Description
KEES has been exclusively retained by Envision Unlimited in its search for a Chief Human Resource Officer. Envision Unlimited Chief Human Resource Officer
Envision Unlimited seeks a strategic, data-driven, and forward-thinking Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) to serve as a vital partner to the CEO and Executive Leadership Team in their work to build a best-in-class culture and a workplace of choice. The next CHRO will develop and nurture a vision for HR excellence, bringing contemporary leadership and innovation to the department.
The ideal candidate will manage a team of 14 dedicated professionals, including 6 direct reports (Vice President of Human Resources, Director of Payroll and Benefits, Learning and Development Specialist, Training and Development Specialist, Training Manager, and HR Assistant) and an expense budget of just under $1.5M. The team works on a hybrid schedule, and the CHRO is expected to be in the office (downtown loop) on average, 2 days per week. The most recent leader joined Envision Unlimited in 2022 and evolved the team and infrastructure from decades-old processes, a pen and paper approach, and outdated policies and systems. Today, the program has a solid foundation from which to grow. Unfortunately, the most recent leader passed away unexpectedly in October 2025.
Compensation for this position was recently benchmarked by Envision Unlimited and KEES, and it is in the fair market range. This position offers a competitive salary with strong benefits and is based on depth of experience. The range for this position is in the $190’s – low $200’s.
Envision Unlimited provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.
TO APPLY, PLEASE CLICK HERE: https://www.kees2success.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Opportunity-Guide-2025-Envision-Unlimited-CHRO.pdf
To assure confidential tracking of all applicants, no applications will be accepted via email. ALL INQUIRIES WILL BE HELD IN STRICT CONFIDENCE.
This search is being managed by Heather Eddy, President and CEO, and Randi Blasutti, Senior Project Manager of KEES. Questions may be addressed to rblasutti@kees2success.com.
KEES (formerly Alford Executive Search) is a nonprofit executive search firm that builds diverse teams and dynamic leaders in the nonprofit and public entity sectors. A woman owned and operated firm, KEES offers a full array of nonprofit consulting services including executive search, leadership development, interim staffing, and HR support. For more information, please visit www.kees2success.com.
Envision Unlimited is a dedicated non-profit social service organization (501c3) primarily serving the Chicago area and including downstate Illinois. A steadfast presence for over 50 years, its roots trace back to a 1964 merger of grassroots groups instrumental in establishing some of Chicago’s first special education and vocational training programs for people with developmental disabilities. Today, Envision Unlimited enhances lives and expands futures for more than 5,000 individuals across all ages, abilities, and backgrounds. They are committed to providing high-quality, individualized services that promote choice, independence, and community integration for all their members. To learn more, please visit https://www.envisionunlimited.org/
Requirements
Some specific requirements include:
- Demonstrated passion for and commitment to the vision and mission of Envision Unlimited, coupled with an executive-level skill set and presence.
- A minimum of 10 years of related human resources experience, with a minimum of 7 years in an HR leadership position with documented ability to manage staff and lead teams.
- Advanced knowledge/understanding of labor laws (local, state), all HR functions, and best practices from a tactical and strategic viewpoint.
- Proven success in leading or significantly contributing to CBA negotiations, including contracting, detailed analysis of proposals, and ensuring the final contract is legally sound and operationally feasible for HR implementation, compliance, and administration.
- Proven success in building strong and productive work teams with a focus on mentoring and nurturing staff development.
- Ability to relate to all levels of a highly diverse workforce, from front-line staff to C-suite, as well as organizational trustees and board members.
- Strong analytic, strategic-thinking, and data management skills, with a demonstrated ability to create, implement, and monitor complex plans and then translate those plans into goals and concrete strategies.
- Career track record that shows stability with an organization and capacity to develop and nurture relationships, culminating in overall success.
- Bachelor’s degree required, with a Master’s / Advanced degree and/or technical certifications desired; PHR/SPHR preferred.
