Chief Human Resources Officer

Are you looking for an exciting opportunity to lead the strategically designed University of Alaska Human Resources team? The University of Alaska is looking for an experienced Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) to build and expand on current HR capabilities while driving a strong employee-focused culture. The CHRO acts as a partner and trusted advisor to the President and executive team as well as the senior leadership across the three universities within the University of Alaska system to enable, lead, and support the realization of the University of Alaska’s mission, objectives, and vision.

 

Duties:

Develops teamwork and collaborative relationships with internal and external clients to ensure reasonable internal controls and the timely accomplishment of HR activities. Connects with the community, building relationships with other organizational leaders across the state (i.e., through Chamber, Rotary, service on state boards and commissions).

Responsible for creating and executing the department's annual budget. Stays abreast of trends, case law, legislation, and best practices in the field of HR that have the potential to impact the HR function. Responsible for developing and implementing service initiatives to students, faculty, and staff. Works collaboratively with the legal counsel office to ensure compliance of employment laws, policies, and regulations.

The Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) is the principal advisor to the president in all aspects of human resources leadership. Leads in strategic human resources, organizational culture, change management, and process improvement. The CHRO drives implementation of the human resources strategic plan in alignment with the University of Alaska's mission and goals. Leads the HR team in implementing strategic improvements for excellence in talent acquisition, labor and employee engagement, employee transitions and benefits, as well as operations for payroll, personnel, compliance, and accounting. Serves as a member of the University's executive leadership team, bringing his or her unique expertise to advise the team, and collaborates with team members to accomplish university goals. Strives to foster a culture of respect, transparency, and excellence through HR initiatives. Provides support, daily active participation and leadership to employees, managers, and directors responsible for a range of HR services including talent acquisition, classification and compensation, training and development, organization development, employee transition and benefits, labor and employee engagement, HRIS, payroll, personnel, HR accounting, and customer service. Continually assesses the effectiveness of HR policies and procedures. Implements recommendations on strategic labor and employee engagement matters and collective bargaining. Submits reports to the Board of Regents on labor relations, affirmative action plans, and other relevant topics. Responsible for developing, implementing, and interpreting the Board of Regents' human resources policy and regulation. Leads and serves the campuses in their respective areas of responsibility, and works closely with executives at each university campus to accomplish university goals. Actively develops and implements employee professional training and development.

The University of Alaska is looking for an experienced Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) to build and expand on current HR capabilities while driving a strong employee-focused culture. The CHRO acts as a partner and trusted advisor to the President and executive team as well as the senior leadership across the three universities within the University of Alaska system to enable, lead, and support the realization of the University of Alaska’s mission, objectives, and vision.

Job Location:

The CHRO position has the option to be based in Anchorage, Fairbanks, or Juneau AK.

The University of Alaska is a land, sea and space-grant system of higher education established in 1917. The UA system's three universities (UAA, UAF and UAS) are separately accredited institutions with campuses and extended learning centers across the state of Alaska.

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES:

Expert knowledge in strategic planning, employee engagement, leadership, employment and labor laws, policy compliance, and human resources best practices. Experience with benefits, organizational development, organizational operations management, and employee onboarding and transitions.

Demonstrated mastery in administration. Demonstrates advanced skills in the advisement of management regarding organizational metrics, team building, performance management, change management, and organizational effectiveness.

Ability to research and assess the impact of benefits trends, new technology, and relevant state and federal laws to the University.

Ability to monitor, assess, and improve organizational health to provide for a culture of respect, collaboration, and professionalism. The successful candidate will demonstrate experience in strategic planning and project management.

REQUIRED EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, OR TRAINING:

Ten or more years of progressive responsibility and experience in leadership, strategic planning, change management, team building, employee relations, organizational policies, human resources, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Minimum of a Bachelor's degree in human resources administration, business, communication, organizational development, or relevant field. Master's degree preferred.

A complete application should include a cover letter, resume and the names and contact information for three (3) professional references. This position is open until filled with the initial application review taking place on January 18, 2022. To ensure your application is considered, apply by 11:55 pm, January 17, 2022.  Applications received after this date may not be considered. 

UA provides a generous compensation package with excellent benefits including retirement options, annual leave, 12 paid holidays per year, tuition waivers for employees and family members, and affordable medical, dental and vision care coverage.

*To be eligible for this position, applicants must be legally authorized for unrestricted employment in the United States. No work visas will be sponsored for this position.

The position may be subject to the University of Alaska Fairbanks COVID vaccine requirements.

UAF COVID Requirements:

Effective immediately, all new UAF hires, whose job function or work location results in the employee being subject to the UAF vaccine requirements guided by the Federal Contractor Employee vaccine mandate*, must be fully vaccinated with an FDA- or WHO- authorized or approved COVID-19 vaccine or have obtained a university-approved disability/medical or religious exemption by January 18, 2022, or before their start date if after January 18, 2022.

*Employees based on UAF’s Troth Yeddha’ (Fairbanks) campus, regardless of university affiliation and remote work status; Employees based in UAF research units outside Fairbanks (including Seward Marine Center, Kodiak Seafood and Marine Science Center, HAARP, Poker Flat, Lena Point, and Toolik Field Station); and Employees, regardless of their work location, paid by or directly working on impacted UAF federal contracts.

This position is designated as an officer of the university or senior administrator at the discretion of the president.

Reasonable Accommodation Statement:

The University of Alaska (UA) is responsible for providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities throughout the applicant screening process. If you need assistance in completing this application or during any phase of the interview process, please contact UA Human Resources by phone at 907-450-8200.

Affirmative Action Statement:

UA is an AA/EO employer and educational institution and prohibits illegal discrimination against any individual: www.alaska.edu/nondiscrimination

Background Check:

The successful applicant is required to complete a background check. Any offer of employment is contingent on the background check.

Public Disclosure Statement:

Your application for employment with the University of Alaska is subject to public disclosure under the Alaska Public Records Act.

University of Alaska is a Drug-Free Workplace. University of Alaska campuses are Tobacco-Free.

Training Policy:

It is the policy of the University of Alaska (UA) that all employees are required to complete training to meet the requirements of the positions they hold, and to complete the required training within a specified period to remain employed at the UA.

Contact Information:

If you have any questions regarding this position, please contact University of Alaska HR at 907-450-8200.