Chief Human Resources Officer, WAMU (18603)

Summary/Objective

The CHRO of WAMU is responsible for the leadership and administration of the day-to-day operations of Human Resources (HR) at WAMU. Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer at WAMU and the AVP of Human Resources, the CHRO will work closely with WAMU leadership and staff to develop strategies and initiatives that support the overall mission and success of the station while meeting the needs of employees and other stakeholders, including American University. 

The CHRO will advise and assist supervisors with best practices in HR strategies relating to the recruitment, on-boarding, offboarding, compensation, staff development and policy enforcement. The incumbent will also oversee the annual staff performance review process and assist supervisors with the establishment of performance goals and standards. The CHRO will oversee the continuing development and implementation of WAMU’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiatives. Serving as the primary liaison between WAMU and AU Human Resources and other departments, including the Equity Office, the incumbent will ensure the proper maintenance of employee data and the timely submission of reports to AU and stakeholders. This position will be responsible for organizational planning that evaluates organizational structure, job designs, resource forecasting, employment practices and succession planning throughout the station. This position will oversee a continuing study of all HR policies, programs, and practices to keep Senior Management informed of new developments. This position will drive innovative and transformational strategies to promote a culture of engagement, diversity, inclusion and success. 

This position will manage a full time HR Generalist and part time HR Coordinator.  

Essential Functions

1. Talent Engagement and Management: Lead the development, evolution and implementation of WAMU’s human resource strategy. Manage and coordinate new hire orientation, on-boarding and offboarding programs. Analyze staff development needs and deliver appropriate and effective workshops, training opportunities, mentoring and engagement programs, and staff recognition. Guide and assist supervisors and staff though the annual performance management program (PMP) and provide coaching, as needed. 
2. DEI Strategy and Culture: Lead DEI efforts by promoting diversity, equity and inclusion as critical components of WAMU’s culture, and develop and implement effective business strategies and communications to promote a positive, productive and inclusive culture and work environment. Foster innovation and engagement around DEI initiatives across all levels of the organization. 
3. Data, Reporting and Strategy: Manage internal HR databases. Work with AU HR to ensure accurate, up to date and complete employee data, relevant HR documents, information and trainings are available, updated and accessible on the University’s HRIS and/or WAMU intranet. Develop and maintain metrics related to recruiting, onboarding, retention, and staff demographics and performance. Examine internal workflows and processes to identify bottlenecks and inefficiencies.  Design and recommend methods to improve productivity. Conduct staff surveys, focus groups, and exit interviews to assess improvement opportunities and implement improvements.
4. Recruiting: Partner with WAMU managers to develop accurate position descriptions and recruitment strategies to identify exceptional talent for all position levels of the station. Identify and participate in job fairs. 
5. Labor Relations: Work directly with AU HR’s Director of Labor Relations and WAMU’s Managing Director, Finance and Administration in the management of WAMU’s collective bargaining agreement, union negotiations, and advising and assisting represented staff and supervisors on labor relations matters.

Supervisory Responsibility

• Supervises 1 full-time staff and 1 part-time staff. 

Work Environment

• Limited local travel may be required. 

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

• Full Time, 35 hours/week.
• Function Leader B.
• Exempt.

Salary Range

• $150,000.00 - $165,000.00/year; to commensurate with experience.

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in combined education and work experience, preferably in a media environment.  
• 10+ years of relevant experience.

Preferred Education and Experience

• Master's degree or equivalent.
• 4-6 years managerial experience.
• Leverage excellent oral and written communications skills.  

Additional Eligibility Qualifications

• Hiring offers for this position are contingent on the successful completion of a background check.
• To ensure the health and safety of our community AU requires COVID-19 vaccinations for faculty and staff. Click here to learn more about our health and safety directive.
• Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.