays a central role in advancing Emory’s people strategy and strengthening enterprise-wide alignment across a complex academic and healthcare environment. The Deputy CHRO provides senior-level leadership, operational oversight, and strategic direction for several core HR functions in support of Emory’s mission. Success in this role requires a strategic, collaborative, and operationally strong HR leader who can navigate complexity, build trust across diverse constituencies, and translate vision into execution. This individual must possess the following capabilities and attributes: Sees the “big picture” across the institution and connects HR strategy to Emory’s mission, business plan, and long-term priorities. Understands complex systems and anticipates downstream impacts of decisions. Communicates clearly and confidently with senior leaders. Demonstrates maturity, composure, and good judgment in ambiguous or high-pressure situations. Builds trust through transparency, listening, and follow-through. Leads through influence rather than authority; values diverse perspectives. Balances strategic thinking with attention to execution and detail. Drives results while maintaining high standards for service, compliance, and governance. Models inclusive leadership and decision-making. Supports Emory’s commitment to equity, inclusion, and belonging through both strategy and everyday behavior. The Deputy CHRO is a colleague and positional peer to the Associate Vice President, Total Rewards, and the Associate Vice President, Culture and Talent. Together, these three (3) leaders will collaborate and work closely with key stakeholders and other constituents across the enterprise to ensure alignment of HR programs, policies, and practices, where appropriate.

Requirements

Master’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Organizational Development, Labor Relations, or a related field (or an equivalent combination of education and experience).
Significant senior-level HR leadership experience in a large, complex organization; experience in higher education, healthcare, or similarly decentralized environments is strongly preferred.
Demonstrated expertise in employee and labor relations, HR operations, and enterprise-wide HR strategy.
Strong knowledge of employment law, labor relations, HR governance, and compliance.
Proven ability to build credibility and strong partnerships with senior executives and diverse stakeholder groups.
Strategic and enterprise-minded thinker
Strong executive presence with sound judgment
Collaborative and inclusive leadership style
Data-driven and analytically strong
Excellent communication and relationship-building skills
Ability to lead effectively in complex, evolving environments

Nice To Haves

Experience operating across both academic and healthcare environments.
Record of success leading large-scale change initiatives and cross-functional collaborations.
Professional HR certification (e.g., SHRM-SCP, SPHR).

Responsibilities

Partner with the CHRO to design and execute a comprehensive, campus-wide human resources strategy aligned with Emory’s business priorities and long-term strategic plan.
Provide leadership and guidance to the Human Resources Division, ensuring consistent, effective, and mission-aligned HR practices across the organization.
Serve as a trusted advisor to senior leaders on workforce, organizational effectiveness, employee relations, and change management.
Lead strategy and execution for employee and labor relations, workplace investigations, policy interpretation, conflict resolution, and compliance, ensuring fair, consistent, and legally sound employment practices.
Oversee HR operations, systems, reporting, and workforce analytics to enhance operational effectiveness, strengthen data-informed decision-making, and continuously improve service delivery.
Foster a strong, connected, and high-performing HR community through professional development, engagement, communication, and capability building initiatives.
Partner with leaders and other key stakeholders across Emory University and Emory Healthcare to align HR programs, policies, and practices while respecting the unique needs and boundaries of academic and clinical environments.
Collaborate with internal stakeholders including Legal Affairs, Compliance, Finance, and senior leadership to address complex workforce issues and advance institutional priorities.
Represent the Human Resources Division on enterprise-wide initiatives, councils, and committees.
Build, lead, and develop high-performing HR leadership teams that model collaboration, accountability, and service excellence.
Mentor HR leaders and strengthen succession pipelines and leadership capability across the division.
Champion inclusive leadership practices consistent with Emory’s commitment to equity, inclusion, and belonging.