Deputy Chief Human Resources Officer

Deputy Chief Human Resources OfficerThe Deputy Chief Human Resources Officer (Deputy CHRO) reports to the Associate Vice President, Human Resources, and provides strategic leadership across the institution's human resources, compensation and benefits functions. This role leads the development and implementation of key HR strategies, programs, and policies, with oversight of talent acquisition, onboarding, performance management, learning and development, employee engagement, compliance, and compensation and benefits.Acting on behalf of the Associate Vice President, Human Resources, as needed, the Deputy CHRO represents and leads the organization in the AVP's absence. The position also partners with UW System institution Human Resources leaders on systemwide policy development, projects, and strategic initiatives.Key Job ResponsibilitiesBenefits, Leave & Retirement AdministrationProvide strategic leadership and oversight for benefits, retirement, leave, and well-being programs across the Universities of Wisconsin.Strategic oversight of the administration of insurance programs, retirement programs, and leave structures for employees across all employment categories.Lead the strategic oversight of the Universities of Wisconsin's centralized benefits counseling function to ensure exceptional customer service and support.Evaluate benefits administration processes and service delivery models and identify opportunities to improve efficiency, consistency, and employee experience.Strategic oversight of the development of resources, communication strategies, and educational programs that help employees understand and maximize the value of available benefits and retirement offerings.Partner with UW universities to support effective administration and communication of benefits and total rewards programs.Compensation Strategy, Classification & Workforce AnalyticsLead the development, implementation, administration, and continuous improvement of compensation strategies, policies, and programs across the Universities of Wisconsin.Oversee the maintenance and administration of compensation structures, salary schedules, title frameworks, and classification systems to support institutional needs and workforce objectives.Direct compensation studies, market benchmarking initiatives, salary analyses, and labor market assessments to support recruitment, retention, and workforce competitiveness.Strategic oversight of pay equity reviews and compensation analyses to identify trends, inform decision-making, and support equitable compensation practices.Partner with UW university leaders and human resources professionals to provide consultation and guidance on compensation, classification, organizational structure, and workforce planning matters.Oversight of development and maintenance of workforce analytics, dashboards, reports, and metrics that provide meaningful insights for executive leadership and support data-driven decision-making.Analyze workforce trends related to recruitment, retention, turnover, compensation, and employee demographics and provide strategic recommendations based on findings.Monitor emerging compensation and workforce trends, best practices, and regulatory developments and recommend appropriate actions.Leadership & External RelationsProvide leadership, supervision, coaching, and professional development for staff responsible for HR, compensation, analytics, benefits, and retirement administration.Develops system-wide strategies and policies by engaging system-wide stakeholders, including human resources professionals from across the system.Serves as the de facto director of human resources at UW System Administration and oversees day-to-day functions of providing human resources service to UWSA.In collaboration with the Wisconsin Department of Administration, Employee Trust Funds, and other state agencies, provides strategic oversight and guidance for the Universities of Wisconsin on compensation, benefits and workforce-related matters.Convene and participate in committees, workgroups, and strategic initiatives related to Human Resources, compensation, classification, benefits, retirement, and workforce planning.Provide strategic oversight and guidance on compensation and benefits matters related to collective bargaining agreements, ensuring compliance with negotiated contract provisions and applicable laws and policies.Build and maintain strong relationships with university leaders, human resources professionals, governance groups, and external stakeholders.Ensures compliance with federal and state statutes and UW System policies.Human ResourcesProvides leadership and management in support of the development of strategy and implementation of programming for the talent management and employee relations functions, including talent acquisition, onboarding, talent development, performance management, employee engagement, and compliance.Design, develop and support organization-wide talent management programs, tactics and strategies that include talent acquisition, onboarding, performance management, talent development, coaching and succession planning.DepartmentUW System Human Resources is the strategic partner to the UW System Administration and its 13 universities. We consult, partner and collaborate to provide strategy and leadership support to advance the mission of UW System. To that end, we provide expertise across the employee life cycle, including talent acquisition, employee engagement, learning and development, performance management, compensation and total benefits. These services are designed to foster employee engagement within a respectful environment that promotes healthy and productive employees and inspires excellence.CompensationThe Deputy, CHRO is a full-time, salaried (exempt), limited appointee position.Well-qualified candidates can expect a starting annual salary within a range of $140,000 - $160,000, commensurate with the candidate's education, related experience, and qualifications.Required QualificationsBachelor's degree from an accredited institutionSeven + years of broad human resources experience and current knowledge across the functional areas of human resources, including compensation and benefits; three years must have been managing, coaching, training and evaluating direct reports in multiple HR functional areasExperience leading organizational change initiatives and workforce planning effortsPreferred QualificationsMaster's degree from an accredited institution in a related field.SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP certification is highly desirable.Demonstrated comprehensive understanding of both business and academic issues related to human resources.Experience utilizing Workday or other integrated Human Capital Management (HCM) systems to support strategic workforce planning, talent management, and organizational decision-making.Knowledge, Skills and AbilitiesAdvanced computer skills and proficiency in Workday, or other similar system, and Microsoft Office Suite.Skill in consensus-building, managing change and delivering communication to diverse audiences. High comfort level with public speaking.Approachable with superior interpersonal skills and the ability to interact tactfully and professionally with staff and leadership.Appreciation, commitment and respect for diverse views, perspectives and people; models inclusion and respect.Knowledge of federal and state laws and regulations related to compensation, benefits, leave administration, and employment practices.Demonstrated ability to get things done within a team environment.How to Apply:Applicant screening will begin immediately and be ongoing through Friday, October 2, 2026. However, applications may be accepted until the position has been filled.To receive full consideration, interested applicants are required to apply online and provide:Resume (PDF Format)Cover letter addressing your experience and education as it applies to all minimum and preferred qualifications (PDF Format)Failing to submit the required application documents may disqualify your application.Work LocationThe office is located at 780 Regent Street, Madison, WI. An in-office requirement is expected four days per week and one day may be worked off-site/remote. Telecommuting agreements are subject to change at any time.Contact InformationQuestions may be addressed to Sarah Haen, HR Manager, at View email address on click.appcast.io RequestIf you need to request an accommodation because of a disability, you can find information about how to make a request by contacting View email address on click.appcast.io Background Check and Reference Check PolicyThis offer of employment is conditional pending the results of a criminal background check and a reference check process that includes questions regarding employee misconduct, sexual violence, and sexual harassment. If you have prior work history within the past 7 years with the Universities of Wisconsin, your personnel file will also be reviewed for employee misconduct. If the results are unacceptable, the offer will be withdrawn or, if you have started employment, your employment will be terminated.Employment AuthorizationPlease note that successful applicants are responsible for ensuring their eligibility to work in the United States (i.e., a citizen or national of the United States, a lawful permanent resident, a foreign national authorized to work in the United States without the