Academic Career & Executive Search is pleased to assist North Carolina Central University in its search for Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO). 

For full consideration, please apply by July 23, 2025.

This is a defining leadership opportunity for a strategic, people-centered executive to join a respected, mission-driven institution at a time of focused transformation and renewed momentum. Last June, Dr. Karrie Dixon was appointed as North Carolina Central University’s (NCCU’s) 13th chancellor, ushering in a new era of strategic focus, inclusive excellence, and operational innovation. Reporting to the Executive Vice Chancellor, the Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) will serve as a key advisor to the Chancellor’s Executive Leadership Team and will play a vital role in shaping a bold human capital strategy with an emphasis on talent acquisition and employee relations.

With a workforce of more than 1,600 employees and a student population of over 8,500, NCCU is a distinguished, historically Black university (HBCU) dedicated to excellence in teaching, research, and service—a commitment that has earned NCCU national recognition, including a #15 ranking among the top HBCUs in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. The CHRO will advance the university’s strategic priorities through effective workforce planning, organizational development, and data-driven HR decision-making. The CHRO will foster a high-performing, service-oriented HR organization focused on talent acquisition, employee relations, professional development, policy administration, and internal communication. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Human Capital Leadership

• Serve as a strategic advisor to university leadership on workforce planning, succession management, and compensation strategy.
• Develop and lead a comprehensive human capital strategy that attracts, develops, motivates, and retains a diverse, mission-driven workforce.
• Build and implement succession plans and talent pipelines for critical university roles.

Recruitment & Talent Acquisition

• Oversee and modernize all recruitment processes, ensuring equity, compliance, and timeliness across staff and faculty hiring.
• Partner with academic and administrative units to develop targeted recruitment strategies to attract top-tier talent.
• Ensure onboarding practices create a seamless and welcoming transition for new hires.

Employee Relations & Engagement

• Lead the development of a responsive and fair employee relations function, promoting a respectful and inclusive workplace culture.
• Provide guidance on conflict resolution, grievances, performance coaching, and disciplinary actions.
• Monitor employee engagement trends and implement retention strategies.

Organizational & Professional Development

• Design and implement a university-wide learning and development framework, aligned with strategic priorities.
• Advance leadership development and cross-training opportunities to cultivate internal talent and foster a culture of continuous learning.
• Oversee the development and delivery of training in areas such as management skills, compliance, and workplace culture.

Policy Development & Internal Communications

• Lead the development, communication, and implementation of HR policies that ensure legal compliance and support institutional goals.
• Provide clear, timely HR communications that build transparency and reinforce university values.
• Serve as the chief advisor on HR-related policy interpretation and employment practices.

Compensation & Classification

• Oversee compensation and classification frameworks that are competitive, equitable, and aligned with market trends.
• Conduct regular benchmarking and develop strategies to address compression, equity, and pay progression.

Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensure institutional compliance with federal, state, UNC System, and university HR regulations including FLSA, ADA, EEO.
• Guide HR risk mitigation strategies, conduct internal audits, and respond to legal and regulatory inquiries.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Proven strategic leadership in all core HR functions, including recruitment, employee relations, training, organizational development, and compensation.
• Deep understanding of employment law, regulatory compliance (EEO, FLSA, ADA), and university system policies.
• Expertise in developing and implementing succession planning, workforce strategy, and talent pipeline initiatives.
• Demonstrated ability to design and lead employee engagement, performance management, and professional development programs.
• Strong analytical and data interpretation skills; ability to use HR metrics to guide decision-making and measure impact.
• Skilled in conflict resolution, investigation processes, and navigating complex employee relations matters with discretion and fairness.
• Experience in leading HR communications and policy development with clarity, consistency, and alignment to institutional goals.
• Collaborative leadership style with a proven ability to build trust and influence at all levels of the organization.
• Exceptional interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Ability to manage change and lead organizational transformation in a complex, fast-paced environment.
• High emotional intelligence, sound judgment, and integrity in handling confidential and sensitive information.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree
• At least seven (7) years of progressive leadership experience in human resources
• A minimum of three (3) years of supervisory experience
• Advanced knowledge and skills in leadership, strategic planning, and HR best practices

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Master's degree, with added value placed on an MBA or a specialized degree in human resources

About the Institution

North Carolina Central University (known as NCCU or NC Central), located in Durham, North Carolina, is a historically Black University with a rich legacy of academic excellence and community engagement. As part of the University of North Carolina System, NCCU serves a diverse student body of over 8,000 scholars, offering bachelor's degrees in 100 disciplines, master's degrees in more than 40 areas, and a Ph.D. in Integrated Biosciences. The university comprises several colleges and schools, including the College of Arts, Social Sciences, and Humanities; the College of Health and Sciences; the School of Business; the School of Education; the School of Library and Information Sciences; and the School of Law.

NCCU offers athletic and student life experiences that foster both school spirit and personal growth. As a member of the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS), NCCU competes in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC). These programs not only provide competitive athletic opportunities but also emphasize academic achievement. Beyond athletics, student life at NCCU is dynamic and inclusive. The Division of Student Affairs offers a wide range of programs and services aimed at enhancing the student experience. Students can engage in over 150 events annually and participate in various student organizations, fostering leadership development and community engagement.

Situated in the heart of the Research Triangle, NCCU drives innovation in biotechnology, biomedicine, information science, computing, behavioral and social sciences, and health sciences. NC Central students contribute to improving quality of life and promoting economic growth in North Carolina, across the nation, and around the globe.

Living in the Area

Living near NCCU in Durham, North Carolina offers a vibrant mix of academic energy, cultural richness, and community engagement. The area is conveniently located just minutes from downtown Durham, giving residents easy access to a wide range of restaurants, shops, galleries, and music venues. For those who enjoy the outdoors, the city offers parks, greenways, and recreational facilities, and the campus itself is walkable and welcoming. Residents benefit from the proximity to Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) facilitating easy travel for both domestic and international flights.

Durham is also part of the larger Research Triangle, which includes Raleigh and Chapel Hill, making it a hub for education, innovation, and healthcare. The area is surrounded by opportunities for professional growth and collaboration, especially in biotechnology, health sciences, and education. Affordable housing options, access to public transportation, and a diverse, inclusive environment make this part of Durham an appealing place to live for students, professionals, and families alike.

To Apply 

For full consideration, please apply by July 23, 2025.

To be viewed by the search firm, you must apply directly at: https://acesrch.applicantstack.com/x/detail/a21esjy2fivh

Please apply through the application link and do not email applications.

Applications will be reviewed as they are received and should include a cover letter and curriculum vita. Ideally cover letters should not exceed two pages. All applications are treated confidentially.

Inquiries, referrals, and nominations are also treated confidentially.

Inquiries and questions: Please send to NCCUCHRO@acesrch.com.

Nominations and referrals: Please send the nominee’s name, title, and contact information if available to nominations@acesrch.com.

Institutional Information

North Carolina Central University is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or status as a protected veteran.