Chief Human Resources Officer at PennWest

Reporting directly to the Vice President for Finance and Administration, the Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) functions as a central node in the university’s “neural network”, playing a crucial role in developing and executing human capital strategies aligned with the University’s strategic plan. This position is responsible for planning, developing and implementing University-wide initiatives and strategies that support all Human Resources, Social Equity, Title IX and Labor Relations functions. The incumbent will provide strategic, proactive, and innovative leadership in addition to providing day to day operational support for all department functions.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead the labor relations process for the University’s nine collective bargaining units and non-represented employees
• Manage conflict resolution and provide support in complex employee relations matters
• Partner with the University’s Chief Inclusion Diversity Officer and champion the focus of ADA, Title IX and Social Equity strategies to ensure an inclusive workplace
• Serve as a strategic advisor to the University President and Cabinet Officials on all workforce planning efforts
• Lead the University’s talent acquisition, compensation and position classification processes
• Partner with the State System’s shared services area to lead payroll, benefits, organizational management and leave programs
• Develop and manage strategic planning initiatives for the department
• Interpret and ensure compliance with state and federal statutes and Board of Governors, State System of Higher Education, and university policies relating to human resources and labor relations matters
• Responsible for the development and monitoring of human resource metrics and the implementation of actions based on those metrics
• Implement HR technology solutions and processes to streamline HR functions and improve operational efficiency
• Oversee the University’s performance management program for bargaining unit and non-represented employees, with an emphasis on driving the process to foster a high performance culture
• Implement a University wide training program by assessing current and future training needs, developing and implementing process improvement training for various departments and monitoring and evaluating the training program’s effectiveness
• Oversee the continued implementation of system wide compliance training at the University level

Required Skills, Knowledge & Abilities

• Core Competencies
• Leadership: Ability to inspire, influence, and lead teams across all levels.
• Strategic Thinking: Ability to align HR strategies with business goals and adapt to changes in the organizational environment.
• Interpersonal Skills: Strong emotional intelligence and communication skills for engaging with employees at all levels.
• Problem Solving: Capable of developing innovative solutions to address complex HR challenges.
• Collaboration: Skilled at working cross-functionally with other leaders to support overall organizational objectives.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher learning
• Minimum of ten (10) years of progressively responsible leadership experience in human resources with at least five (5) years in a senior human resources role
• Strong Employee and Labor Relations experience
• Demonstrated experience consulting with and advising senior-level executives in broad areas of human resources
• Ability to think strategically while managing operational execution

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s Degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher learning
• SHRM-SCP Certification
• Experience working in a unionized environment
• Experience in higher education
• Experience working in a multi-campus university system or a multi-location organization
• Experience in mediation
• Experience with SAP

Work Location

Is travel to other PennWest campuses required for this position? If so, how often? Yes

Work Hours

Posting Date: 10/16/2024

Closing Date: Open Until Filled

Diversity Statement

The Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion is committed to and accountable for cultivating an environment that advances diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). We strive to create a community that affirms the identities of every individual and affords them dignity and respect, regardless of difference.

ADA Statement

To request reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, contact Amy Salsgiver, Executive Director of Equity and Title IX, asalsgiver@pennwest.edu; 814-393-2109. Pennsylvania Western University complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and candidates with disabilities.

EEO Statement

Pennsylvania Western University is committed to providing equal access to all individuals and prohibiting any form of discrimination and harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, age, marital status, familial status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, pregnancy, genetic information, disability, status as a veteran, or any other characteristic prohibited under Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and other pertinent state and federal laws and regulations. Direct inquiries to the Title IX Coordinator, 423 Becht Hall Clarion Campus 16214-1232; email asalsgiver@pennwest.edu or phone 814-393-2109. Inquiries may also be directed to the Director of the Office for Civil Rights, Department of Education, 330 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20201.

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * Do you have a bachelor's degree?
  • Yes
  • No
• Do you have a master's degree?
  • Yes
  • No
• Do you have a Minimum of ten (10) years of progressively responsible leadership experience in human resources with at least five (5) years in a senior human resources role?

  (Open Ended Question)

• Do you have Strong Employee and Labor Relations experience?

  (Open Ended Question)

• Do you have experience consulting with and advising senior-level executives in broad areas of human resources?

  (Open Ended Question)

• Do you have strong HRIS skills?

  (Open Ended Question)

• Are you able to think strategically while managing operational execution?

  (Open Ended Question)

Documents Needed to Apply

Required Documents

• Resume
• Cover Letter

PennWest California, 250 University Avenue, California, PA 15419