Chief Human Resources Officer
Willimantic, CT
Full Time
Executive
About Eastern
Serving a diverse community of nearly 4,500 students and home to more than 150 full-time faculty, Eastern is Connecticut’s designated liberal public liberal arts university. Its 184-acre campus is nestled in New England’s picturesque “Quiet Corner” and offers a vibrant teaching, learning, and living experience midway between Boston and New York City.
A newly revitalized liberal arts core curriculum (implemented in Fall 2024) lies at the heart of an Eastern education. This foundation – focused on five key learning outcomes (critical thinking, ethical reasoning, communication, creativity, and quantitative literacy) and emphasizing the importance of the first-year experience and high-impact practices – integrates with a wide range of professional learning opportunities intended to prepare students for meaningful career development and advancement.
With over 40 undergraduate majors and a growing selection of graduate programs in high-demand fields such as health sciences, data analytics, and environmental sustainability, Eastern is well positioned to meet the workforce needs of both today and tomorrow. Moreover, robust strategic partnerships with local businesses, non- profits, and government agencies enhance the University’s role in bolstering the economic, social, and cultural vitality of the region.
Eastern values diversity and is committed to fostering an inclusive campus where all voices are respected. The University boasts a workforce of approximately 842 employees (of which 300 employees work part-time). The Office of Human Resources is pivotal in aiding in the recruitment, support, and development of employees. Similarly, the Office of Equity and Diversity, the Academic Success Center, and University Opportunity Programs provide a wide range of services for students from underserved or other unique populations, including those who are academically underprepared, under-resourced, first-generation, and/or undocumented.
Eastern is consistently recognized as a leading regional public university, was ranked a 2024 Top 25 College (North Region) by U.S. News and World Report and is the recipient of numerous national accolades for its sustainability efforts and enduring commitment to student success. The University prides itself on offering small class sizes; retaining a highly engaged faculty and maintaining a low student-faculty ratio (currently 15:1); providing a strong residential experience with over 85% of first-year students living on campus; and achieving excellent graduation and retention rates within its mission class
Position Overview
Eastern Connecticut State University (Eastern) seeks a dynamic, distinguished executive to serve as its next Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) to guide the university through transformation and change. This is a unique opportunity for a visionary leader to join a vibrant, learning-centered community dedicated to teaching and scholarship, while also deeply committed to fostering a culture of inclusion.
The CHRO is the principal steward of the human capital of the university, providing institutional
leadership and service to sustain Eastern as an employer of choice and to help enable the achievement of the institution’s academic and service missions. Reporting to President Karim Ismaili, the CHRO will serve as a key officer for the institution and member of the president’s Cabinet. The CHRO will be charged with driving comprehensive transformational change within the human resources (HR) function to support the university. This includes expanding the HR team’s strategic competencies and focus, ensuring delivery of high-level proactive support; overseeing sophisticated business processes, policies and practices; fostering a culture of talent development; and nurturing an inclusive campus climate.
Chief Human Resources Officer
Reporting directly to the president, the position of Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) will be responsible for managing all personnel and labor relations programs and services for Eastern
Connecticut State University to assure their sound and fair administration and contribute to the effective
utilization of the University’s human resources. This will include such actions as participating in labor
contract negotiations, participating in development of bargaining strategy, performing and directing
application of the university’s multiple union contracts including interpretation of contract language to
daily workplace situations, reviewing grievances, serving as hearing officer, preparing responses
to grievances for such situations as arbitration hearing and advising managers on proper handling
of disciplinary actions. The CHRO will direct the university’s training and development services for
staff, including overseeing the assessment of training needs, evaluating training resources and arranging
for training to aid staff and managers in the effective performance of their jobs. The successful candidate
will be able to work collaboratively throughout the university and form meaningful partnerships in the
delivery of HR products and services with offices, departments, faculty and staff and labor unions
representing the various bargaining units.
This senior leadership opportunity comes at a pivotal time for the university where the need to hire a
CHRO who can work alongside a dedicated team recognized for its transactional work will lead efforts to
optimize the office’s structure to create an operating model that is more transformational. In that model,
Eastern will develop innovative ways to adapt and be more responsive to the emerging needs of a diverse demographic workforce within the university. The CHRO will be expected to create and implement
agile principles and procedures to ensure both strict prioritization of HR’s existing capacity and swift
reallocation of resources when needed to address the most pressing issues and challenges.
Essential Duties
The next Chief Human Resources Officer at Eastern will be responsible for directing and supervising the Human Resources Department and all aspects of university human resources management, including:
The CHRO is expected to have broad and deep expertise across all areas of HR (recruitment, hiring, onboarding, payroll, benefits, technology systems, training and development, performance management, employee experience, compensation, and employee relations). The ideal candidate will possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills; the ability to lead, manage, and develop HR staff; have demonstrated the ability to work collaboratively with faculty, staff, and/or administrators; and a high degree of emotional intelligence.
Required Qualifications:
Applications should consist of a substantive cover letter addressing the qualifications and expectations listed above, curriculum vitae or resume, and a list of five professional references with full contact information and a note indicating the nature of your working relationship with each. References will not be contacted without the explicit permission of the candidate.
Applications must be received by April 25, 2025
Please view the Leadership Profile for additional information
Eastern Connecticut State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, age, gender, gender identity or expression, national origin, marital status, ancestry, present or past history of mental disorder, learning disability or physical disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information or criminal record. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: LaMar Coleman, Ed.D., Vice President for Equity and Diversity. Dr. Coleman can be reached at (860) 465-5112 or via email at [email protected].
Serving a diverse community of nearly 4,500 students and home to more than 150 full-time faculty, Eastern is Connecticut’s designated liberal public liberal arts university. Its 184-acre campus is nestled in New England’s picturesque “Quiet Corner” and offers a vibrant teaching, learning, and living experience midway between Boston and New York City.
A newly revitalized liberal arts core curriculum (implemented in Fall 2024) lies at the heart of an Eastern education. This foundation – focused on five key learning outcomes (critical thinking, ethical reasoning, communication, creativity, and quantitative literacy) and emphasizing the importance of the first-year experience and high-impact practices – integrates with a wide range of professional learning opportunities intended to prepare students for meaningful career development and advancement.
With over 40 undergraduate majors and a growing selection of graduate programs in high-demand fields such as health sciences, data analytics, and environmental sustainability, Eastern is well positioned to meet the workforce needs of both today and tomorrow. Moreover, robust strategic partnerships with local businesses, non- profits, and government agencies enhance the University’s role in bolstering the economic, social, and cultural vitality of the region.
Eastern values diversity and is committed to fostering an inclusive campus where all voices are respected. The University boasts a workforce of approximately 842 employees (of which 300 employees work part-time). The Office of Human Resources is pivotal in aiding in the recruitment, support, and development of employees. Similarly, the Office of Equity and Diversity, the Academic Success Center, and University Opportunity Programs provide a wide range of services for students from underserved or other unique populations, including those who are academically underprepared, under-resourced, first-generation, and/or undocumented.
Eastern is consistently recognized as a leading regional public university, was ranked a 2024 Top 25 College (North Region) by U.S. News and World Report and is the recipient of numerous national accolades for its sustainability efforts and enduring commitment to student success. The University prides itself on offering small class sizes; retaining a highly engaged faculty and maintaining a low student-faculty ratio (currently 15:1); providing a strong residential experience with over 85% of first-year students living on campus; and achieving excellent graduation and retention rates within its mission class
Position Overview
Eastern Connecticut State University (Eastern) seeks a dynamic, distinguished executive to serve as its next Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) to guide the university through transformation and change. This is a unique opportunity for a visionary leader to join a vibrant, learning-centered community dedicated to teaching and scholarship, while also deeply committed to fostering a culture of inclusion.
The CHRO is the principal steward of the human capital of the university, providing institutional
leadership and service to sustain Eastern as an employer of choice and to help enable the achievement of the institution’s academic and service missions. Reporting to President Karim Ismaili, the CHRO will serve as a key officer for the institution and member of the president’s Cabinet. The CHRO will be charged with driving comprehensive transformational change within the human resources (HR) function to support the university. This includes expanding the HR team’s strategic competencies and focus, ensuring delivery of high-level proactive support; overseeing sophisticated business processes, policies and practices; fostering a culture of talent development; and nurturing an inclusive campus climate.
Chief Human Resources Officer
Reporting directly to the president, the position of Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) will be responsible for managing all personnel and labor relations programs and services for Eastern
Connecticut State University to assure their sound and fair administration and contribute to the effective
utilization of the University’s human resources. This will include such actions as participating in labor
contract negotiations, participating in development of bargaining strategy, performing and directing
application of the university’s multiple union contracts including interpretation of contract language to
daily workplace situations, reviewing grievances, serving as hearing officer, preparing responses
to grievances for such situations as arbitration hearing and advising managers on proper handling
of disciplinary actions. The CHRO will direct the university’s training and development services for
staff, including overseeing the assessment of training needs, evaluating training resources and arranging
for training to aid staff and managers in the effective performance of their jobs. The successful candidate
will be able to work collaboratively throughout the university and form meaningful partnerships in the
delivery of HR products and services with offices, departments, faculty and staff and labor unions
representing the various bargaining units.
This senior leadership opportunity comes at a pivotal time for the university where the need to hire a
CHRO who can work alongside a dedicated team recognized for its transactional work will lead efforts to
optimize the office’s structure to create an operating model that is more transformational. In that model,
Eastern will develop innovative ways to adapt and be more responsive to the emerging needs of a diverse demographic workforce within the university. The CHRO will be expected to create and implement
agile principles and procedures to ensure both strict prioritization of HR’s existing capacity and swift
reallocation of resources when needed to address the most pressing issues and challenges.
Essential Duties
The next Chief Human Resources Officer at Eastern will be responsible for directing and supervising the Human Resources Department and all aspects of university human resources management, including:
- Participating in labor contract negotiations and developing bargaining strategy; interpreting and implementing collective bargaining agreements, laws and regulations affecting personnel and labor relations and their application to daily workplace situations.
- Processing grievances and advising managers and supervisors on labor relations and personnel management.
- Planning, developing, and recommending human resources policies, procedures, and objectives.
- Managing personnel records and reporting through a human resources information system (HRIS).
- Managing employment processing for all University employees including benefits administration, classification, and compensation.
- Developing training and talent development opportunities for all employees.
- Performing job analysis, classification and compensation.
- Conducting policy analysis and human resources studies; and working on special projects assigned by the President.
The CHRO is expected to have broad and deep expertise across all areas of HR (recruitment, hiring, onboarding, payroll, benefits, technology systems, training and development, performance management, employee experience, compensation, and employee relations). The ideal candidate will possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills; the ability to lead, manage, and develop HR staff; have demonstrated the ability to work collaboratively with faculty, staff, and/or administrators; and a high degree of emotional intelligence.
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in human resources, Labor Relations, Public Administration, Business Management, or related field.
- Seven years’ progressively responsible experience in human resources administration, including five years of supervisory experience.
- Proven track record of success in implementing programs that attract and retain a high performing, diverse workforce.
- High level business acumen and proven effectiveness as an advisor working directly with executives to align human capital initiatives with organizational strategy.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; experience with conflict resolution.
- Human Resources’ experience in a collective bargaining environment.
- Experience in handling labor and employee relations issues involving multiple collective bargaining units.
- Knowledge of labor and employment law.
- Experience in responding to claims from Federal and State agencies and interfacing with legal counsel.
- Demonstrated experience in maintaining a workplace that supports and respects diversity, equity, and inclusion.
- Advanced degree in Human Resources, Personnel Management, Public Administration, Business Administration, Organizational Management, Law, or in a related field.
- Experience implementing professional development opportunities to enhance organizational success in Human Resources.
- Human Resources supervisory experience in public higher education.
- Human Resources supervisory experience in Connecticut State Government.
- Understanding and commitment to shared governance.
Applications should consist of a substantive cover letter addressing the qualifications and expectations listed above, curriculum vitae or resume, and a list of five professional references with full contact information and a note indicating the nature of your working relationship with each. References will not be contacted without the explicit permission of the candidate.
Applications must be received by April 25, 2025
Please view the Leadership Profile for additional information
Eastern Connecticut State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, age, gender, gender identity or expression, national origin, marital status, ancestry, present or past history of mental disorder, learning disability or physical disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information or criminal record. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: LaMar Coleman, Ed.D., Vice President for Equity and Diversity. Dr. Coleman can be reached at (860) 465-5112 or via email at [email protected].
Apply for this position
Required*