Special Assistant to the CHRO

University of Vermont; Burlington (VT); Hybrid; USD 72,000 - 78,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Vermont seeks a highly organized Special Assistant to the Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO). You will support executive decision-making, strategize initiatives, and coordinate communications while handling confidential information with discretion.

This hybrid role combines HR, project coordination, and administrative operations, offering broad exposure to senior leadership and institutional strategy.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and 2–5 years of related experience in HR, operations, executive support, or communications.
• Proven ability managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong written communication for reports and presentations.
• Experience gathering and presenting information to support decision-making.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office including Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
• Experience handling sensitive information with discretion.
• Strong organizational and interpersonal skills across levels.

Responsibilities

• Prepare presentations, reports and executive correspondence.
• Coordinate complex schedules and sensitive meetings.
• Support follow-through on key organizational initiatives.
• Assist CHRO and HR leadership with confidential information and communications.

Education

Bachelor’s degree

2-5 years experience

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Position Details

Advertising/Posting Title Special Assistant to the CHRO Posting Summary

The University of Vermont is seeking a highly organized, adaptable, and trusted professional to serve as Special Assistant to the Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO). In this unique role, you will operate at the center of Human Resources, partnering closely with the CHRO and HR leadership team to advance strategic priorities, support executive decision-making, and ensure the smooth coordination of critical initiatives, communications, and operations.

This position combines elements of HR, project management, executive operations, and communications. The Special Assistant serves as a trusted extension of the CHRO, helping manage priorities in a fast-paced environment; preparing presentations, reports, and executive correspondence; coordinating complex schedules and sensitive meetings; and supporting follow-through on key organizational initiatives. The role regularly works with confidential information and requires sound judgment, discretion, and the ability to anticipate needs before they arise.

Develop a strong understanding of the CHRO’s communication approach to serve as a trusted extension of the office. Consistently communicate in a manner that fosters trust, preserves relationships, and advances positive working partnerships while effectively conveying decisions, feedback, and sensitive information.

The ideal candidate is a relationship builder who thrives in dynamic environments, learns quickly, communicates with polish and professionalism, and enjoys bringing clarity and order to complex challenges. This is an exceptional opportunity for an emerging HR, operations, or administrative professional who is interested in gaining broad exposure to executive leadership, institutional strategy, and the inner workings of a high-performing HR organization.

Minimum Qualifications (or Equivalent Combination Of Education And Experience)

• Bachelor’s degree and two to five years of progressively responsible experience in human resources, business operations, executive support, project coordination, administration, communications, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Demonstrated experience managing multiple priorities, coordinating complex activities, and meeting deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong written communication skills, with experience drafting professional correspondence, reports, presentations, or other business communications.
• Experience researching, gathering, organizing, and presenting information to support decision-making and problem solving.
• Demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, and the ability to learn new systems and technologies.
• Experience handling sensitive and confidential information with discretion, sound judgment, and professionalism.
• Strong organizational, interpersonal, and relationship management skills, with the ability to work effectively with individuals at all levels of an organization.

Desirable Qualifications

• Experience supporting senior leaders, executives, or leadership teams.
• Experience working in a higher education institution.
• Experience preparing presentations, briefing materials, dashboards, reports, or executive communications.
• Knowledge of human resources practices, employment policies, and organizational operations.
• Experience working with confidential employee relations, labor relations, or personnel matters.

Anticipated Pay Range $72,000 to $78,000

Other Information

Special Conditions

A probationary period may be required, This position is eligible for a hybrid schedule with an option to split time between campus and elsewhere, in accordance with the university telecommuting policy, Background Check required for this position FLSA Exempt Union Position No

Posting Details

Position will be posted for a minimum of one week, after which it is subject to removal without notice.

Job Location Burlington, Vermont, United States

Job Open Date 10/14/2026

Job Close Date (Jobs close at 11:59 PM EST.)

Open Until Filled No

Our Common Ground Statement

The University of Vermont is a welcoming, educationally purposeful community committed to creating an inclusive environment that embraces intellectual diversity and global perspectives. We seek to prepare students to be accountable leaders who will bring to their work a grasp of complexity, effective problem-solving and communication skills, and an enduring commitment to learning and ethical conduct. Members of the University of Vermont community embrace and advance the values of Our Common Ground: Respect, Integrity, Innovation, Openness, Justice, and Responsibility. Staff play a critical role in this effort and the successful candidate will demonstrate a strong commitment to UVM’s mission and advancing Our Common Ground values through the execution of their job duties.

Position Information

Position Title Univ Ops Administration PC1 X

Posting Number S6360PO

Department Human Resources/11305

Position Number 00028029

Percent of Full-Time 1.0

Standard Hours at 1.0 FTE 37.5

Term (months per year) 12