Chief Human Resources Officer

HUMAN RESOURCES ADMINISTRATION - Chief Human Resources Officer

Job Classification

Executive Admin FT (75-100%)

Position summary

The Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) serves both as a strategic advisor and partner to university leadership and an advocate for employee well-being, particularly in relation to benefits, policies, and workplace practices. The CHRO provides forward-thinking leadership in managing a comprehensive human resources operation, ensuring that HR initiatives and services align with and support the institution’s overall mission, values, and goals. The CHRO fosters trust through approachability, empathy, and active listening; responds promptly; acts fairly and impartially; and handles sensitive conversations with courage, discretion, and professionalism, modeling Christ-centered servant leadership that balances compassion with accountability and treats everyone with dignity.

Qualifications summary

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The qualifications requirements listed in the full position description are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

Must be a Seventh-day Adventist in good and regular standing.

Duties and responsibilities

• Leadership and Oversight of HR Functions . Directs all core HR operations, including employment, payroll, compensation, benefits, employee wellness, records management, and HR systems.
• Compliance and Policy Development . Ensures adherence to federal, state, and institutional policies; contributes to policy creation and serves on relevant committees.
• Employee Relations . Develops employee relations programs, promotes a respectful workplace, and serves as a liaison between staff and administration.
• Recruitment and Employment Services . Supports hiring processes and ensures high-quality service for applicants and employees throughout employment cycles.
• Training and Professional Development . Oversees staff development initiatives that support individual, departmental, and institutional growth.
• Strategic Planning and Operational Efficiency . Provides strategic guidance on compensation, evaluates and improves HR workflows, and manages departmental budgets.
• Campus Engagement and Special Programs . Organizes community-building HR events and oversees the operations of The Crayon Box, an earlychildhood learning center.
• Confidentiality, Professionalism, and Continuous Improvement . Stays informed on HR best practices to enhance institutional success.
• Contributes to the overall success of the university by performing other duties as assigned.

Supervisory responsibilities

The CHRO oversees the direction, coordination, and performance of the Human Resources unit and delegates responsibilities to the appropriate team members. In addition, this position will have oversight of The Crayon Box and University Wellness. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with university policy and applicable employment law.

Qualifications

To perform this role effectively, an individual must meet the qualifications listed below and demonstrate strong capacity in each essential duty. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

• Master’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field required; professional HR certifications (e.g., SPHR, SHRM-SCP) preferred.
• Thorough understanding of HR principles and practices, including compliance with ADA, ACA, EEO, FLSA, and FMLA. Knowledge of immigration procedures and employment-related visa processes is strongly preferred.
• A minimum of eight years of related experience in a leadership or supervisory role, with evidence of successful team leadership and cross-functional collaboration.
• Experience with HR information systems (HRIS) and other relevant technology platforms.
• Able to interpret employment law, university policy, financial data, and HR analytics.
• Experience in higher education preferred, or demonstrated ability to operate within mission-driven, complex organizations.
• Demonstrated experience working in a diverse environment.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and conflict-resolution skills.
• Demonstrated integrity, professionalism, initiative, and sound judgment.
• Maintains strict confidentiality and exercises sound judgment when handling sensitive personnel matters.
• Ability to communicate and model values aligned with Andrews University’s spiritual and educational mission.
• Demonstrated commitment to the mission and values of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

Must be a Seventh-day Adventist in good and regular standing.

Technical competencies

• Ability to effectively communicate in English.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), HRIS platforms, and email communication tools.
• Ability to navigate and implement electronic systems related to payroll, benefits, and compliance reporting.

Interpersonal interactions

The Chief Human Resources Officer is expected to demonstrate Christ-centered servant leadership and foster a culture of trust, respect, compassion, fairness and accountability. The CHRO will:

• Build positive, trusting relationships with faculty, staff and administrators, demonstrating approachability, empathy, active listening and genuine concern for others.
• Communicate clearly, respectfully and responsively, ensuring timely follow-through on questions, concerns and commitments.
• Exercise sound judgment, discretion and confidentiality in addressing sensitive personnel matters, while treating all individuals with fairness, consistency and impartiality.
• Navigate difficult conversations and workplace conflicts with professionalism, emotional maturity, tact and courage, seeking constructive resolutions while maintaining appropriate accountability.
• Collaborate effectively with employees, supervisors and university leadership, providing thoughtful counsel and fostering a supportive, service-oriented workplace.
• Model integrity, humility and Christ-centered values in all interactions, welcoming feedback, taking responsibility and contributing to a positive institutional culture.

Physical demands

The role is based in a traditional office setting, with reasonable flexibility in scheduling. Some travel may be required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to support individuals with disabilities.

Work environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

Work hours will require flexibility.