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Chief People Officer

  • Job
    Full-time
    Expert Level
  • Government & Politics
    People, HR & Administration
  • Houston

AI generated summary

  • You must have a relevant bachelor's degree, 10+ years in HR leadership, expertise in decentralization, digital transformation, labor laws, and strong communication skills. A master’s degree is preferred.
  • You will lead HR strategies, advise leadership, ensure policy consistency, drive HR transformations, enhance employee engagement, and manage workforce development across departments.

Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related field required.
  • Ten (10) + years of progressive leadership experience in HR, with extensive experience managing HR functions in a decentralized organization, public sector agency, or government setting.
  • Strong record of leading HR transformation and implementing organizational change across multiple, autonomous departments or divisions in organizations of 10,000+ employees.
  • Successful track record of leading end to end HR technology implementations and driving digital transformation initiatives. In-depth knowledge of labor laws, compensation systems, benefits administration, and best practices in public sector HR.
  • Proven ability to lead and influence in a decentralized HR structure while fostering collaboration and standardization where needed.
  • Strategic thinking and expertise in HR systems, talent management, and organizational culture.
  • Exceptional communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
  • Analytical mindset with experience in leveraging HR data to inform strategy and policy.
  • A visionary and adaptable leader who thrives in complex, decentralized environments.
  • Strong integrity and commitment to ethical leadership.
  • Approachable, collaborative, and committed to inclusive and transparent decision-making.
  • A forward-thinking innovator who embraces continuous improvement and modernization.
  • Master’s degree preferred.

Responsibilities

  • Lead the development and execution of HR strategies and initiatives that align with Harris County’s mission and objectives.
  • Provide strategic HR counsel to the County Administrator, Commissioner's Court, and senior leadership.
  • Guide the integration of strategic HR practices across all County departments, working closely with independently elected and appointed department heads and HR leaders.
  • Serve as a liaison between the County’s central HR function and departmental HR units to ensure consistency in HR policies, procedures, and compliance with regulations.
  • Foster collaboration and knowledge-sharing across various HR teams, facilitating alignment while allowing for department-specific HR flexibility.
  • Establish and maintain communication channels to streamline HR processes and promote cohesive workforce strategies despite the decentralized structure.
  • Drive HR transformation initiatives that enhance efficiency, technology integration, and employee engagement across decentralized HR units.
  • Lead countywide efforts in compensation, benefits, and pay equity, ensuring alignment of key policies and practices while allowing for department-specific adjustments where appropriate.
  • Implement consistent performance management, talent development, and recognition programs across departments, ensuring transparency and fairness throughout the organization.
  • Lead initiatives to transform central HRT operations, focusing on improving efficiency, integrating technology, and enhancing user experience across decentralized HR business units.
  • Promote a unified organizational culture, emphasizing Harris County’s values of inclusivity, collaboration, ethics, customer service, and high performance across all departments.
  • Design and lead initiatives that improve the employee experience, with a focus on engagement, well-being, and cross-department collaboration.
  • Develop programs to enhance communication and integration between departments, fostering a sense of unity while respecting the decentralized nature of HR operations.
  • Lead workforce development efforts, ensuring that departments can effectively manage talent pipelines, leadership development, and succession planning.
  • Collaborate with departmental HR teams to forecast staffing needs, develop training programs, and implement leadership development initiatives.
  • Provide guidance and resources to departmental HR leaders on talent strategies including employee retention practices that reflect both countywide and department-specific needs.
  • Partner with department heads, external agencies, and Commissioner's Court members to address HR challenges and opportunities from a countywide perspective.
  • Collaborate with departmental HR leaders to ensure a cohesive approach to employee relations, and workforce development.
  • Represent Harris County in external HR forums, advocating for the County’s strategic HR vision and engaging in discussions about workforce best practices.
  • Lead the development of countywide HR metrics and reporting systems that inform decisions and support data-driven initiatives across departments.
  • Use data and analytics to track workforce trends, engagement levels, and turnover rates, making recommendations to help Harris County remain competitive in the job market to attract and retain qualified staff and for improvements tailored to both countywide and department-specific needs.
  • Ensure that HR policies across all departments are continuously evaluated and updated based on performance metrics and workforce feedback.
  • Collaborate with county partners to ensure a common baseline of countywide and departmental policies are maintained and readily available for use.

FAQs

What is the primary responsibility of the Chief People Officer?

The primary responsibility of the Chief People Officer is to lead Human Resources and Talent (HRT), focusing on people-centered practices, HR transformation, and a comprehensive approach to talent management in alignment with Harris County's strategic goals.

What educational qualifications are required for this position?

A Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related field is required. A Master's degree is preferred.

How many years of experience are required for this role?

A minimum of ten (10) years of progressive leadership experience in Human Resources is required, with extensive experience in managing HR functions in a decentralized organization or government setting.

What skills are essential for the Chief People Officer position?

Essential skills include strategic thinking, exceptional communication and negotiation abilities, analytical skills for data-driven decision-making, and the capability to lead and influence in a decentralized HR structure.

Will there be opportunities for professional development in this position?

Yes, there are professional development opportunities available for employees in regular full-time positions.

What type of work environment is the Chief People Officer expected to lead?

The Chief People Officer is expected to lead a decentralized operational environment while promoting collaboration, equity, inclusion, and operational excellence.

Is this position subject to a criminal history check?

Yes, this position is subject to a criminal history check, and only relevant convictions will be considered.

Are there specific benefits offered to regular full-time employees?

Yes, regular full-time employees receive a competitive benefits program that includes medical, dental, and vision coverage, life insurance, wellness plans, and a defined benefit retirement plan, among other benefits.

How can candidates apply for this position?

Candidates can apply through the provided job posting link or by emailing their resume to the designated email address.

What is the salary range for the Chief People Officer position?

The salary for this position depends on qualifications and will be discussed during the departmental interview.

Government
Industry
10,001+
Employees

Mission & Purpose

Harris County is a county located in the U.S. state of Texas within the Houston–Sugar Land–Baytown metropolitan area. As of 2000 U.S. Census, the county had a population of 3,400,578 (though a 2007 estimate placed the population at 4,011,475), making it the most populous county in Texas and the third most populous county in the United States. Its county seat is Houston.