AVP/Chief Human Resources Officer

Inside Higher Ed; Rome (GA); On-site; USD 107,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

A college institution in Rome, Georgia is seeking an AVP/Chief Human Resources Officer to provide strategic leadership in HR functions. The ideal candidate will have over 10 years of experience, including senior leadership roles, and will oversee talent acquisition, compliance, and employee engagement initiatives. This full-time position offers a salary range of $107,000 – $140,000 and the opportunity to contribute to a dynamic educational environment.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of progressive HR experience with 5+ years in senior roles.
• Experience with higher education HR best practices.
• Certification in HR preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop a comprehensive human capital strategy.
• Lead talent acquisition and retention initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with employment laws and regulations.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Conflict resolution

Analytical skills

Collaboration

Data-driven decision making

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field

Tools

HRIS platforms

Microsoft Office

Job description

Job Title

AVP/Chief Human Resources Officer

Location

GHC - Floyd Campus

Regular/Temporary

Regular

Full/Part Time

Full-Time

Job ID

296285

About Us

Georgia Highlands College is a dynamic, multi-campus institution and proud member of the University System of Georgia. Established in 1970 as Floyd Junior College, GHC has grown into a thriving college serving more than 6,000 students across Northwest Georgia and Northeast Alabama, with vibrant campuses in Rome, Cartersville, Marietta, and Dallas.

Offering more than 30 areas of study, GHC provides flexible pathways to associate and bachelor's degrees, both in the classroom and online, empowering students to achieve their goals on their terms.

At GHC, growth isn't just for students, it's for our employees, too. As a forward-thinking and progressive institution, we foster a fast-paced, engaging work environment that champions professional development, employee wellness, and shared success. Our culture of collaboration and innovation has earned us numerous awards and recognitions.

Job Summary

The Associate Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) serves as the institution's senior human resources executive, providing strategic vision and comprehensive oversight of all HR functions. As a trusted member of the President's Cabinet, the CHRO collaborates closely with executive leadership, faculty, staff, and governing bodies to foster a high-performing, engaged workforce aligned with the institution's mission and strategic priorities.

Through thoughtful leadership and partnership, the CHRO advances a college community culture of excellence and accountability, supporting student access to a dynamic teaching and learning environment that prepares students to succeed and lead in an increasingly global society.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a comprehensive human capital strategy aligned with the institution’s strategic plan.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to the President and Cabinet on workforce planning, organizational development, and change management.
• Lead initiatives that strengthen institutional culture, shared governance, and employee engagement.
• Oversee talent acquisition, onboarding, retention, and succession planning strategies for faculty and staff.
• Implement workforce analytics and planning models to anticipate future institutional needs.
• Guide leadership development and performance management programs and systems.
• Support faculty affairs in collaboration with academic leadership, including appointment, promotion, and tenure processes.
• Design and administer competitive and equitable compensation structures. Ensure alignment with market data and regulatory requirements.
• Oversee benefits programs, retirement plans, wellness initiatives, and leave administration.
• Provide executive oversight of employee relations, conflict resolution, and grievance procedures.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and higher education regulations.
• Ensure adherence to all relevant employment legislation, including Title VII, ADA, FMLA, and other regulatory frameworks.
• Oversee HR policies and procedures to maintain institutional integrity and mitigate risk.
• Partner with legal counsel and compliance offices on investigations and regulatory matters.
• Direct HRIS strategy, data governance, and process optimization.
• Promote operational excellence through continuous improvement initiatives.
• Lead and develop a high-performing HR team with a service-oriented approach.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Higher Education Administration, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Ten or more years of progressively responsible experience in Human Resources, including five or more years in a senior leadership capacity; experience in advising executive leadership and governing boards.

Experience utilizing HRIS platforms commonly used in higher education environments to enhance operational effectiveness and data integrity.

Preferred Qualifications

HR professional certification through the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM‑CP or SHRM‑SCP) or the HR Certification Institute (PHR or SPHR).

Proposed Salary

Salary: $107,000 – $140,000.

Required Documents to Attach

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• Attach unofficial transcripts with your application. Official transcripts will be required upon offer of employment.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Knowledge of employment law and human resources best practices, with the ability to apply this expertise in complex organizational settings.
• Ability to think strategically and apply strong analytical skills to ensure effective operational oversight; capacity to cultivate and leverage business acumen; commitment to data-informed decision-making that drives organizational effectiveness and continuous improvement.
• Ability to cultivate collaborative relationships and communicate effectively with employees and leaders at all levels, including experience working within shared governance structures.
• Ability to lead with a high level of professionalism marked by discretion and sound ethical judgment and a commitment to confidentiality.
• Expertise in conflict resolution, mediation and facilitating constructive solutions-oriented dialogue.
• Ability to effectively prioritize and manage multiple initiatives within a dynamic and evolving academic environment.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications and function specific technology.
• Possession of a current valid driver’s license with acceptable driving record and the ability to pass a yearly motor vehicle report review.
• Ability to pass a pre-employment drug test and random drug testing.

Application Deadline

Open until filled.

USG Core Values

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 26 institutions of higher education and learning as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct.

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.

Conditions of Employment

Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with Georgia Highlands College, as determined by Georgia Highlands College in its sole discretion, confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check.

Offers are made expressly subject to the applicable federal and state laws, to the statutes, rules and regulations of this institution and to the Bylaws and Policies of the Board of Regents (BOR) of the University System of Georgia (USG), which are available for your inspection upon request.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Georgia Highlands College 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. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.