Job Summary

Virginia Commonwealth University, a prestigious R1 research university, is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Deputy Chief Human Resources Officer (Deputy CHRO) to support the CHRO in overseeing the university’s comprehensive human resources strategy. The Deputy CHRO will play a critical role in advancing the university’s HR operations, ensuring alignment with institutional goals, and fostering a positive and inclusive workplace culture. This role involves strategic planning, policy development, and operational management across several HR functions, including HR service delivery, employee relations, benefits and leave, executive search and HR information systems. Assigned areas of responsibility may change over time.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic HR Leadership
• Actively participate in the development of the university’s human resource strategy and assist the CHRO in implementation.
• Develop and maintain effective and positive relationships with stakeholders inside and outside of the institution.
• Lead the development and refinement of HR policies, procedures, and programs that align with the university’s mission and strategic goals.
• Lead initiatives to enhance human resources service delivery and operational excellence.
• Operational Management
  • Oversee the day-to-day operations of various HR functions, including employee relations, HR service delivery, benefits, leave and HR information systems
  • Ensure efficient and effective delivery of HR services to faculty, staff, and administrators.
  • Coordinate assigned operations with other HR functions in order to ensure optimal performance.
  • Monitor and analyze HR metrics to inform decision-making and drive continuous improvement.
  • Provide reports and feedback to schools/units on local HR performance.
  • Create avenues for the collection of feedback on VCU HR performance.
• Employee Relations and Engagement
  • Address and resolve complex employee relations issues, providing guidance and support to HR staff and university leadership.
  • Foster a positive work environment and promote a culture of care, appreciation, inclusivity, respect, belonging, and collaboration.
• Executive Search
  • Provide leadership and oversight to the executive search function, ensuring that customers are satisfied with the service, and that it provides added value to the institution.
• Policy, Compliance and Risk Management
  • Manage VCU HR’s policy function, ensuring policies are up-to-date, relevant, legally compliant, and support achievement of business needs.
  • Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations, as well as university policies.
  • Oversee the management of HR-related risks, including employee grievances, disciplinary actions, and legal matters
  • Develop and implement risk mitigation strategies to protect the university’s interests.
• HR Technology and Innovation
  • Ensure optimization of core HR systems and platforms, including HR’s system of record, BANNER.
  • Support efforts to streamline work processes and maximize talent.
  • Drive change management initiatives in support of continuous process improvement and automation.