Vice President/Chief Human Resources Officer

WittKieffer is pleased to collaborate with Chapman University, a nationally ranked institution (#121, U.S. News and World Report), located in City of Orange in sunny Southern California, as they seek their next Vice President / Chief Human Resources Officer (VP / CHRO).

Reporting to the Executive Vice President and COO, the VP / CHRO will lead and develop a best-in-class human resources function for a thriving and nationally recognized Chapman University.

The VP / CHRO will work across the institution supporting and aligning priorities with Chapman’s strategic goals to help optimize workforce development as a high functioning strategic partner for all facets of the organization.

Under the direction of the EVP / COO, the VP / CHRO will collaborate at the highest levels of the organization maximizing impact for a progressive and aligned vision of the human resources operation.

In addition, in consultation with Chapman’s VP of Diversity, Equity and inclusion, the VP / CHRO will lead and champion diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives across the institution fostering a more inclusive workforce at Chapman University.

The VP / CHRO will lead Chapman University’s Human Resources programs, supporting the University’s mission, vision, values, and strategic direction with an emphasis on maintaining both a highly competent workforce, as well as the University’s status as a preferred employer.

The VP / CHRO will also be responsible for ensuring that the University is in compliance with federal and state labor laws, human resources-related contractual requirements, and other governmental regulations and guidelines.

As a designated and rapidly growing R2 university, the VP / CHRO will integrate as a strategic partner in support of all research divisions at Chapman University.

The VP / CHRO will lead the enhancement of existing human resources programs and processes and will be responsible for providing the full range of human resources services to approximately 2,000 employees.

• The principal responsibilities of this position include employee recruitment and retention; human resources information and recruitment management systems (HRIS and RMS);
• Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and Affirmative Action (AA) and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion; employee relations;
• the administration and maintenance of compensation and benefits programs; training and staff development; career and succession planning;

and employee communications.

The preferred candidate will have a successful track record of at least 10 years as a comprehensive human resources generalist in a private and / or public higher education institution, with some private university leadership experience preferred.

Chapman seeks a leader with a minimum of seven years in a senior leadership position with some of these years in California, including substantial experience in employee relations;

employment; compensation and benefits; training and development; and employee communications. Experience administering human resources services in a university research environment is highly desirable.

Specific experience gained in a best practices organization known for progressive utilization of human resources talent is also preferred.

The budgeted salary range for this position is $250k $300k.