Multnomah County
Chief Human Resources Officer
– Multnomah County
Location: Multnomah County, Portland, Oregon Metropolitan Area
Pay Range:
$167,876.79 – $268,604.58 Annual
Department:
Non-Departmental
Job Type:
Regular, Non-Represented
Exemption Status:
United States of America (Exempt)
Closing Date:
January 20, 2026
Current employees:
Please apply through the employee portal to be considered for this opportunity.
Overview Multnomah County is seeking a seasoned trauma‑informed strategic leader to serve as Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO). The CHRO will advise executive leadership, elected officials, and serve on the leadership team. With a focus on safety, trust, and belonging, the CHRO guides an HR team of over 6,500 employees, partners with unions, and directs a $180 million budget.
Responsibilities Strategic Leadership & Vision
Develop, implement, and set priorities for a comprehensive human resources strategy and vision.
Advocate to the Board and Department Directors regarding the value of HR, workload realities, and necessary resource allocation.
Demonstrate advanced business acumen, cultural competence, political sensitivity, and proactive planning.
Apply innovative strategic thinking and problem‑solving to complex County government challenges.
Organizational Culture, Equity & Belonging
Deep commitment to intersectionality‑centered equity and ability to engage diverse staff and leadership to promote collaboration.
Unwavering commitment to cultivating a culture of safety, trust, and belonging, embracing the Workforce Equity Strategic Plan.
Lead with humanity, dignity, and respect, ensuring all employees feel valued and heard.
Develop and monitor indicators of organizational culture and engage leaders to create change.
Operations, Shared Services & Change Management
Oversee and administer all Countywide HR programs, including Labor Relations, HRIS, Classification and Compensation, Benefits, Wellness, Organizational Learning, Change, and Talent Acquisition.
Establish and communicate clear expectations and standardized policies for consistency across departments.
Champion the Centralization/Shared Services implementation by clarifying roles, streamlining complex processes, and reducing administrative burdens on HR staff.
Apply expertise in Change Management to support staff through the Shared Services transition.
Communication, Partnership & Customer Service
Communicate with staff using compassionate, trauma‑informed language, fostering open communication, trust, and transparency.
Create genuine feedback loops to listen to staff concerns and act on results.
Partner with departments, ERGs, and unions to support County operations and goals.
View Department heads as internal customers, deeply understanding their work environments.
Maintain a customer‑focused approach, delivering efficient and responsive service.
Labor Relations, Compliance & Staff Development
Lead a team, mentor staff, and promote staff growth.
Exercise deep labor‑relations expertise as a decisive leader on complex issues.
Resolve confidential inquiries, investigate complaints, and ensure compliance with all laws.
Champion fair, equitable workplace policies that build trust and collaboration.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent related work experience.
Minimum 6 years of progressively responsible experience in government, community, or educational HR programs.
Experience managing and working in a union‑represented environment.
Demonstrated ability to communicate complex HR strategies to diverse audiences.
Substantial experience in budget planning, financial management, and resource optimization.
Proven ability to guide organizational change with care and clarity.
Advanced HR certification (SPHR, SHRM‑SCP, etc.) is desirable.
Preferred Qualifications
Master’s degree.
Minimum 8 years in a senior HR role with supervisory experience.
Public sector experience in a large county or municipal government.
Transferable skills gained through education or life experience relevant to this position.
Screening and Evaluation
Initial review of minimum qualifications; optional preferred review for top candidates.
Top candidates may be invited to panel interview(s), hiring interview, or testing.
Background and reference checks required for finalists.
Additional Information Multnomah County offers an exceptional benefits package, including employer‑funded retirement savings, low‑cost health and dental insurance, paid parental leave, wellness programs, and a focus on work‑life balance.
Hybrid telework is required: onsite work at the Multnomah Building (501 SE Hawthorne Blvd, Portland, OR 97214).
All employees may be called to serve during disasters or emergencies; duty can be reassigned accordingly.
Oregon law: Multnomah County is not collecting school attendance dates in the initial application process.
We are a VEVRAA Federal Contractor and provide priority protected veteran referrals. Veterans’ preference is available under Oregon law.
Legal and EEO Statements Multnomah County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or other legally protected characteristics. The EEO Know Your Rights poster is available for your reference.
Recruiter Cole Whitehurst Email: cole.whitehurst@multco.us Phone: +1 (971) 271-3709
Application information may be used throughout the selection process and is subject to change without notice.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
– Multnomah County
Location: Multnomah County, Portland, Oregon Metropolitan Area
Pay Range:
$167,876.79 – $268,604.58 Annual
Department:
Non-Departmental
Job Type:
Regular, Non-Represented
Exemption Status:
United States of America (Exempt)
Closing Date:
January 20, 2026
Current employees:
Please apply through the employee portal to be considered for this opportunity.
Overview Multnomah County is seeking a seasoned trauma‑informed strategic leader to serve as Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO). The CHRO will advise executive leadership, elected officials, and serve on the leadership team. With a focus on safety, trust, and belonging, the CHRO guides an HR team of over 6,500 employees, partners with unions, and directs a $180 million budget.
Responsibilities Strategic Leadership & Vision
Develop, implement, and set priorities for a comprehensive human resources strategy and vision.
Advocate to the Board and Department Directors regarding the value of HR, workload realities, and necessary resource allocation.
Demonstrate advanced business acumen, cultural competence, political sensitivity, and proactive planning.
Apply innovative strategic thinking and problem‑solving to complex County government challenges.
Organizational Culture, Equity & Belonging
Deep commitment to intersectionality‑centered equity and ability to engage diverse staff and leadership to promote collaboration.
Unwavering commitment to cultivating a culture of safety, trust, and belonging, embracing the Workforce Equity Strategic Plan.
Lead with humanity, dignity, and respect, ensuring all employees feel valued and heard.
Develop and monitor indicators of organizational culture and engage leaders to create change.
Operations, Shared Services & Change Management
Oversee and administer all Countywide HR programs, including Labor Relations, HRIS, Classification and Compensation, Benefits, Wellness, Organizational Learning, Change, and Talent Acquisition.
Establish and communicate clear expectations and standardized policies for consistency across departments.
Champion the Centralization/Shared Services implementation by clarifying roles, streamlining complex processes, and reducing administrative burdens on HR staff.
Apply expertise in Change Management to support staff through the Shared Services transition.
Communication, Partnership & Customer Service
Communicate with staff using compassionate, trauma‑informed language, fostering open communication, trust, and transparency.
Create genuine feedback loops to listen to staff concerns and act on results.
Partner with departments, ERGs, and unions to support County operations and goals.
View Department heads as internal customers, deeply understanding their work environments.
Maintain a customer‑focused approach, delivering efficient and responsive service.
Labor Relations, Compliance & Staff Development
Lead a team, mentor staff, and promote staff growth.
Exercise deep labor‑relations expertise as a decisive leader on complex issues.
Resolve confidential inquiries, investigate complaints, and ensure compliance with all laws.
Champion fair, equitable workplace policies that build trust and collaboration.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent related work experience.
Minimum 6 years of progressively responsible experience in government, community, or educational HR programs.
Experience managing and working in a union‑represented environment.
Demonstrated ability to communicate complex HR strategies to diverse audiences.
Substantial experience in budget planning, financial management, and resource optimization.
Proven ability to guide organizational change with care and clarity.
Advanced HR certification (SPHR, SHRM‑SCP, etc.) is desirable.
Preferred Qualifications
Master’s degree.
Minimum 8 years in a senior HR role with supervisory experience.
Public sector experience in a large county or municipal government.
Transferable skills gained through education or life experience relevant to this position.
Screening and Evaluation
Initial review of minimum qualifications; optional preferred review for top candidates.
Top candidates may be invited to panel interview(s), hiring interview, or testing.
Background and reference checks required for finalists.
Additional Information Multnomah County offers an exceptional benefits package, including employer‑funded retirement savings, low‑cost health and dental insurance, paid parental leave, wellness programs, and a focus on work‑life balance.
Hybrid telework is required: onsite work at the Multnomah Building (501 SE Hawthorne Blvd, Portland, OR 97214).
All employees may be called to serve during disasters or emergencies; duty can be reassigned accordingly.
Oregon law: Multnomah County is not collecting school attendance dates in the initial application process.
We are a VEVRAA Federal Contractor and provide priority protected veteran referrals. Veterans’ preference is available under Oregon law.
Legal and EEO Statements Multnomah County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or other legally protected characteristics. The EEO Know Your Rights poster is available for your reference.
Recruiter Cole Whitehurst Email: cole.whitehurst@multco.us Phone: +1 (971) 271-3709
Application information may be used throughout the selection process and is subject to change without notice.
#J-18808-Ljbffr