Chief Human Resources Officer

Job No: 26155 Department: Human Resources Work Type: Staff - Full Time Location: Lakeshore Center (Houghton, MI) Full Time / Part Time: Full Time Categories: Human Resources Michigan Technological University is an R1 technological research university founded in 1885 in Houghton. Our rural campus is situated just miles from Lake Superior in Michigan's scenic Upper Peninsula and is home to nearly 7,500 students from more than 60 countries around the world. Consistently ranked among the best universities in the country for return on investment, Michigan’s flagship technological university offers more than 185undergraduate andgraduate degree programs. Research focus areas include defense, health, energy, automotive, environment, and aerospace. The area’s waters, forests, and snowfall support year-round recreation, including skiing, snowboarding, hiking, biking, and paddling. The University is an integral part of the region, supported by a friendly and welcoming community that takes pride in being a true college town. We embrace our size, climate, sense of adventure, and originality. Summary The Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) position at Michigan Technological University is a remarkable opportunity for a results-driven leader ready to act as a key thought partner and trusted advisor for University leadership in aligning Human Resource practices with the overall business objectives and strategic direction of the institution, specifically in the areas of talent acquisition and management, culture, performance management, training and development, and compensation/benefits. This position reports directly to the Chief Financial Officer/Vice President for Administration (CFO/VPA) and will provide transformational leadership and strategic direction to move the institution forward in alignment with the University’s legislative purpose and strategic plan. The CHRO is responsible for employee programs, including employee relations, staff and leadership development, benefits administration, compensation and payroll, implementation of personnel policies and procedures, recruitment and orientation, Human Resources information systems, performance management systems, compliance issues, and personnel records. This position develops and manages the human resources annual budget and oversees the department’s staff. The successful candidate will develop, review, recommend, and implement human resources related strategic initiatives, including appropriate policies and procedures. In addition, this leader will be responsible for developing and maintaining a positive working relationship with all levels of staff, preserve a high degree of confidentiality, and demonstrate the utmost professionalism. The CHRO must provide internal responsibility and leadership for the Human Resources department, thereby assuring the effective and efficient operation of the department. They are expected to positively promote the University internally and externally. Responsibilities and Essential Duties Plan, organize, and direct work of the Human Resources department, providing transformational leadership and strategic direction in alignment with the institution’s mission and vision. Plan, direct, implement, and monitor human resources programs, including recruiting, selection, orientation, classification, compensation, payroll, employee relations, affirmative action, training, career development, benefit administration, and organizational development. Establish and conduct reviews and analysis of new tools and techniques in the area of human resources management and make necessary changes to improve their effectiveness as it relates to the University. Foster an institutional environment that encourages teamwork, pride in employee roles and the institution, professional growth, and development in support of student learning and success. Supervise human resources staff. Serve as a strategic business partner, positively promoting and supporting the work of the University’s academic and service goals to the greater community. Serve as an internal consultant to University leadership and departmental heads on human resources matters. Administer and participate in performing job audits and writing job descriptions, and conduct classification audits for possible reclassification of positions. Administer, participate in, and have overall responsibility for annual salary surveys and reporting to external entities as required. Supervise the maintenance, confidentiality, and legal retention of personnel records, statistics and files. Develop, recommend, and administer human resources policies and procedures. Direct, develop, administer, and interpret the University’s compensation and benefits plans. Oversee accuracy of information regarding contract amounts and calculations, and hourly amounts calculations, and hourly amounts. Assist auditors as required with human resources inquiries and annual year-end audit. Direct and supervise the recruitment/hiring process including recruitment, selection, job offer, placement, and orientation. Supervise human resources practices to ensure compliance with standards of good practice and procedure. Act as the University Compliance Officer for worker’s compensation, and immigration related laws; direct, develop, and monitor supporting policies and procedures; act as the University’s liaison in contacts with federal and state compliance agencies. Serve as the lead member of the negotiation team during collective bargaining contract negotiations promoting effective labor/management relations. Supervise and/or participate in the conduct of needs analyses for employee training and the development, presentation, and evaluation of resulting training programs. Direct and coordinate the employee grievance process. Participate on key committees as human resources advisor. Ensure employee development on diversity, inclusive climate, respectful learning, and working environment issues. Assess staffing needs that may arise as well as create long-term goals and strategies to manage those gaps. Identify effective succession planning strategies for the University. Assure the effective and efficient operation of the department and demonstrate these positive results and perceptions through customer service metrics tracked annually. Commit to learning about continuous improvement strategies and applying them to everyday work. Actively engage in University continuous improvement initiatives. Apply safety-related knowledge, skills, and practices to everyday work. Required Education, Certifications, Licensures Bachelor’s degree in human resources management or related field Required Experience Seven (7) years of human resources experience with an emphasis in the areas of recruitment, selection, classification, compensation, training, organizational development and employee relations, and benefits administration. Five (5) years of progressively responsible supervisory experience. Desirable Education and/or Experience Master’s degree in human resources management or related field. Experience in a higher education setting and/or instructional experience. Demonstrated success in progressively responsible supervisory experience. Experience in the design and implementation of a comprehensive human resources service system. Demonstrated skill in transformational leadership within a human resources department. PHR/SPHR certification preferred. Required Knowledge, Skills, and/or Abilities Strategic mindset with the ability to execute. Demonstrated experience leading a team of human resources professionals and working with diverse stakeholders. Collaborative and influential, including developing relationships easily and sees that as an essential way of working. Experienced with technology, sophisticated in the use of data, knowledgeable about process redesign, and change management experience. Financial insight required to develop costing analyses for plans being considered. Demonstrated knowledge of federal and state legislation and regulations governing human resources functions, including the Fair Labor Standards Act, Americans with Disabilities Act, Title IX, EEO, Workers' Compensation, COBRA, Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act, and the Family Medical Leave Act, etc. Results-oriented professional who can make a difference; an individual who takes initiative, makes things happen, accepts accountability, has a "can do" attitude, and a strong sense of urgency. Creative and flexible in attitude and style to adapt to new situations in a rapidly changing, dynamic environment. Strong communication skills: oral, written, presentation, and influence, plus the ability to communicate across all levels of the organization. Demonstrated knowledge of, and experience in, developing and implementing innovative human resources management programs. Demonstrated knowledge of, and experience in, designing and implementing workforce planning, human resources strategies, restructuring, process reengineering, and evaluation methodologies. Demonstrated experience as a change agent by implementing organization wide 3advancement. Skill in organizational development, human resources management, budget and resource planning, and execution. Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively across cultural boundaries and work harmoniously with diverse groups of students, faculty, and staff. Demonstrated commitment to contribute to a safe work environment. Desirable Knowledge, Skills, and/or Abilities Demonstrated success in, or potential future contributions to, working with persons with a wide variety of backgrounds and viewpoints. Work Environment and/or Physical Demands WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate. Required Training and Other Conditions of Employment Every employee at Michigan Technological University will receive the following training courses: Employee Safety Overview Annual Data Security Training Anti-Harassment, Discrimination, Retaliation Training Annual Title IX Training Additional training will be required by the department on a periodic basis. Background Check: Offers of employment are contingent upon and not considered finalized until the required background check has been performed and the results received and assessed. Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) % 1 FLSA Status Exempt Appointment Term 12 months Salary The salary range for this position is $150,000 - $170,000. However, thefinal salary will depend on experience and qualifications. Title of Position Supervisor Chief Financial Officer & Vice President for Administration Posting Type Internal & External Dependent on Funding No Advertised: 09 Sep 2026 Eastern Daylight Time Applications Close: Michigan Technological University does not discriminate in its employment practices or in its educational programs or activities on the basis of sex and gender. Michigan Tech also prohibits retaliation against any person opposing discrimination or participating in any discrimination investigation or complaint process internally or externally. Reports of misconduct, questions regarding Title IX , and concerns about noncompliance should be directed to the Title IX Coordinator . For a complete copy of the policy or more information, please contact the Title IX Coordinator or the Assistant Secretary of Education within the Office of Civil Rights (OCR). #J-18808-Ljbffr