Chief Human Resources Officer

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Northern Kentucky University

Location: Highland Heights, Kentucky
Category: Human Resources
Date Posted: January 8, 2025
Application Deadline: Open until filled

Job Description

Full job description

We seek an exceptional, strategic HR leader to transform our human resources function during a critical technological and organizational change period. The ideal candidate will be a strategic executive able to manage human resources issues in a large organization. This candidate must be able to operate as a trusted advisor to the President, Cabinet, and Board but also drive organizational effectiveness, lead a comprehensive enterprise resource planning (ERP) system implementation, optimize HR operational efficiency, develop high-performing teams, and utilize best practices within a complex higher education environment.

Reporting Structure:

Reports to the Vice President of Administration and Finance
Member of the University Cabinet/Executive Team
Leads HR Department of team members, including Benefits, Payroll, Wellness, Employee Relations, Title IX, Training & Development, and Compensation/Classification

Strategic Context:

Northern Kentucky University is launching a comprehensive ERP system conversion in Spring 2025, focusing on modernizing human resources management technologies. The selected Chief Human Resources Officer will be a key leader in this transformative initiative, steering the implementation and ensuring seamless organizational adaptation.

Primary Responsibilities

Strategic HR Leadership

Supports organizational needs through comprehensive human resources strategies aligned with university-wide strategic objectives
Design and implement HR policies and procedures that support organizational growth and employee engagement
Provide executive-level leadership and counsel to senior management on human capital strategies and workforce planning

ERP Systems Transformation and Change Management

Will supervise the enterprise resource planning (ERP) system conversion for HR technologies, scheduled for Spring 2025
Responsible for the comprehensive change-management strategy that will support specific department change management and work with vendor change management resources
Coordinate cross-functional implementation with IT, Finance, and other key departments
Minimize organizational disruption during system implementation
Develop robust user adoption and training programs
Establish clear metrics for successful system implementation and user engagement

HR Department Optimization and Innovation

Create a continuous improvement framework for HR operations and on-going analysis of current HR processes to identify streamlining and efficiency improvement opportunities
Implement best practices and innovative approaches to enhance HR service delivery
Utilize advanced data analytics to drive strategic decision-making and demonstrate HRs organizational value
Develop and track comprehensive key performance indicators (KPIs) for HR departmental effectiveness

Talent Management and Organizational Development

Supports talent acquisition, recruitment, and employment processes
Ensure compliance with Federal and State employment laws
Support the universitys commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusiveness
Develop and implement strategic training and organizational development programs
Create comprehensive performance management systems

Compensation and Benefits Strategy

Develop and implement competitive, cost-effective compensation and benefits plans
Administer insurance, retirement, and benefits programs
Ensure regulatory compliance of all wage and benefit initiatives
Conduct periodic market analyses to maintain competitiveness

Qualifications

Education and Certification

Bachelors degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Public Administration, or related field (Masters degree preferred)
Advanced HR professional credentials preferred:
- Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR)
- SHRM-Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP)
- Other relevant advanced HR certifications

Experience Requirements

Minimum 10 years of progressive HR leadership experience
Demonstrated experience and expertise in:
- Large-scale ERP system implementation
- Change management in complex organizational environments
- Higher education or large, multidisciplinary enterprise HR leadership
- Proven track record of developing and implementing strategic HR initiatives

Technical and Operational Skills

Advanced proficiency in HRIS and ERP systems (SAP, Workday, Oracle or Banner preferred)
Strong data analytics and workforce planning capabilities
Expertise in HR reporting and business intelligence tools
Comprehensive understanding of HR technology ecosystems

Interpersonal and Leadership Competencies