At Des Moines University, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the future of Medicine and Health Sciences. DMU is seeking a Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) to serve as a key member of the Executive Leadership Team, reporting directly to the President and CEO. The CHRO will provide strategic leadership for all human resources functions in support of the university’s mission and long-term vision. This role oversees HR strategy, policies, and services across talent acquisition, compensation and benefits, performance management, employee engagement, labor and employee relations, and training and development. The successful candidate will be a collaborative, innovative, and trusted partner who helps shape an inclusive, high-performing workplace and advances DMU’s strategic priorities.
To view the full job profile, scroll to the bottom of this posting and select the Position Description button.
What you’ll do:
- Strategic HR Leadership & Compliance: Provide university-wide leadership for human resources strategy, policies, and programs—including talent acquisition, compensation, benefits and workman’s compensation, performance management, employee and labor relations, and retention—while ensuring full compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations.
- Organizational Strategy & Effectiveness: Establish and execute short- and long-term HR goals, strategic plans, and operating procedures; continuously assess effectiveness, HR trends, and best practices to drive process improvement and enhance the employee experience.
- Collaborative Leadership & Advisory Role: Serve as a trusted advisor to executive leadership, faculty, staff, and community partners by building strong collaborative relationships across the university and representing DMU in labor negotiations, employee relations matters, and consultations with legal counsel.
- Compensation, Systems & Operational Oversight: Administer the university’s compensation philosophy and pay structures; oversee management of HR information systems, financial operations, and departmental budgets; and resolve complex compensation and personnel issues across represented and non-represented employee groups.
- Team Leadership, Governance & Stewardship: Lead, develop, and supervise a high-performing Human Resources team with integrity and accountability; serve on the President’s Executive Leadership Team; serve as a Title IX Investigator and Campus Security Authority (CSA); safeguard confidentiality; and advance DMU’s mission, values, and culture.
What we are looking for:
- Bachelor’s degree required, Masters preferred.
- Minimum of 10 years of HR experience, with at least 5 years in a Director or Executive role.
- Prefer Higher Education experience.
- HR certification (SHRM-SCP or HRCI) preferred.
Total Rewards:
Our employees are what make DMU special, so we treat them well! Our Total Rewards reflect this commitment. Qualified faculty and staff enjoy a generous employer contribution towards the medical plan, 10% retirement match, flexible work arrangements, community service time, tuition assistance, professional development funding, and access to wellness facilities with programs that promote a well-balanced lifestyle. Visit www.dmu.edu/employment to learn more about our benefits.
DMU is proud to offer employees generous benefits and perks, paid time off, free use of wellness facilities, and a host of employee engagement and recognition programs throughout the year.
About:
Founded in 1898, Des Moines University is a premier medical and health sciences institution comprising three colleges– College of Osteopathic Medicine, College of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery, and College of Health Sciences – offering ten graduate degree programs.
Our mission is to improve lives in our global community by educating diverse groups of highly competent and compassionate health professionals.
It is an exciting time to join DMU. In 2023, we relocated our primary academic and operational offices to a new 88-acre campus in West Des Moines, Iowa, while maintaining an active clinic on our former campus. This state-of-the-art campus includes technology-rich, flexible education spaces that support innovative teaching methods and connect faculty and students across all of our programs. Our new research facilities include a vibrant and spacious open laboratory, designed to foster collaboration and innovation.
DMU enhances our community’s quality of life by educating outstanding health professionals and leaders; providing expert, compassionate patient care; serving the community in diverse ways; and stimulating the central Iowa community.
At DMU you will make a meaningful contribution to the dynamic future of Medicine and Health Sciences by supporting a diverse community of faculty and staff with programs and services across the employee lifecycle.
Required Documents:
Resume, cover letter, and contact information for three professional references required at time of online submission. Apply at www.dmu.edu/employment.
Department: Human Resources
Status: Exempt
Position Description