UCAR

Chief Human Resource Officer, Human Resources - UCAR

UCAR is excited to announce the opening for the role of Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO). Reporting to UCAR’s Chief Operations Officer, this critical position will provide strategic leadership and direction to the organization on all human resource matters including Benefits, Compensation, Employee Relations, Recruiting, Training and Learning. As a member of the Senior Executive team, the CHRO will ensure compliance with applicable human resources laws and regulations and plays a significant role in developing a diverse workforce as well as a psychologically safe, welcoming, inclusive, and high-performing culture. As the leader of the Human Resource Team, the CHRO will serve as a role model that demonstrates UCAR’s commitment to a culture of excellence, kindness, and compassion, in which all employees feel recognized and valued, contributing to UCAR’s status as an employer of choice. 

WHERE YOU WILL WORK

Headquartered in Boulder, Colorado, University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR) serves and participates in a collaborative community of researchers and educators who are dedicated to understanding the atmosphere -- the air around us -- and the complex processes that make up the Earth system, from the ocean floor to the Sun’s core. UCAR manages the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) on behalf of the National Science Foundation and the university community.

Location: Boulder, CO

Job Type: This position is open to candidates seeking in-person and/or hybrid (combination virtual and on-site presence) positions. The duties of this position do not permit it to be fully remote.

Position Type: Full-time

 

PROCEDURE FOR CANDIDACY

The Isaacson, Miller firm is assisting UCAR in this search. Inquiries, nominations, and applications are invited for submission via the Isaacson, Miller Candidate PortalReview of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. 

Candidates should provide the following materials for a completed application, that address the responsibilities and requirements described in the Leadership Profile:

  1. resume or curriculum vitae that summarizes your background and experience as it relates to this leadership role.
  2. letter of application that addresses the responsibilities and requirements described in this Leadership Profile.
  3. An Inclusion Statement which summarizes your approach to building and leading an inclusive and psychologically safe environment. In your statement, please share specific examples of actions you have taken to build diverse, equitable and inclusive environments in previous roles as well as metrics you use for knowing if psychological safety is achieved. Nominations and inquiries can be directed to the Isaacson, Miller consultants supporting this search. 

This position offers a hiring salary range of $227,342 - $284,177. The final salary will be based on education, experience, skills relevant to the role, and internal equity. Information about UCAR's benefits can be found at: https://www.ucar.edu/opportunities/careers/benefits.

Work Authorization: UCAR/NCAR will not sponsor a work visa (e.g., J-1, H1-B, etc.) for this position. U.S. Citizenship, Permanent Residency, or other protected status under 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) is required for this position.  

Relocation Assistance: Relocation assistance is offered for this position.

Pre-employment screenings are conducted for selected candidates; background checks are also conducted for risk-based positions. Learn more.

HOW YOU WILL MAKE AN IMPACT AT UCAR

Below is a summarized outline of key responsibilities that one would expect to be responsible for in this role. 

Strategic Leadership and Advisory 

  • Guide UCAR human resources activities in support of organizational goals, and serve as a strategic advisor and partner to senior management as a member of UCAR senior leadership.
  • Serve as management liaison to the UCAR Board of Trustees Personnel Committee, and advisor to the Board Chair.
  • Execute human resource strategies and initiatives inclusive of organizational development, compensation, Workforce Management, and DEI Strategic Planning to meet the National Science Foundation’s DEI expectations.
  • Develop and maintain close partnerships with organization entities, the President’s Council members. 

HR Compliance 

  • Ensure that appropriate policies and procedures are in place to maintain compliance with applicable federal and state government laws and regulations, National Science Foundation requirements, and others as appropriate. 
  • Monitor compliance with established HR policies and implement measures to address compliance gaps. 
  • Oversee personnel-related investigations as necessary. 

HR Programs 

  • This position will oversee HR staff in the program areas of Recruiting and hiring, benefits and compensation (total rewards approach), Performance management, leadership and talent development, employee relations, strategic partnerships, and flexible work. 

HR Team Leadership and Management 

  • Create an inclusive and engaged HR team culture that supports employee retention and development.  
  • Develop a high-performing team culture that provides outstanding service to internal and external customers. 
  • Provide effective, psychologically safe leadership and direct on to manage all HR programs with an eye toward inclusion and equity. 
  • Manage the Human Resources budget and forecast future HR budgetary needs. 
  • Establish the monitoring and reporting of appropriate metrics and key performance indicators (KPIs) for the HR department. 
  • Leverage technology to drive change, simplify processes, lower operating costs and enhance operational efficiencies. 

WHO WE’D LOVE TO JOIN OUR TEAM

Successful candidates will ensure their application materials speak to the following criteria:

Education & Experience

  • We are seeking candidates with an outstanding record of progressive experience and accomplishment within the various program intersections of Human Resources and management, and organizational development. The new CHRO will also have 5 years of demonstrated successful leadership and providing forward leaning solutions to helping to move the workforce forward. 

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

  • Human Resources experience within Higher Education, FFRDCs, or Research Organizations. 
  • Strong interpersonal skills, ability to lift and motivate a team with diverse backgrounds and identities. A track record of successful team leadership, introducing change, and fostering a positive organizational culture. Strong track record of institutional change management in challenging environments. 
  • Ability to think strategically, and to manage and operate at both a strategic and a hands-on level as needed. Expert knowledge of HR best practices. 
  • Comprehensive knowledge of state and federal regulations governing employment, compensation and benefit practices. 
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills; strong facilitation skills; strong negotiation skills; ability to communicate effectively at all levels of the organization. 
  • Experience with, and track record of enacting, current diversity, equity, and inclusion principles and practices. Demonstrated success in providing superior service to internal stakeholders. 
  • Track record of identifying, designing, and implementing business improvement processes to increase quality of programs. Ability to complete multiple tasks within critical deadlines. 
  • Project management experience. 

DESIRED, but not Required. 

  • PHR/SPHR certification.
  • Experience with Workday (HCM system)

SOME FINAL CONSIDERATIONS

Commitment to Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion

Our organization is committed to creating a diverse, equitable, accessible and inclusive work environment and fostering a culture where everyone feels welcome and supported. To learn more about these efforts, visit the Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Strategic Plan and our Diversity & Inclusion: A Welcoming Workplace site. 

Research shows that women and people of color are less likely to apply for a position if they do not meet almost 100% of the desired skills and experiencePlease note that this is not necessary. If you meet the minimum requirements and have a passion for the work, you are encouraged to apply. We can provide on-the-job training for the rest.

Inclusive Benefits

UCAR affirms its commitment to employees through competitive benefits. Beyond rich medical, dental, vision, and life insurance offerings, as well as employee assistance and backup dependent care, UCAR offers the following benefits: 

  • Company contributes 10% of gross pay into retirement; 100% fully vested on day one
  • Starting minimum of 36 days of personal time off 
  • 10 paid holidays
  • 10 days of sick leave every year
  • 14 weeks of paid parental leave
  • Tuition assistance and other professional development opportunities
  • EcoPass for local Colorado residents to use the Denver and Boulder-area transit system at no cost.

Flexible Work

At UCAR, we are committed to supporting our mission by giving staff the flexibility to find the schedule and location that works best for them to maintain their own work-life circumstances and to reach their full potential as professionals. Many positions within our organization are eligible for fully on-site, hybrid, fully remote, and/or flexible work schedules.

Equal Opportunity Employer

UCAR is committed to providing equal opportunity for all employees and applicants for employment and does not discriminate based on  race, age, creed, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, gender, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or pregnancy. Whatever your intersection of identities, you are welcome at UCAR.

Export Control

This position is subject to work location requirements for obtaining access to facilities and research systems. These requirements may include a combination of national security checks, credit checks, fingerprinting, and/or other security clearance requirements. This position is open to U.S. citizens and Green Card holders.

The University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR) is an equal opportunity/equal access/affirmative action employer that strives to develop and maintain a diverse workforce. UCAR is committed to providing equal opportunity for all employees and applicants for employment and does not discriminate on the basis of race, age, creed, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, gender, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or pregnancy. 

Whatever your intersection of identities, you are welcome at the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR). We are committed to inclusivity and promoting an equitable environment that values and respects the uniqueness of all members of our organization.