Description
Susquehanna University
Chief Human Resources Officer
Susquehanna University is seeking applications and nominations for a Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) to serve as a strategic leader and trusted advisor, driving innovative and inclusive human resources initiatives that align with the mission and strategic goals of the university.
Higher education is experiencing meaningful change, shaped by demographic shifts, evolving workforce expectations, regulatory complexity and rapid advances in technology. At Susquehanna University, these forces are met with a steady, mission-centered approach rooted in close relationships, shared governance and a commitment to purposeful growth.
As a residential liberal arts institution, Susquehanna’s faculty and staff are deeply engaged in shaping the student experience. Leaders are accessible, collaborative and accountable. Institutional decisions are guided by long-term sustainability and institutional priorities. Within this environment, people and culture are central to institutional success.
The Chief Human Resources Officer will join the university at a time when thoughtful leadership development, workforce planning and future-ready practices will further strengthen the institution.
The CHRO reports to the Vice President for Operations and provides visionary leadership and expertise across the full spectrum of Human Resource functions, including talent management, total rewards, employee relations, compliance, workforce analytics, training and development, performance management, payroll, and provides oversight for the Title IX Coordinator and related institutional responsibilities.
This position offers the opportunity to lead HR at an institution where culture matters deeply and individual contributions are visible and valued. The CHRO will help shape culture, strengthen leadership capacity and guide workforce transformation in a university community grounded in collaboration and intellectual curiosity. The key priorities for the year ahead include strengthening leadership capacity and AI readiness, deepening employee engagement and belonging, strengthening faculty and staff recruitment, and elevating the student employment experience.
The ideal candidate will provide strategic leadership that aligns HR functions with the university’s mission and goals and will develop initiatives that promote a strong culture of belonging. The CHRO will bring a human-centered philosophy that focuses on people and culture and will have demonstrated skill in fostering positive employee relations and supporting fair, equity-minded conflict resolution and communication through strong listening skills balanced with the ability to make difficult decisions and communicate difficult messages. Expertise in designing and managing comprehensive total rewards programs and in developing HR policies that ensure legal compliance while aligning with the mission of the institution is required.
The CHRO should possess excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills, with the ability to build collaborative relationships and work effectively both independently and as a team member. The CHRO must bring strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills, including the ability to prioritize, manage multiple responsibilities, and use technology effectively in a fast-paced environment.
A bachelor’s degree is required, as is seven years of progressive Human Resources experience. Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM) certification with Workplace Investigation Specialty credential is required within the first year of employment. Preferred qualifications include a master’s degree and experience with Title IX compliance.
Susquehanna University is the future-ready institution for today, invested in cultivating intellectual grounding, active learning and global citizenship for all students. Renowned as one of the finest U.S. national liberal arts colleges, Susquehanna inspires and challenges 2,100 enterprising, bright-minded students studying the arts, business, humanities and sciences. Susquehanna University maintains an endowment of over $250 million that propels its strategic efforts and provides long-term resources to support its future goals. A supportive university community in the picturesque heart of Pennsylvania, Susquehanna takes pride in its namesake, the nearby majestic Susquehanna River.
To Apply
Susquehanna University has retained Opus Partners to support this recruitment. Kenna Boyd, Partner, and Marisea Rivera, Senior Associate, are leading the search. Confidential inquiries, applications, and nominations should be submitted by email to Marisea Rivera at marisea.rivera@opuspartners.net. To be considered by the University’s search committee, candidates must provide a CV/resume and a letter of introduction that addresses the specific responsibilities, expectations, and qualifications described above.Please consult Opus Partners for more information about the application process.
As a living, learning, and working community, Susquehanna University affirms its commitment to being an engaged, culturally inclusive campus. As we seek to embody the rich diversity of the human community, we commit ourselves to the full participation of persons who represent the breadth of human difference. The University encourages candidates from historically underrepresented groups to apply. Susquehanna University is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
