A Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) is a corporate officer who oversees all aspects of human resource management and industrial relations policies, practices and operations for an organization. Corporate executive overseeing the human resources function at a company. This includes the development and execution of strategies for talent acquisition, learning and development, compensation and benefits, and HR analytics.
In this role, you will have the opportunity to be both strategic and hands-on, providing expertise in areas such as labor relations, employee relations, performance management, compensation, and conflict resolution, ensuring that our organization is an exceptional place to work for all employees. Reporting directly to the First Selectman, and as a member of the Town of Westport leadership team, you will oversee a dedicated team of two (2) HR professionals committed to supporting the development of strategies that create a premier municipal organization, striving for excellence in all that we do. The successful candidate will serve as a trusted advisor to the First Selectman and department leadership on workforce strategy, organizational effectiveness, employee relations, and labor relations matters.
WHAT YOU'LL DO
Partner with department heads and Town leadership to develop and implement practical workforce strategies that support organizational goals and effective municipal operations. Collaborate across Town departments on the full employee lifecycle from recruitment and selection through onboarding, talent development, training, performance management, and employee engagement. Serve as a strategic partner to departmental leaders, providing guidance and support to strengthen organizational culture, develop employees, and align workforce initiatives with the Town's strategic objectives. Counsel management on interpretation of policy and procedures ensuring compliance, lead investigations and resolutions of employee complaints, and coach departmental managers on appropriate intervention and resolution of employee relations issues. Oversee the benefits programs, acting as a liaison between employees and Third-Party Administrators or insurance providers, to resolve benefit-related problems and ensure effective utilization of plans and positive employee relations.
THE IDEAL CANDIDATE
Recognizes that our employees are our most valuable resource and that the key to ensuring organizational excellence is the recruitment, development, and retention of highly-performing and engaged staff. Strives to foster a values-driven organizational culture which motivates employees to collaboratively meet the diverse needs of a dedicated and thriving municipal organization. Possesses the ability to lead and motivate others and demonstrates a genuine commitment to public service.
OUR PREFERENCES
Current or previous working experience in public sector or municipal government. Knowledge of FOIA/public records, town governance, etc. Experience in working with elected officials, boards, and commissions. Expertise in collective bargaining, union grievance administration, and labor negotiations. This position requires the availability to attend evening meetings, labor negotiations, Board and Commission meetings, and other municipal events as required.
WHAT YOU'LL BRING A
Degree with an emphasis on Human Resources, Public Administration, or related field. Master s Degree and/or Professional or Senior Certification in
Human Resources:
PHR/SPHR, or
SHRM-CP/SHRM-SCP
preferred. Seven (7) years of increasingly responsible HR experience with a full range of responsibilities in an organization similar in size to the Town of Westport, including 4-6 years in a senior level management/supervisory capacity and 3-5 years of labor relations, workers compensation and benefits administration experience; or any equivalent combination of education, training and work experience preferred. Knowledge of human resource management theory, methods, and practices, as well as the legal environment related to human resource management including federal and state laws, labor relations, benefits trends, costing, and compliance. Skill in the art of diplomacy and cooperative problem-solving, leadership and organizational behavior management. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, supervisors, directors, town officials, and the public, and apply problem solving and analytical principles to effectively deal with various situations, making sound recommendations.
