Chief Human Resources Officer - Montclair State University
Montclair State University (Montclair) seeks a visionary and transformational senior-level human resources leader to serve as its next chief human resources officer (CHRO). The CHRO will be an influential leader who will report to the chief operating officer (COO) of the University and collaborate with the COO, president, provost and senior vice president for Academic Affairs, and vice presidents of the University in weekly meetings. The CHRO provides comprehensive support and strategic guidance to a university of more than 7,000 employees across its two campuses. Above all, the CHRO prioritizes collaborative relationship-building with union leaders, union members, faculty, staff, peers and leadership across campus. Extensive experience in building friendly union relationships, and leading successful labor negotiations is required. The Montclair human resources team will have an inviting, approachable and customer-focused reputation. The team will be the genesis point for a cohesive culture that prioritizes clear communication and trust, permeating campus wide.
Montclair State University is a nationally recognized Research Doctoral University that empowers students, faculty and researchers to exceed expectations and drive innovation. Building on 116 years of distinguished history, Montclair today has 13 colleges and schools that serve more than 22,000 undergraduate and graduate students with more than 200 doctoral, master’s and baccalaureate degree programs. Montclair State University delivers the instructional and research resources of a large public university in a supportive, sophisticated and diverse academic environment. On July 1, 2023, Bloomfield College officially became part of Montclair State University as Bloomfield College of Montclair State University, providing an affordable, high-quality, and transformative liberal arts educational experience in a small, supportive setting with the resources of a doctoral research university.
Montclair ranks among the top 10 universities nationally for social mobility and is noted among the top 12 for its exceptional student outcomes that far exceed experts’ predictions. Montclair is a designated R2 Doctoral Research and Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) – and the largest HSI north of Florida and east of Chicago. Situated just 12 miles from New York City on a beautiful 252-acre suburban campus, the University welcomes a diverse population of students representing 42 U.S. states and territories and 113 countries. As an HSI, Montclair State University serves a majority-minority student body. More than 40% of incoming first-year students are the first in their family to pursue higher education and nearly 44% are Pell Grant eligible. Montclair also ranks in the top 13% of 4,500 postsecondary institutions in the U.S. for return on investment for its students.
Reporting to the chief operating officer, the CHRO will serve as a partner to Montclair’s leadership team and will play a key role in ensuring the University is a welcoming and equitable place to work that supports, values, retains and develops university employees at the highest level of excellence. As a champion of workplace culture, the CHRO is responsible for developing and executing a human resources strategy that enables staff and faculty to work at their best. The CHRO will provide direction and strategy on issues involving recruitment and retention, employee and labor relations, professional development, benefits, payroll and compensation, onboarding, performance evaluations, and more.
The best candidates will be experienced in leading successful, equitable teams in an intricate organization, and will embody Montclair’s values of advocacy, partnerships, leadership, courage, quality and excellence, and integrity. They will bring experience and knowledge in innovative human resources work, and will have a strong commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging. Well-qualified candidates will be seasoned human resources leaders, with experience in higher education preferred.
Brettschneider Executive Search is pleased to partner with Montclair State University in this national search. Please submit all applications, confidential nominations and inquiries to Montclair@BrettSearch.com. Applications should include, as separate documents, a CV or resume and a letter of interest addressed to Kim Brettschneider, CEO, Brettschneider Executive Search, highlighting how the candidate’s experience specifically relates to the themes in this profile. Please visit www.BrettSearch.com/Montclair to download the full profile.
Montclair State University is committed to establishing and maintaining a diverse campus community that is representative of the State of New Jersey through inclusive excellence and equal opportunity. Montclair State University's commitment to access and equity is designed to prepare each graduate to thrive as a global citizen. As an affirmative action, equal opportunity institution we are working to support a campus-wide agenda to foster a community that both values and promotes the varied voices of our students, faculty, and staff. The University encourages candidates to apply who will contribute to the cultural tapestry of Montclair State University.
