Position Summary
Bryant University – a student-centered, purpose-driven institution in Smithfield, Rhode Island – seeks a strategic and experienced Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) to serve as a key advisor to President Ross Gittell and a vital member of the senior leadership team and campus community. With a reputation for preparing students for success throughout their lives, Bryant continues to evolve through its ambitious Vision 2030 plan, emphasizing ROI, experiential learning, and passionate leadership.

Upon the retirement of Timothy Paige, the next CHRO will partner directly with the President to lead all aspects of human resources operations, including executive-level human resources concerns, labor relations for three union groups on campus, performance management, executive compensation, compliance, and talent strategy. The role oversees a seasoned HR team and will be instrumental in strengthening employee relations, leading collective bargaining efforts, and aligning HR strategy and operations with the University’s mission and goals.

Reporting directly to President Gittell and serving as a close advisor to the President and to other members of Cabinet, the Chief Human Resources Officer is responsible for directing, planning, and coordinating the University’s human resource and other core administrative functions. Areas of direct responsibility include employee and labor relations, performance management, employee training and development, compensation and benefits (including executive compensation), talent acquisition and retention, payroll and human resource information management, Title IX, 504 Compliance, and union engagement. While working with a broad team of human resources employees, the position’s direct reports include the Director of HR, Total Rewards and Payroll Operations; Director of HR, Employment and HR Operations; and Senior Associate Director of HR, Learning and Development/Title IX.
Principal Accountabilities
Oversee all HR operations and ensure best practices and policies are in place: The next CHRO will be responsible for the entire University’s Human Resources function and will have the opportunity to conduct a comprehensive review of all policies, procedures, and operations to ensure best practices and efficiencies. The CHRO will also help the President prepare and present annual executive compensation summaries to the Compensation Committee of the Board of Trustees. Finally, the CHRO will lead a talented, dedicated, and high-functioning HR staff, providing support, mentorship, and innovative leadership.

Oversee all compensation and benefits programs: In addition to the health care and retirement programs, Bryant offers its employees a wide range of benefits, which the CHRO oversees and manages. The CHRO will ensure that Bryant’s benefits programs are managed effectively and creatively to achieve the maximum return on investment.

Maintain and deepen healthy employee relations: Leveraging the University’s business partnership model, the CHRO will ensure positive, impactful working relationships with individuals across all divisions of the University. They will employ strong relationship-building skills to strengthen trust and collaboration between HR and departments university-wide, ensuring responsive and inclusive HR support. This responsibility includes serving as the University’s 504 Compliance Officer, and, in collaboration with the Vice President for Student Affairs, Title IX oversight.

Serve as a strategic partner to the President and Cabinet: The next CHRO will serve as a confidential advisor to the President on critical human resources and strategic administrative topics, including senior leadership development, strategic workforce planning and development, operational strategies, executive compensation, senior leader performance and succession management, and institutional compensation and benefits planning and forecasting. The CHRO will also be a key Cabinet member and participate fully in the development of organizational planning and program development, including the strategic direction for institutional human resource and administrative policies and practices to align with the strategic plan; to meet emerging legal, legislative, and economic mandates; and to maximize workforce potential.

Navigate and support labor relations: The CHRO’s success will depend on smooth and authentic engagement with the University’s three labor unions. While collective bargaining for the next faculty contract is expected to be completed prior to the next CHRO’s arrival, the CHRO will continue to ensure the effective administration of labor contracts in alignment with institutional priorities and values, fostering constructive labor-management relationships. When needed, the CHRO will also lead or support labor negotiations and the collective bargaining process.

Champion professional development and talent strategy: The CHRO will design and implement staffing strategies to identify and cultivate internal and external talent pipelines. They will also invest in professional development methods and partnerships to attract and retain high-performing individuals at all levels of the organization.
Qualifications
A Bachelor’s degree is required, and a Master’s degree is strongly preferred. A minimum of 15 years of leadership experience, with at least five years at the senior management level, is also required. While no one candidate will have every expertise outlined in the position description, ideal candidates will also display many of the following professional and personal qualities, skills, and characteristics:

Advanced training and/or certification in Human Resources;
Demonstrated high EQ paired with a commitment to data-informed decision-making;
Experience in and passion for the mission of higher education;
Ease with – and desire to build – relationships across all areas and at all levels of employees;
Strong leadership, negotiation, and mediation skills;
A record of performance in unionized environments;
Excellent communication skills and a talent for team building;
A history of developing and implementing best-in-class HR and general administrative strategies and programs, including the strategic utilization of artificial intelligence;
The ability to interface productively with outside counsel;
A record of success in leading change while maintaining a positive, supportive work environment;
The ability to serve as a trusted advisor to the President, senior Cabinet, and Board Chair;
A connector who can build trusting relationships with all people across campus; and
The technical expertise to partner with HR experts on the team and communicate with non-experts across campus.

This is a full-time position that will be performed on-site in the state of Rhode Island. Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience, along with a generous benefits package.
Working Environment
At Bryant University, we believe that our strength lies in the richness of our campus community and the unique perspectives that shape it. By connecting academic and social experiences, we create an environment where individuals feel valued, respected, and supported. Our commitment to fostering belonging and well-being ensures that everyone has the opportunity to thrive and contribute meaningfully. We encourage applications from those who appreciate the wide range of experiences and backgrounds that make our community exceptional. Discover more about how we cultivate a welcoming and collaborative campus culture that drives excellence.