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 partner with HR leadership to advance strategic priorities, prepare executive materials, and coordinate initiatives across the HR office.

The role blends HR, operations, and communications. You will manage confidential information with discretion, handle complex schedules, and support reporting, presentations, and executive correspondence for leadership.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and 2–5 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.

Responsibilities

• Partner with the CHRO and HR leadership team to advance strategic priorities and executive decision-making.
• Prepare presentations, reports, and executive correspondence for leadership.
• Coordinate complex schedules and sensitive meetings to ensure smooth operations.
• Support follow-through on key organizational initiatives and confidential information handling.
• Develop a strong understanding of the CHRO's communication approach to convey decisions, feedback, and sensitive information clearly and professionally.

Skills

Executive support

Project coordination

Communications

MS Office

Confidential information handling

Relationship management

Scheduling

Adaptability

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

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

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

Job Location

Burlington, Vermont, United States

Department

Human Resources/11305

Standard Hours at 1.0 FTE

37.5

Term (months per year)

12