THE OPPORTUNITY:
The University of Alabama in Huntsville invites nominations and applications for a strategic Human Resources leader to lead the university during its next phase of exciting opportunity. As a premier national research institution, the University of Alabama in Huntsville seeks a Chief Human Resources Officer who will provide forward‑thinking leadership across a comprehensive HR enterprise committed to talent development, employee well‑being, innovation, and operational excellence. The CHRO will join a leadership team who is focused on strengthening administrative infrastructure and aligning people strategies with institutional priorities, particularly as UAH continues to elevate its capabilities across areas such as benefits and employee services, talent management, HR technology and innovation, payroll, and organizational development.
ABOUT UAH:
Founded in 1969 as an extension of the University of Alabama, UAH has grown into a comprehensive, research-driven institution with nationally recognized strengths in aerospace, defense, and advanced technologies, reflecting UAH’s mission to provide outstanding education, produce important discoveries, and serve workforce needs locally and beyond. Located in the heart of one of the country’s most advanced science and technology hubs, UAH offers over 100 areas of study across six colleges, including Engineering, Nursing, Business, Science, Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences, and Education. With a student body of nearly 6,500 undergraduates and over 1,600 graduate students, and 374 full-time faculty members, UAH is known for its rigorous academics, high return on investment, and commitment to immersive experiences that prepare students for success in a rapidly evolving world. The University’s 500-acre campus is situated in Huntsville, Alabama, also known as “The Rocket City,” a city renowned for its deep ties to aerospace, defense, and biotechnology industries.
POSITION:
The Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) joins UAH during a pivotal period of strategic transformation and institutional momentum. With a new President to be announced in the Spring of 2026, this leader will be a key driver of UAH’s success, charged with advancing an innovative, results-oriented human resources function. As a strategic partner, the CHRO provides enterprise-wide leadership, guided by UAH Human Resources' mission: to be leaders in the field of Human Resources, focusing on talent development, driving innovation, and promoting the well-being of faculty and staff at The University of Alabama in Huntsville.
Reporting to the Chief Administrative Officer, the CHRO provides leadership, strategic direction, and operational oversight for all aspects of human resources across the campus. This role will establish and lead the university-wide HR roadmap, ensuring alignment with the institution’s strategic plan while maintaining full compliance with federal, state, and labor standards. With a people-first mindset, the CHRO will implement university-wide initiatives and strategies that enhance professional growth, employee engagement, and the institution's ability to attract and retain exceptional talent.
The CHRO oversees an office of 15 staff members responsible for the core HR functions, including payroll, HR Information Systems, talent management, and benefits. By setting clear priorities and fostering a culture of proactive, high-quality service and communication, the CHRO will elevate operational excellence and strengthen support for employees across the institution. Beyond the campus, the CHRO will serve on the University of Alabama Human Resources System Council.
The successful candidate will be a seasoned and respected human resources executive with demonstrated success leading enterprise HR functions in mission-driven organizations.
They will possess deep knowledge of the higher education landscape and bring a clear vision for leading human resources within a complex public university. This leader will have demonstrated expertise in workforce planning, succession strategy, and leadership development to attract, retain, and cultivate top talent. A strong command of data-driven decision-making is essential for designing scalable, effective HR processes and measuring program impact. Success in this role also requires the ability to work cross-functionally, anticipate emerging workforce trends, and position the university as an employer of choice in the Huntsville community.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
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Serve as a Visionary HR Leader and Strategic Driver: Provide strategic leadership for all human resources functions, driving innovation, transformation, and alignment with the university’s mission and institutional priorities.
- Establish HR Roadmap: Develop and implement a comprehensive HR roadmap that articulates strategic priorities, sets measurable goals, and establishes performance metrics to track progress across all divisions, ensuring alignment with the university’s mission and long-term objectives.
- Drive HR Transformation: Lead the modernization and optimization of HR processes across the university, leverage Human Resources Information Systems, data analytics, and emerging technologies, including AI, to enhance efficiency, effectiveness, and innovation across all human resources functions.
- HR Policy Development: Refine and create HR policies and frameworks that ensure compliance, strengthen internal controls, guide consistent decision-making, while advancing strategic human capital priorities across the university.
- Shape Workforce Strategy and Development: Assess university-wide HR needs and workforce trends; design and implement initiatives across talent management, organizational design, learning programs, total rewards, employee relations, and HR systems, to build a high-performing engaged workforce.
- Institutional Advising: Provide expert guidance to leadership across the university system on HR strategy, policy interpretation, and complex workforce issues to support compliant, informed, and effective decision-making.
- HR Leadership: Oversee and mentor a high-performing team of 15 HR professionals, cultivating a unified, results-driven culture that advances enterprise HR strategy and aligns human capital initiatives with the university’s mission and strategic priorities.
- Financial Management: Provide strategic leadership for the HR division’s operating budget ensuring effective allocation of resources to support workforce initiatives, optimize operational efficiency, and align with the university’s strategic priorities.
- Ensure Enterprise HR Compliance: Maintain adherence to all applicable federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations, including COBRA, FLSA, ADA, FMLA, ERISA, and immigration requirements, while mitigating risks.
- Culture Accelerator: Develop programs and initiatives that create a high-performing, collaborative campus, strengthen employee engagement and well-being, and align faculty and staff behaviors with the institution's mission and strategic goals.
- Labor Relations Expertise: Provide guidance and oversight on labor relations, collective bargaining, and public sector workforce matters.
LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE AND CORE COMPETENCIES:
Energetic and Dynamic Leadership
- Demonstrates a high level of enthusiasm, visibility, and personal engagement across campus and the broader community.
Mission-Driven Focus
- Deeply committed to UAH’s core values of academic excellence, research innovation, and public service, with a clear understanding of its role in advancing academic excellence.
Comprehensive HR Expertise
- Deep knowledge and hands-on experience across all HR functions, including talent acquisition, workforce development, learning, total rewards, employee relations, HRIS, compliance, and performance management, with the ability to translate operational expertise into enterprise-level strategy and outcomes.
Ethical Leadership and Integrity:
- Demonstrates unwavering commitment to ethical decision-making, transparency, and fairness in all human resources practices, setting a standard for trust and accountability across the university.
Strategic Influence and Stakeholder Engagement:
- Skilled at influencing across multiple levels of the organization, building strong relationships with faculty, staff, and senior leadership to advance human capital initiatives and institutional priorities.
Strategic Talent Alignment with Regional Needs
- Apply a deep understanding of Huntsville’s aerospace, defense, and technology ecosystem to shape HR strategies that attract, develop, and retain talent aligned with UAH’s growth and regional opportunities.
Student-Centered Leadership
- Demonstrates a genuine commitment to student engagement, fostering a supportive environment that prioritizes student success and well-being while understanding and appreciating the unique and high-achieving student body at UAH.
THE PROCESS:
Confidential review of applications, nominations, and expressions of interest will begin immediately and will continue until an appointment is made.
To ensure full consideration, please email a letter of interest and a resume, as 2 separate PDFs, by April 8, 2026 to Lori Hemmer at: lhemmer@zrgpartners.com.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY (EEO) STATEMENT
The University of Alabama in Huntsville is an equal opportunity employer (EOE), including an EOE of protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.