Chief Human Resources Officer

Northern Arizona University (NAU) seeks an entrepreneurial, innovative and collaborative leader to serve as its Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO). The successful candidate will have significant and successful prior experience developing, implementing and managing an overall integrated HR approach for the institution. The CHRO will endeavor to promote and sustain NAU’s reputation as an employer of choice in the region and to establish an HR vision and strategy that attracts, develops and supports the talent needed to advance the University’s strategic priorities. The CHRO reports to the executive vice president and chief of staff and serves on the President’s Executive Counsel.

Over the past decade, NAU has seen tremendous growth in its student population, research agenda and academic programming. New construction has enhanced a large portion of the 740-acre Flagstaff campus, increasing access and affordability for students across Arizona. Today NAU serves 31,000 students across 20-plus statewide locations, and online. NAU offers over 150 undergraduate and graduate degree programs, all distinguished by an ongoing commitment to close student-faculty relationships and rigorous academic quality. Six academic colleges make up more than 50 academic departments on campus.

The ideal candidate will be a collaborative and creative problem solver with demonstrated success as a transformational leader and in building and maintaining a high performing team and in supporting professional development. In addition, the CHRO will have experience in seeking new and innovative approaches to human resources management, including the development of proactive and responsive policies, programs and service delivery methods. The CHRO will have a progressive management approach, technical expertise in various HR aspects and experience in strategically moving an HR organization tangibly forward. A bachelor’s degree and ten years of HR management experience is required; an advanced degree and HR professional credentials are preferred. Candidates should also have familiarity with the public higher education environment or experience leading HR staff and programs in a large, complex and multidisciplinary enterprise.

Inquiries, nominations and applications are invited. For fullest consideration, applicant materials should be received by November 15, 2017. Candidates should provide a curriculum vitae, a letter of application that addresses the responsibilities and requirements described in this leadership profile and the names and contact information of five references. All candidate materials will be treated as confidential and references will not be contacted without prior knowledge and approval of candidates. These materials (three separate attachments) should be sent via email to the University’s consultants, Nick Giannas, Jane Courson and Melissa Fincher at NAU-CHRO@wittkieffer.com. The search consultants may be reached by phone via the desk of Cara Drew 781-564-2626.

Northern Arizona University is a committed Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Institution. Women, minorities, veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
NAU is responsive to the needs of dual career couples. NAU is an Employer of National Service. AmeriCorps, Peace Corps and other National Service alumni are encouraged to apply.