Oregon State University · 4 days ago
Chief Human Resources Officer
Oregon State University is the state’s largest public research university and is seeking a Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) to lead its comprehensive human resources enterprise. The CHRO will be responsible for setting the vision for a modern, data-informed, and people-centered HR function, while ensuring that HR services are delivered with integrity, equity, transparency, and accountability.
EducationNon ProfitUniversities
Responsibilities
Lead the design and execution of HR strategies that attract, retain, and develop a diverse, high-performing workforce aligned with the university’s strategic plan
Serve as a trusted advisor and colleague to the President’s Executive Cabinet, Provost’s Council, deans, and senior leaders on workforce strategy, organizational development, and talent management
Partner closely with academic leadership to align HR policies and practices with academic and faculty affairs and academic priorities
Supervise and empower director-level leaders in University Human Resources (UHR) by fostering trust and collaboration
Cultivate an environment where individuals are encouraged to lead with empathy, integrity, and purpose
Provide guidance and mentorship that aligns with organizational values and promotes leadership capacity
Guide the university’s approach to collective bargaining and labor relations, fostering collaborative relationships with employee groups and unions
Direct and integrate HR service areas: benefits and wellness, academic HR, classification and compensation, employee and labor relations, HR strategic partners, learning and development, HR compliance, recruitment, and student employment
Oversee the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of HR systems, policies, and programs to ensure compliance, effectiveness, and efficiency
Oversee budgeting and resource management for the HR function
Champion inclusive excellence in all aspects of HR operations and workforce practices
Foster a culture of engagement, well-being, recognition, and accountability for employees at all levels
Support organizational learning, leadership development, and workforce resilience to position OSU for long-term success
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree in human resources, business administration, higher education or a related field, such as labor relations, industrial psychology, leadership or organizational development. Other relevant skills, experience and competencies that provide the candidate with the skills and ability to perform the role may be considered as a substitution for the degree requirement
At least 10 years of progressively responsible human resources leadership experience, or other relevant skills, experiences and competencies that provide the candidate with the skills and ability to perform the role
Demonstrated expertise in human resources leadership within large, complex organizations
Strong knowledge of employment law, employee and labor relations and HR compliance
Proven ability to lead organizational change, foster inclusive workplace culture and advance inclusive excellence while providing exceptional communication, negotiation and relationship-building across diverse stakeholders and governance groups
Strategic thinker with the ability to align HR initiatives with institutional goals while ensuring effective operational execution
Ability to operate effectively in a decentralized and collaborative academic environment
Experience managing HRIS systems
Data-informed decision-making skills, with experience applying workforce data analytics and HR technology to improve outcomes, workforce planning and decision-making
Experience with compensation frameworks and establishing guidelines to support compensation and classifications
Awareness of emerging trends in talent management, workforce development and management, and organizational effectiveness
Ability to exercise sound judgment, discretion, and diplomacy in complex or sensitive situations
Preferred
Master's degree in human resources, public administration, higher education or a related field
Higher education experience at an R1 institution, ideally public
Demonstrated success in providing strategic oversight for public sector negotiations and fostering productive labor management partnerships
Demonstrated experience with and understanding of academic human resources policies, including faculty employment, promotion and tenure processes and shared governance structures
Experience with HR technology system implementation and/or stabilization (such as Workday, PeopleSoft)
Familiarity with Oregon employment and labor laws, including Paid Leave Oregon and Oregon Equal Pay Act
Senior HR certification (e.g., SHRM - SCP , SPHR)
Benefits
Medical, Dental, Vision and Basic Life. OSU pays 95% of premiums for you and your eligible dependents.
Free confidential mental health and emotional support services, and counseling resources.
Retirement savings paid by the university.
A generous paid leave package, including holidays, vacation and sick leave.
Tuition reduction benefits for you or your qualifying dependents at OSU or the additional six Oregon Public Universities.
Robust Work Life programs including Dual Career assistance resources, flexible work arrangements, a Family Resource Center, Affinity Groups and an Employee Assistance Program.
Optional lifestyle benefits such as pet, accident, and critical illness insurance, giving you peace of mind and the support you need to thrive in all aspects of your life.
Company
Oregon State University
Oregon State University is a public research university that offers various undergraduate and graduate programs across multiple fields.
H1B Sponsorship
Oregon State University has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (146)
2024 (148)
2023 (91)
2022 (115)
2021 (72)
2020 (59)
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
$94.53MKey Investors
U.S. Department of DefenseUS Department of EnergyNational Safety Council
2025-01-13Grant· $11.9M
2024-12-04Grant· $0.5M
2024-06-13Grant· $0.05M
Leadership Team
Recent News
Sports Business Journal
2025-12-16
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