University of Colorado
Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer
University of Colorado, Denver, Colorado, United States, 80285
Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer
The University of Colorado (CU) invites applications for the position of Vice President/Chief Human Resource Officer (CHRO). CU is a premier public research university with four campuses in Boulder, Colorado Springs, Denver, and Aurora. We seek a mission‑centric, skilled, and collaborative human resources executive to help shape and execute an integrated people and culture strategy. The CHRO reports to the Senior Vice President of Internal Operations and Chief of Staff, and serves as a member of the President’s executive team, partnering with senior leaders at System Administration and across the CU System.
Duties & Responsibilities
Supervision/Management: oversees approximately 130 employees in the following positions and functions:
Associate Vice President and CU Health Plan Chief Administrator
Associate Vice President for Employee Services
Assistant Vice President for HR, Learning and Development
Internal communications focusing on systemwide programs, including benefits and communications for System Administration employees
Strategic Talent Leadership:
Serve as a trusted advisor to the President, Senior Vice President for Internal Operations and Chief of Staff, executive leadership team, and campus CHROs on all talent, organizational, and workforce matters.
Ensure the System Administration talent strategy supports consistent, practical application of hiring, development, and retention practices, and fosters shared expectations for how work gets done across System Administration.
Work to ensure that System Administration provides an outstanding employment opportunity for individuals from all Colorado communities.
Collaborate with campus and system leaders to ensure alignment of HR strategies while respecting the unique needs of each entity.
Support key campus executive leaders across the CU system by:
Coaching and consulting on talent and interpersonal matters
Mediation of conflicts and contrasting priorities
Employee relations
Assist when requested with the Board of Regents on policy, employment practices, planning and management of staff, and other matters.
Provide guidance on executive level searches from position creation/update to hire, including managing external search firms and internal search committees.
Collaborate with leadership to identify barriers, design and deliver training, and promote inclusive practices that support a productive and engaged workforce for all staff.
Functional HR Leadership:
Provide strategic oversight for all enterprise HR operations, ensuring efficient, compliant, and service‑oriented delivery across all centralized shared services, including payroll, benefits, retirement programs, leave management, HR technology, labor relations (in conjunction with legal counsel), HR‑related policy development, and other centralized functions.
Provide strategic direction and oversee the Assistant Vice President that delivers the following capabilities within the System office while aligning practices and strategy with similar campus functions for compensation strategy, talent acquisition, organizational effectiveness, employee relations, culture, inclusion and belonging, and leadership development.
Provide strategic directions on inclusive strategies to improve recruitment, hiring, retention, and workplace culture for all System Administration staff, including continuing and evolving the System Administration Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) and workshops focused on developing a sense of belonging.
For certain functions managed operationally on the campuses (including compensation, leadership development, & talent acquisition), lead enterprise‑wide alignment efforts and development of select shared strategies and tools while providing support and visibility to key leaders.
University of Colorado Health and Welfare Trust: serve as trustee for the Trust, a multi‑employer voluntary employees’ beneficiary association, and work with the Chief Plan Administrator to ensure health benefits strategy aligns with broader university goals while maintaining regulatory and fiduciary boundaries.
Governance and Fiduciary Responsibilities:
Serve as fiduciary leader for CU retirement plans.
Serve as liaison to System Administration Staff Council and the system‑wide Staff Council.
Stay informed on and develop strategy with Legal Counsel for labor relations.
Assist with preparation of and provide feedback or testimony regarding employee‑related state or federal legislation.
Work with members of the President’s executive team and others in developing and updating Administrative Policy Statements and Regent Laws and Policies.
What We Offer Salary range: $320,000 – $347,000.
Benefits include:
Disability, Life, Vision Insurance options.
Multiple retirement planning options: mandatory 401(a) plan (CU contributes 10% of gross pay), 401(k) or 403(b) plan, and 457 deferred compensation plan.
Pre‑tax savings plans such as Health Care and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts.
Generous sick and vacation leave, at least 12 paid holidays, and a dedicated week off for winter break.
Six weeks of parental leave.
Tuition benefit program for you and/or your dependents.
Free RTD EcoPass and free onsite parking at 1800 Grant Street Office.
Additional perks and programs with the CU Advantage.
Additional taxable fringe benefits may be available. For more information on benefits programs, please review our Comprehensive Benefits Guide and access our Total Compensation Calculator to see your total rewards. (This position is a University Staff position.)
Qualifications Professional Experience and Attributes
Demonstrated experience leading strategic HR transformation and culture change in large, complex organizations.
Ability to develop senior leaders and foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and performance.
Expertise in workforce analytics, data‑driven decision‑making, and people metrics.
Deep understanding of modern HR principles, organizational effectiveness, and leadership development.
Collaborative and consultative leadership style with the ability to influence across multiple stakeholder groups.
Strong communication and relationship‑building skills with demonstrated ability to inspire trust and drive alignment, ensuring the continuing growth of effective relationships throughout all of CU.
Minimum Qualifications
A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education or equivalent experience in business administration, human resources, law, public administration or a related field.
Ten (10) years of progressively responsible HR management experience in a large, complex organization with multiple personnel systems, including: managing core HR functions such as payroll, benefits, retirement plans, HR technology systems, and leadership development; managing a high‑volume service center; working with culture and inclusion; fiduciary responsibilities for benefit and retirement plans; labor relations policies and practices.
Demonstrated experience managing multi‑million‑dollar budgets and fiduciary responsibilities related to employee benefits and retirement plans.
Proven track record of leading enterprise‑wide HR initiatives, including talent strategy, workforce planning, employee relations, and organizational development.
Commitment to an inclusive and supportive work environment for all employees.
Preferred Qualifications
Advanced degree from an accredited institution in business administration, human resources, law, public administration, or related field.
Experience leading culture transformation initiatives, including employee surveys – and developing survey results into actionable plans and implementing them through training strategies and employee development programs.
Experience implementing compensation strategy and developing strategy for advancement and growth opportunities for organizational staff.
Chief human resources officer assignment(s).
Proven ability to influence change through a collaborative and inclusive leadership style.
How to Apply Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until an appointment is made. Applications must be received by
January 9
and must include:
Letter of interest addressing the strategic objectives and qualifications identified in the profile.
Current curriculum vitae (CV).
Contact information (email and phone) for five professional references, including their relationship to the candidate.
Applications should be submitted through the AGB Search portal system. For questions regarding the application process, contact
cusystemvpchro25@agbsearch.com . The University of Colorado is being assisted by AGB Search.
Equal Opportunity Statement CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.
Sponsorship Statement:
We are unable to sponsor applicants for work visas for this position.
Background Check Statement:
CU conducts background investigations for all final applicants, including criminal history, financial history, motor vehicle history, and fingerprinting background check. The Immigration Reform and Control Act requires a verification of employment eligibility by the end of the third day of work. CU is committed to diversity and equality in education and employment.
ADA Statement:
CU is committed to an inclusive and barrier‑free search process and provides accommodations for applicants requesting accommodation through the search process, such as alternative formats of this posting. Individuals with disabilities should contact the ADA Coordinator at systemhr@cu.edu.
Position Number: 00634914. Primary Location: Denver. Department: S0001 -- System Administration. Posting Contact: Margaret Plympton, CUSystemVPCHRO25@agbsearch.com. Posting Date: Dec 10, 2025.
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Duties & Responsibilities
Supervision/Management: oversees approximately 130 employees in the following positions and functions:
Associate Vice President and CU Health Plan Chief Administrator
Associate Vice President for Employee Services
Assistant Vice President for HR, Learning and Development
Internal communications focusing on systemwide programs, including benefits and communications for System Administration employees
Strategic Talent Leadership:
Serve as a trusted advisor to the President, Senior Vice President for Internal Operations and Chief of Staff, executive leadership team, and campus CHROs on all talent, organizational, and workforce matters.
Ensure the System Administration talent strategy supports consistent, practical application of hiring, development, and retention practices, and fosters shared expectations for how work gets done across System Administration.
Work to ensure that System Administration provides an outstanding employment opportunity for individuals from all Colorado communities.
Collaborate with campus and system leaders to ensure alignment of HR strategies while respecting the unique needs of each entity.
Support key campus executive leaders across the CU system by:
Coaching and consulting on talent and interpersonal matters
Mediation of conflicts and contrasting priorities
Employee relations
Assist when requested with the Board of Regents on policy, employment practices, planning and management of staff, and other matters.
Provide guidance on executive level searches from position creation/update to hire, including managing external search firms and internal search committees.
Collaborate with leadership to identify barriers, design and deliver training, and promote inclusive practices that support a productive and engaged workforce for all staff.
Functional HR Leadership:
Provide strategic oversight for all enterprise HR operations, ensuring efficient, compliant, and service‑oriented delivery across all centralized shared services, including payroll, benefits, retirement programs, leave management, HR technology, labor relations (in conjunction with legal counsel), HR‑related policy development, and other centralized functions.
Provide strategic direction and oversee the Assistant Vice President that delivers the following capabilities within the System office while aligning practices and strategy with similar campus functions for compensation strategy, talent acquisition, organizational effectiveness, employee relations, culture, inclusion and belonging, and leadership development.
Provide strategic directions on inclusive strategies to improve recruitment, hiring, retention, and workplace culture for all System Administration staff, including continuing and evolving the System Administration Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) and workshops focused on developing a sense of belonging.
For certain functions managed operationally on the campuses (including compensation, leadership development, & talent acquisition), lead enterprise‑wide alignment efforts and development of select shared strategies and tools while providing support and visibility to key leaders.
University of Colorado Health and Welfare Trust: serve as trustee for the Trust, a multi‑employer voluntary employees’ beneficiary association, and work with the Chief Plan Administrator to ensure health benefits strategy aligns with broader university goals while maintaining regulatory and fiduciary boundaries.
Governance and Fiduciary Responsibilities:
Serve as fiduciary leader for CU retirement plans.
Serve as liaison to System Administration Staff Council and the system‑wide Staff Council.
Stay informed on and develop strategy with Legal Counsel for labor relations.
Assist with preparation of and provide feedback or testimony regarding employee‑related state or federal legislation.
Work with members of the President’s executive team and others in developing and updating Administrative Policy Statements and Regent Laws and Policies.
What We Offer Salary range: $320,000 – $347,000.
Benefits include:
Disability, Life, Vision Insurance options.
Multiple retirement planning options: mandatory 401(a) plan (CU contributes 10% of gross pay), 401(k) or 403(b) plan, and 457 deferred compensation plan.
Pre‑tax savings plans such as Health Care and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts.
Generous sick and vacation leave, at least 12 paid holidays, and a dedicated week off for winter break.
Six weeks of parental leave.
Tuition benefit program for you and/or your dependents.
Free RTD EcoPass and free onsite parking at 1800 Grant Street Office.
Additional perks and programs with the CU Advantage.
Additional taxable fringe benefits may be available. For more information on benefits programs, please review our Comprehensive Benefits Guide and access our Total Compensation Calculator to see your total rewards. (This position is a University Staff position.)
Qualifications Professional Experience and Attributes
Demonstrated experience leading strategic HR transformation and culture change in large, complex organizations.
Ability to develop senior leaders and foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and performance.
Expertise in workforce analytics, data‑driven decision‑making, and people metrics.
Deep understanding of modern HR principles, organizational effectiveness, and leadership development.
Collaborative and consultative leadership style with the ability to influence across multiple stakeholder groups.
Strong communication and relationship‑building skills with demonstrated ability to inspire trust and drive alignment, ensuring the continuing growth of effective relationships throughout all of CU.
Minimum Qualifications
A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education or equivalent experience in business administration, human resources, law, public administration or a related field.
Ten (10) years of progressively responsible HR management experience in a large, complex organization with multiple personnel systems, including: managing core HR functions such as payroll, benefits, retirement plans, HR technology systems, and leadership development; managing a high‑volume service center; working with culture and inclusion; fiduciary responsibilities for benefit and retirement plans; labor relations policies and practices.
Demonstrated experience managing multi‑million‑dollar budgets and fiduciary responsibilities related to employee benefits and retirement plans.
Proven track record of leading enterprise‑wide HR initiatives, including talent strategy, workforce planning, employee relations, and organizational development.
Commitment to an inclusive and supportive work environment for all employees.
Preferred Qualifications
Advanced degree from an accredited institution in business administration, human resources, law, public administration, or related field.
Experience leading culture transformation initiatives, including employee surveys – and developing survey results into actionable plans and implementing them through training strategies and employee development programs.
Experience implementing compensation strategy and developing strategy for advancement and growth opportunities for organizational staff.
Chief human resources officer assignment(s).
Proven ability to influence change through a collaborative and inclusive leadership style.
How to Apply Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until an appointment is made. Applications must be received by
January 9
and must include:
Letter of interest addressing the strategic objectives and qualifications identified in the profile.
Current curriculum vitae (CV).
Contact information (email and phone) for five professional references, including their relationship to the candidate.
Applications should be submitted through the AGB Search portal system. For questions regarding the application process, contact
cusystemvpchro25@agbsearch.com . The University of Colorado is being assisted by AGB Search.
Equal Opportunity Statement CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.
Sponsorship Statement:
We are unable to sponsor applicants for work visas for this position.
Background Check Statement:
CU conducts background investigations for all final applicants, including criminal history, financial history, motor vehicle history, and fingerprinting background check. The Immigration Reform and Control Act requires a verification of employment eligibility by the end of the third day of work. CU is committed to diversity and equality in education and employment.
ADA Statement:
CU is committed to an inclusive and barrier‑free search process and provides accommodations for applicants requesting accommodation through the search process, such as alternative formats of this posting. Individuals with disabilities should contact the ADA Coordinator at systemhr@cu.edu.
Position Number: 00634914. Primary Location: Denver. Department: S0001 -- System Administration. Posting Contact: Margaret Plympton, CUSystemVPCHRO25@agbsearch.com. Posting Date: Dec 10, 2025.
#J-18808-Ljbffr