Deputy Chief Human Resources Officer, Emory University

Emory University is a leading research university that fosters excellence and attracts world-class talent to innovate today and prepare leaders for the future. We welcome candidates who can contribute to the excellence of our academic community.

The Human Resources Division seeks an accomplished and strategic human resources executive to serve as Deputy Chief Human Resources Officer (Deputy CHRO).  This individual will help to shape the future of human resources at Emory University.  Reporting directly to the Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer, the Deputy CHRO is a key member of the Human Resources Division leadership team and plays a central role in advancing Emory’s people strategy and strengthening enterprise-wide alignment across a complex academic and healthcare environment.

The Deputy CHRO provides senior-level leadership, operational oversight, and strategic direction for several core HR functions in support of Emory’s mission.  Success in this role requires a strategic, collaborative, and operationally strong HR leader who can navigate complexity, build trust across diverse constituencies, and translate vision into execution.  This individual must possess the following capabilities and attributes:

• Sees the “big picture” across the institution and connects HR strategy to Emory’s mission, business plan, and long-term priorities.
• Understands complex systems and anticipates downstream impacts of decisions.
• Communicates clearly and confidently with senior leaders.
• Demonstrates maturity, composure, and good judgment in ambiguous or high-pressure situations.
• Builds trust through transparency, listening, and follow-through.
• Leads through influence rather than authority; values diverse perspectives.
• Balances strategic thinking with attention to execution and detail.
• Drives results while maintaining high standards for service, compliance, and governance.
• Models inclusive leadership and decision-making.
• Supports Emory’s commitment to equity, inclusion, and belonging through both strategy and everyday behavior.

The Deputy CHRO is a colleague and positional peer to the Associate Vice President, Total Rewards, and the Associate Vice President, Culture and Talent.  Together, these three (3) leaders will collaborate and work closely with key stakeholders and other constituents across the enterprise to ensure alignment of HR programs, policies, and practices, where appropriate.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

Enterprise HR Strategy

• Partner with the CHRO to design and execute a comprehensive, campus-wide human resources strategy aligned with Emory’s business priorities and long-term strategic plan.
• Provide leadership and guidance to the Human Resources Division, ensuring consistent, effective, and mission-aligned HR practices across the organization.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to senior leaders on workforce, organizational effectiveness, employee relations, and change management.

Functional Leadership. Provide executive oversight and leadership for the following functions:

• Employee and Labor Relations: Lead strategy and execution for employee and labor relations, workplace investigations, policy interpretation, conflict resolution, and compliance, ensuring fair, consistent, and legally sound employment practices.
• HR Operations and Analytics: Oversee HR operations, systems, reporting, and workforce analytics to enhance operational effectiveness, strengthen data-informed decision-making, and continuously improve service delivery.
• HR Community: Foster a strong, connected, and high-performing HR community through professional development, engagement, communication, and capability building initiatives.

Enterprise Partnership and Alignment:

• Partner with leaders and other key stakeholders across Emory University and Emory Healthcare to align HR programs, policies, and practices while respecting the unique needs and boundaries of academic and clinical environments.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders including Legal Affairs, Compliance, Finance, and senior leadership to address complex workforce issues and advance institutional priorities.
• Represent the Human Resources Division on enterprise-wide initiatives, councils, and committees.

Leadership and Talent Development:

• Build, lead, and develop high-performing HR leadership teams that model collaboration, accountability, and service excellence.
• Mentor HR leaders and strengthen succession pipelines and leadership capability across the division.
• Champion inclusive leadership practices consistent with Emory’s commitment to equity, inclusion, and belonging.

MNIMUM QUALIFICATONS:

• Master’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Organizational Development, Labor Relations, or a related field (or an equivalent combination of education and experience).
• Significant senior-level HR leadership experience in a large, complex organization; experience in higher education, healthcare, or similarly decentralized environments is strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated expertise in employee and labor relations, HR operations, and enterprise-wide HR strategy.
• Strong knowledge of employment law, labor relations, HR governance, and compliance.
• Proven ability to build credibility and strong partnerships with senior executives and diverse stakeholder groups.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience operating across both academic and healthcare environments.
• Record of success leading large-scale change initiatives and cross-functional collaborations.
• Professional HR certification (e.g., SHRM-SCP, SPHR).

Key Leadership Competencies

• Strategic and enterprise-minded thinker
• Strong executive presence with sound judgment
• Collaborative and inclusive leadership style
• Data-driven and analytically strong
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills
• Ability to lead effectively in complex, evolving environments

What Success Looks Like in the First 12–18 Months

Trusted Strategic Partner

• Establishes strong working relationships with the CHRO, HR leadership peers, and senior leaders across Emory University and Emory Healthcare.
• Is viewed as a credible, thoughtful advisor on workforce strategy, employee and labor relations, organizational effectiveness, and complex people issues.
• Demonstrates sound judgment, discretion, and an ability to influence decision-making in high‑stakes or sensitive situations.

Strong Enterprise HR Leadership

• Provides visible leadership and guidance across the Human Resources Division, reinforcing alignment, accountability, and service excellence.
• Effectively coordinates with peer AVPs (Total Rewards; Culture and Talent) to ensure an integrated, cohesive HR strategy and operating model.
• Strengthens collaboration across HR functions, reducing silos and improving consistency of practice.

Excellence in Employee and Labor Relations

• Brings a fair, consistent, and proactive approach to employee and labor relations that balances compliance, risk mitigation, and Emory’s values.
• Improves confidence among leaders and employees in HR’s ability to manage complex employee issues and workplace concerns effectively.
• Anticipates emerging labor and employment trends and positions Emory to respond effectively.

Operational and Data-Driven Impact

• Enhances HR operations and analytics to improve efficiency, service delivery, and decision-making.
• Uses data and insights to inform workforce planning, policy decisions, and strategic initiatives.
• Advances process improvement and appropriate standardization while respecting the needs of a decentralized enterprise.

A Strong, Connected HR Community

• Builds a cohesive and engaged HR community by investing in professional development, communication, and leadership capability.

Emory is an equal opportunity employer, and qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by state or federal law. Emory University does not discriminate in admissions, educational programs, or employment, including recruitment, hiring, promotions, transfers, discipline, terminations, wage and salary administration, benefits, and training. Students, faculty, and staff are assured of participation in university programs and in the use of facilities without such discrimination. Emory University complies with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Vietnam Era Veteran's Readjustment Assistance Act, and applicable executive orders, federal and state regulations regarding nondiscrimination, equal opportunity, and affirmative action (for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities). Inquiries regarding this policy should be directed to the Emory University Department of Equity and Civil Rights Compliance, 201 Dowman Drive, Administration Building, Atlanta, GA 30322. Telephone: 404-727-9867 (V) | 404-712-2049 (TDD).

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