Chief Human Resources Officer

Evanston, Illinois (pop. 75,658) is seeking a dynamic and proven Chief Human Resource Officer (CHRO) who can lead the department in a cultural transformation to move from traditional human resources to a culture-focused department that values the employee experience. The ideal CHRO is a strategist and leader with the ability to lead and influence throughout the organization. This position will be central to rolling out an organization-wide leadership development strategy and cultural transformation to meet the organization’s goal of being an employer of choice. The Director is supported by a qualified Assistant Human Resources Manager, experienced Human Resources Generalists, and the Workers Compensation Manager. The CHRO reports to the City Manager and will be a strategic partner and thought leader for the Directors’ Leadership Team, to help carry out the vision, mission, and goals of the City of Evanston. Evanston is an employer of choice that cultivates an inclusive and innovative culture where diversity matters.

Evanston, established in 1847, is located on the beautiful shores of Lake Michigan and home to Northwestern University, ranked 9th among national universities. Known for its architecture and beautiful homes on the lake, Evanston is a thriving city with a vibrant business economy, and extensive recreational, cultural and entertainment opportunities to residents and visitors. With a vision to create the most livable city in America, Evanston celebrates the diversity of its opportunities and residents.

Candidates for this position will be:

• A proven leader capable of inspiring the Human Resources team as well as developing strong partnerships with the leadership team and elected officials.
• A visionary and thought leader who can help guide the organization through cultural transformation and leadership development.
• An experienced team leader who will set the tone and champion the department as it transitions from a more transactional operation to one that is innovative, and solutions oriented.
• A collaborator who demonstrates success working across the organization to implement programs and deliver initiatives and training to support the organizational culture.
• A champion for diversity and inclusion who understands the value of a welcoming employee culture.
• Bachelor’s degree plus ten (10) years of professional HR/People, Employee Culture and Labor Relations experience, seven (7) years of which were at the management level, preferably in local government administration including Human Resources, Organizational Development, Talent Management, and/or Organizational Culture. A master’s degree in public administration, business administration, human resources, or related field preferred and SHRM/HRCI/SPHR and NPELRA CLRP certifications are preferred.

The starting salary range for the position is $175,000+/- DOQ. The City offers excellent benefits, including membership in the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund, a well-funded statewide pension system, optional 457 deferred compensation plans, and an expansive menu of health and voluntary plans. The City offers generous PTO benefits and is committed to ongoing employee education and training. Residency is not required.

Submit resume, cover letter, and contact information for five professional references to www.GovHRjobs.com to the attention of Katy Rush, consultant, or Ann Everhart, consultant, Tel: 847-380-3240 X 122, GovHR USA. The first review of resumes will occur on July 29, 2024.

The City of Evanston is an equal opportunity employer and ensures against discrimination in employment on the basis of a person’s race, color, sex, age, religion, disability, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, military discharge status, source of income, housing status, or gender identity. The City of Evanston is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. In keeping with our commitment, The City will take steps to ensure that people with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. Accordingly, if reasonable accommodation is required to fully participate in the job application or interview process, to perform the essential functions of the position, and/or to receive all other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact the Human Resources Division at 847-448-8204(voice) or 847-866-5095(TTY).