Full-time · On-site

Chief People Officer

This is a high-impact executive role at a respected four-year institution, combining strategic organizational design with hands-on HR management. Reporting to the President, the CPO will lead a cultural transformation to make the college an employer of choice. It is a rare chance to own the entire 'people' function in a supportive, mission-driven academic environment.

NC
Hiring company

North Central College

Naperville, Illinois, United States · Posted 26 April 2026

The role

Overview

This is a high-impact executive role at a respected four-year institution, combining strategic organizational design with hands-on HR management. Reporting to the President, the CPO will lead a cultural transformation to make the college an employer of choice. It is a rare chance to own the entire 'people' function in a supportive, mission-driven academic environment.

The hiring side

About North Central College

North Central College is a mid-sized employer working in higher education, based in Naperville, Illinois, United States.

Industry

Higher Education

Size

Medium

Location

Naperville, Illinois, United States

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What they need

Requirements & Skills

Key Responsibilities

  • Direct the Office of Human Resources and mentor departmental staff
  • Advise the President and Cabinet on organizational health and culture
  • Modernize HRIS and payroll systems for better data reporting
  • Design and implement comprehensive onboarding and retention programs
  • Audit and streamline all HR processes for maximum efficiency

Essential

  • Proven experience in a senior HR leadership capacity
  • Ability to report directly to a President and advise a Cabinet
  • Expertise in workforce planning and organizational effectiveness
  • Experience managing payroll, benefits, and compensation structures
  • Strong background in employee relations and performance management
  • Ability to lead a small, service-oriented team while remaining hands-on

Preferred

  • Experience within a higher education or four-year institution setting
  • Advanced knowledge of HRIS administration and data integrity
  • Experience in change management and process optimization

Key Skills

Strategic LeadershipHRIS ManagementTalent AcquisitionSuccession PlanningCompliance OversightConflict ResolutionBudget ManagementCultural Development

Networking

People to Know

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Perks

Benefits & perks

  • Competitive executive salary
  • Comprehensive benefits package
  • Leadership role within the President's Cabinet
  • Opportunity to shape institutional culture
  • Professional development and succession planning oversight

Next step

Apply now

Found via careers.insidehighered.com

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