Vice President for Human Resources

California State University-Los Angeles; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 280,000 - 310,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

Disability insurance

Retirement (CalPERS)

Tuition waiver

Vacation

Sick leave

15 paid holidays

Job summary

California State University Los Angeles (Cal State LA) seeks a transformational, mission-centered HR executive to serve as its inaugural Vice President for Human Resources and Chief Human Resources Officer (VPHR/CHRO). Reporting to the President, this leader will modernize HR and align strategies, policies, and culture to advance the university’s mission.

The role requires deep expertise in labor relations, change leadership, and data-driven workforce strategies within a large, unionized public

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; at least ten years of senior HR leadership experience.
• At least five years in a senior management or executive leadership role in a complex, unionized public university environment.
• Preferred: advanced degree or senior HR certification; CSU system experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead the HR enterprise, modernize systems and processes to deliver service-oriented outcomes.
• Advise and partner with senior leaders and labor relations to strengthen trust and collaboration.
• Align HR strategy with institutional mission and oversee workforce programs for accountability and performance.

Skills

HR leadership

Labor relations

Change management

Data-driven decisions

Executive leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree required

Advanced degree or HR certification preferred

Job description

California State University Los Angeles (Cal State LA) seeks a transformational, mission-centered human resources executive to serve as its inaugural Vice President for Human Resources and Chief Human Resources Officer (VPHR/CHRO). Reporting directly to President Berenecea Johnson Eanes and serving on the President’s cabinet and senior leadership team, the VPHR/CHRO will lead the University’s human resources enterprise at a pivotal moment of renewal and progress. This leader will build a modern, responsive, service-oriented HR division that aligns strategies, policies, practices, and culture in support of Cal State LA’s mission to transform lives and foster thriving communities across greater Los Angeles.

Cal State LA is one of the nation’s premier comprehensive public universities and a vital anchor institution in one of the most dynamic, diverse, and influential regions in the country. As part of the California State University system (CSU), the nation’s largest and most diverse four-year public university system, Cal State LA serves approximately 22,000 students and is nationally recognized as an engine of upward mobility, access, and economic opportunity. The University’s Vice President for Human Resources and Chief Human Resources Officer will join a deeply mission-driven institution with an enduring commitment to student success, public service, inclusion, and the greater good.

The division of human resources is entering a new chapter following a period of significant transition, with important stabilization efforts already underway to rebuild trust, strengthen the team, improve communication across the enterprise, and enhance organizational effectiveness. The VPHR/CHRO will build on this momentum by modernizing systems and processes, elevating service delivery, and positioning HR as a strategic, solutions-oriented partner across the University. This role requires a seasoned HR executive with deep expertise across the full human resources portfolio, experience leading change in a complex and highly unionized environment, and the strategic vision, sound judgment, and operational discipline to translate institutional priorities into effective workforce strategies, programs, and measurable outcomes.

The VPHR/CHRO will also play a central role in strengthening relationships across the University and within the broader CSU system. Cal State LA employs approximately 2,500 faculty, staff, and management personnel and operates within a systemwide collective bargaining environment. The VPHR/CHRO will be expected to foster productive labor-management relationships, build trust with faculty, staff, administrators, union leaders, and shared governance partners, and serve as an effective liaison to the CSU Chancellor’s Office and HR colleagues across sister campuses. Success will require a visible, approachable, collaborative, and transparent leader who can listen carefully, communicate clearly, navigate complexity with steadiness, and advance practical solutions with credibility and care.

For an accomplished human resources leader, this is a distinctive opportunity to shape the future of HR at Cal State LA by strengthening operations, advancing workforce strategy, and positioning HR as a trusted, strategic partner in a dynamic, mission-driven, and unionized public university environment. The University seeks a collaborative, solutions-oriented executive with broad HR expertise, strong labor and employee relations acumen, sound judgment, and a demonstrated ability to lead change, build effective teams, and use data to improve service, accountability, and organizational performance. A bachelor’s degree is required, along with at least ten years of progressively responsible senior-level human resources leadership experience, including supervisory experience, and at least five years in a senior management or executive leadership role in a complex organization. Preferred qualifications include an advanced degree or senior-level HR certification, significant HR leadership experience in higher education, and experience within the California State University system or another large public higher education system.

Candidate materials should be received by November 5, 2026.

The anticipated salary range for this role is $280,000 – $310,000

This position is eligible for a broad range of benefits:

• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Disability insurance
• Retirement (CalPERS)
• Tuition waiver
• Vacation
• Sick leave
• 15 paid holidays (14 scheduled on specific days and a Personal Holiday that may be taken any time)

A comprehensive benefits summary for this position is available online by visiting our Benefits Portal. The CSU Total Compensation Calculator demonstrates the significance of the benefits package.

Following a conditional offer of employment, satisfactory completion of a background check (including a criminal records check) is required prior to beginning employment. Any offer of employment is rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or if it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the continued employment of a current CSU employee who was conditionally offered the position.

Cal State LA is an equal opportunity employer that provides equal employment opportunities to all individuals, regardless of their protected characteristics. All qualified applicants and employees are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, military and veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law.