Chief Human Resources Officer – City of Norwalk, CT

International Public Management Association for Human Resources; Norwalk (CT); On-site; USD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Norwalk, Connecticut, is seeking a Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) to lead HR operations and strategies in a vibrant coastal community. The successful candidate will be a strategic partner to the Mayor, emphasizing workforce development and relations. This role requires a compassionate leader with significant experience in public HR management.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in personnel administration or labor relations.
• 3+ years of public HR management experience.
• Extensive HR experience, preferably in a public or unionized environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead centralized Human Resources and Personnel Department.
• Serve as strategic partner to the Mayor and executive team.
• Guide citywide HR systems and workforce relations.

Skills

Strategic HR Leadership

Data-Informed Decision Making

Labor Relations

Personnel Administration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Personnel and Industrial Relations, Public Administration, Business Administration

Master’s degree in HR, Organizational Development

Job description

Chief Human Resources Officer – City of Norwalk, CT

Are you a forward-thinking, inclusive HR executive ready to organize and lead personnel operations for one of coastal New England’s most vibrant and well-managed cities? The City of Norwalk, Connecticut, is seeking a Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) to guide and strengthen citywide HR systems, workforce relations, and talent development strategies.

Norwalk is a diverse and growing city of approximately 91,000 residents, located on the scenic northern shore of Long Island Sound. Situated in Fairfield County—just 55 minutes by train from Manhattan—Norwalk blends coastal charm with economic vitality.

Norwalk operates under a strong mayor–council form of government. The Mayor serves as Chief Executive Officer and appoints department heads, including the Chief Human Resources Officer. The 15-member Common Council serves as the legislative body. The City provides a full range of services through a professional workforce of over 640 full-time employees.

The Chief Human Resources Officer leads the centralized Human Resources and Personnel Department and reports directly to the Mayor. This is not a routine HR administrator role—Norwalk’s next CHRO will serve as a strategic partner to the Mayor and executive team.

Job Requirements

The City of Norwalk is seeking a strategic, compassionate, experienced, and data-informed leader who will serve as the steward of the City’s most valuable resource—its people.

REQUIRED:

• Bachelor’s degree in Personnel and Industrial Relations, Public Administration, Business Administration or related field and at least 10 years of progressively responsible experience in personnel administration or labor relations, with at least three years of public HR management and leadership experience
• Extensive HR and labor relations experience, preferably in a public or unionized environment

PREFERRED:

• Master’s degree in HR, Organizational Development, or related

The City of Norwalk is offering a salary range of $150,000 to $190,000 for this position, depending on experience and qualifications.