Chief Human Resources Officer

North Carolina Central University; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

North Carolina Central University is seeking a Chief Human Resources Officer to provide strategic HR leadership and foster an inclusive workforce. This role emphasizes talent acquisition and organizational development in a mission-driven environment focused on educational excellence and community impact.

Benefits

Accrued Vacation and Sick Leave

Community Service Leave

NCFlex – Vision and Dental

Teachers and State Employees Retirement System (TSERS)

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Qualifications

• At least 7 years of progressive leadership experience in human resources.
• Advanced knowledge in HR best practices and strategic planning.
• Ability to lead organizational transformation.

Responsibilities

• Develop human capital strategies aligned with institutional goals.
• Oversee recruitment processes ensuring compliance and equity.
• Lead employee relations and professional development programs.

Skills

Strategic Leadership

Employee Engagement

Conflict Resolution

Analytical Skills

Education

Master’s degree or MBA

Job description

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

To Apply:

For full consideration, please apply by July 23, 2025.

Please apply through the application link and do not email applications.

Applications will be reviewed as they are received and should include a cover letter and curriculum vita. Ideally cover letters should not exceed two pages. All applications are treated confidentially.

Inquiries, referrals, and nominations are also treated confidentially.

Inquiries and questions: Please send to [e-mail].

Nominations and referrals: Please send the nominee’s name, title, and contact information if available to [e-mail].

Pre-Employment Requirements:

• You must complete and submit an electronic application for employment to be considered. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completing an electronic application.
• Applicants seeking Veteran’s Preference must attach a DD 214 form or those seeking National Guard Preference must attach as NG23A form. Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty with your application during the process of applying to the job posting.
• Final candidates are subject to criminal background checks, and education/license verification prior to employment.
• North Carolina Central University participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.

Employee Benefits available to NCCU permanent employees include the following and more:

• Accrued Vacation and Sick Leave
• Community Service Leave
• NCFlex – Vision, Dental, Flexible Spending Account, Life Insurance and more
• 11-12 Paid Holidays
• Teachers and State Employees Retirement System (TSERS)
• Optional Supplemental Plans – 401k, 403b, 457b and 457
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Campus Recreation Center Discount
• University Bookstore Discount and more.

Position Information

Position/Classification Title

Position/Classification Title Chief Human Resources Officer

Working Title

Working Title Chief Human Resources Officer

Position Number

Position Number 611545

FLSA

FLSA Exempt

Appointment Type

Appointment Type Permanent - Full Time

Tenure Track No

FTE

FTE 1 = 40 hours/week, 12 months

Department Hiring Range

EEO-1 Category

EEO-1 Category Officials & Managers

SOC Code

SOC Code 11-3121 - Human Resources Managers

Position Overview

Be an Eagle - Where Purpose Takes Flight!

Are you ready to make an impact? At North Carolina Central University ( NCCU ), we are more than an institution—we are a community rooted in a legacy of excellence and transformation. A historically Black university located in Durham, North Carolina, also known as ‘The City of Medicine,’ NCCU has been a cornerstone of education since 1910, fostering innovation and progress.

Join our team and enjoy a comprehensive benefits package and exclusive perks designed to support your work-life balance. At NCCU , your professional growth will be nurtured, and your contributions will help shape the future for our students and the community we serve. Become part of a legacy that drives change and achievement.

An opportunity awaits you at NCCU , where your purpose can take flight.
Visit NCCU .edu .

Primary Function of Organizational Unit

About the Institution

North Carolina Central University (known as NCCU or NC Central), located in Durham, North Carolina, is a historically Black University with a rich legacy of academic excellence and community engagement. As part of the University of North Carolina System, NCCU serves a diverse student body of over 8,000 scholars, offering bachelor’s degrees in 100 disciplines, master’s degrees in more than 40 areas, and a Ph.D. in Integrated Biosciences. The university comprises several colleges and schools, including the College of Arts, Social Sciences, and Humanities; the College of Health and Sciences; the School of Business; the School of Education; the School of Library and Information Sciences; and the School of Law.

NCCU offers athletic and student life experiences that foster both school spirit and personal growth. As a member of the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision ( FCS ), NCCU competes in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference ( MEAC ). These programs not only provide competitive athletic opportunities but also emphasize academic achievement. Beyond athletics, student life at NCCU is dynamic and inclusive. The Division of Student Affairs offers a wide range of programs and services aimed at enhancing the student experience. Students can engage in over 150 events annually and participate in various student organizations, fostering leadership development and community engagement.

Situated in the heart of the Research Triangle, NCCU drives innovation in biotechnology, biomedicine, information science, computing, behavioral and social sciences, and health sciences. NC Central students contribute to improving quality of life and promoting economic growth in North Carolina, across the nation, and around the globe.

Living in the Area

Living near NCCU in Durham, North Carolina offers a vibrant mix of academic energy, cultural richness, and community engagement. The area is conveniently located just minutes from downtown Durham, giving residents easy access to a wide range of restaurants, shops, galleries, and music venues. For those who enjoy the outdoors, the city offers parks, greenways, and recreational facilities, and the campus itself is walkable and welcoming. Residents benefit from the proximity to Raleigh-Durham International Airport ( RDU ) facilitating easy travel for both domestic and international flights.

Durham is also part of the larger Research Triangle, which includes Raleigh and Chapel Hill, making it a hub for education, innovation, and healthcare. The area is surrounded by opportunities for professional growth and collaboration, especially in biotechnology, health sciences, and education. Affordable housing options, access to public transportation, and a diverse, inclusive environment make this part of Durham an appealing place to live for students, professionals, and families alike

Primary Purpose of Position

This is a defining leadership opportunity for a strategic, people-centered executive to join a respected, mission-driven institution at a time of focused transformation and renewed momentum. Last June, Dr. Karrie Dixon was appointed as North Carolina Central University’s (NCCU’s) 13th chancellor, ushering in a new era of strategic focus, inclusive excellence, and operational innovation. Reporting to the Executive Vice Chancellor, the Chief Human Resources Officer ( CHRO ) will serve as a key advisor to the Chancellor’s Executive Leadership Team and will play a vital role in shaping a bold human capital strategy with an emphasis on talent acquisition and employee relations.

With a workforce of more than 1,600 employees and a student population of over 8,500, NCCU is a distinguished, historically Black university ( HBCU ) dedicated to excellence in teaching, research, and service—a commitment that has earned NCCU national recognition, including a #15 ranking among the top HBCUs in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. The CHRO will advance the university’s strategic priorities through effective workforce planning, organizational development, and data-driven HR decision-making. The CHRO will foster a high-performing, service-oriented HR organization focused on talent acquisition, employee relations, professional development, policy administration, and internal communication.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Proven strategic leadership in all core HR functions, including recruitment, employee relations, training, organizational development, and compensation.
• Deep understanding of employment law, regulatory compliance ( EEO , FLSA , ADA ), and university system policies.
• Expertise in developing and implementing succession planning, workforce strategy, and talent pipeline initiatives.
• Demonstrated ability to design and lead employee engagement, performance management, and professional development programs.
• Strong analytical and data interpretation skills; ability to use HR metrics to guide decision-making and measure impact.
• Skilled in conflict resolution, investigation processes, and navigating complex employee relations matters with discretion and fairness.
• Experience in leading HR communications and policy development with clarity, consistency, and alignment to institutional goals.
• Collaborative leadership style with a proven ability to build trust and influence at all levels of the organization.
• Exceptional interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Ability to manage change and lead organizational transformation in a complex, fast-paced environment.
• High emotional intelligence, sound judgment, and integrity in handling confidential and sensitive information.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• At least seven (7) years of progressive leadership experience in human resources
• A minimum of three (3) years of supervisory experience
• Advanced knowledge and skills in leadership, strategic planning, and HR best practices

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s degree, with added value placed on an MBA or a specialized degree in human resources

Licenses or Certification required by Statute or Regulation

None

Equal Opportunity Employer

North Carolina Central University is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or status as a protected veteran.

Primary Responsibilities and Duties

Function

Function Strategic Human Capital Leadership

Describe the specific tasks and responsibilities related to the function.

• Serve as a strategic advisor to university leadership on workforce planning, succession management, and compensation strategy.
• Develop and lead a comprehensive human capital strategy that attracts, develops, motivates, and retains a diverse, mission-driven workforce.
• Build and implement succession plans and talent pipelines for critical university roles.

Function

Function Recruitment & Talent Acquisition

Describe the specific tasks and responsibilities related to the function.

• Oversee and modernize all recruitment processes, ensuring equity, compliance, and timeliness across staff and faculty hiring.
• Partner with academic and administrative units to develop targeted recruitment strategies to attract top-tier talent.
• Ensure onboarding practices create a seamless and welcoming transition for new hires.

Function

Function Employee Relations & Engagement

Describe the specific tasks and responsibilities related to the function.

• Lead the development of a responsive and fair employee relations function, promoting a respectful and inclusive workplace culture.
• Provide guidance on conflict resolution, grievances, performance coaching, and disciplinary actions.
• Monitor employee engagement trends and implement retention strategies.

Function

Function Organizational & Professional Development

Describe the specific tasks and responsibilities related to the function.

• Design and implement a university-wide learning and development framework, aligned with strategic priorities.
• Advance leadership development and cross-training opportunities to cultivate internal talent and foster a culture of continuous learning.
• Oversee the development and delivery of training in areas such as management skills, compliance, and workplace culture.

Function

Function Policy Development & Internal Communications

Describe the specific tasks and responsibilities related to the function.

• Lead the development, communication, and implementation of HR policies that ensure legal compliance and support institutional goals.
• Provide clear, timely HR communications that build transparency and reinforce university values.
• Serve as the chief advisor on HR-related policy interpretation and employment practices.

Function

Function Compensation & Classification

Describe the specific tasks and responsibilities related to the function.

• Oversee compensation and classification frameworks that are competitive, equitable, and aligned with market trends.
• Conduct regular benchmarking and develop strategies to address compression, equity, and pay progression.

Function

Function Compliance & Risk Management

Describe the specific tasks and responsibilities related to the function.

• Ensure institutional compliance with federal, state, UNC System, and university HR regulations including FLSA , ADA , EEO .
• Guide HR risk mitigation strategies, conduct internal audits, and respond to legal and regulatory inquiries.

Posting Number

Posting Number EPA03379P

Open Date

Open Date 06/16/2025

Date desired for closing or initial review

Close Date

Close Date 07/23/2025

Open Until Filled No

Date Position Available

Special Instructions to Applicants

To Apply:

For full consideration, please apply by July 23, 2025.

Please apply through the application link and do not email applications.

Applications will be reviewed as they are received and should include a cover letter and curriculum vita. Ideally cover letters should not exceed two pages. All applications are treated confidentially.

Inquiries, referrals, and nominations are also treated confidentially.

Inquiries and questions: Please send to [e-mail].

Nominations and referrals: Please send the nominee’s name, title, and contact information if available to [e-mail].

Pre-Employment Requirements:

• You must complete and submit an electronic application for employment to be considered. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completing an electronic application.
• Applicants seeking Veteran’s Preference must attach a DD 214 form or those seeking National Guard Preference must attach as NG23A form. Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty with your application during the process of applying to the job posting.
• Final candidates are subject to criminal background checks, and education/license verification prior to employment.
• North Carolina Central University participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.

Employee Benefits available to NCCU permanent employees include the following and more:

• Accrued Vacation and Sick Leave
• Community Service Leave
• NCFlex – Vision, Dental, Flexible Spending Account, Life Insurance and more
• 11-12 Paid Holidays
• Teachers and State Employees Retirement System ( TSERS )
• Optional Supplemental Plans – 401k, 403b, 457b and 457
• Employee Assistance Program ( EAP )
• Campus Recreation Center Discount
• University Bookstore Discount and more.

Required DocumentsOptional Documents

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).