Stanford’s Department of Athletics, Physical Education and Recreation (“DAPER”) is the premier intercollegiate athletics and recreation program in the country. With an unparalleled record of 136 NCAA team championships, we are the proud Home of Champions. Our success isn’t just measured in trophies; it’s reflected in the passion of our nearly 900 student-athletes competing across 36 intercollegiate varsity teams. It resonates in our unwavering support for the university’s physical education, recreation, and wellness initiatives. At Stanford, we don’t just embrace excellence; we define it. We don’t just nurture champions; we create them. Our actions are guided by the core tenets of DAPER culture, “The DAPER Way,” which are: Embrace Scholar Athleticism, Pursue and Revere Excellence, Lead with Courage, and Work Cohesively.
Job summary:
The Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) for the Department of Athletics, Physical Education, and Recreation (DAPER) is a key member of the executive leadership team. Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, the CHRO is the top strategic human resources (HR) advisor to leadership and is responsible for building and maintaining a high-performing HR program in support of DAPER’s mission and culture. The CHRO is also responsible for providing expert, timely, and efficient support to DAPER leadership, coaches, and staff, and advocating for DAPER programs.
The CHRO serves as the primary contact on all matters pertaining to DAPER human resources and represents DAPER’s interests to all relevant internal and external constituencies. The CHRO manages a team of five staff who support the delivery of HR services and staff diversity, equity, and inclusion programs.
Are you ready to inspire champions? If yes, we encourage you to apply by including a cover letter and resume with your application.
Essential job functions:
- Collaborate with the COO and DAPER senior leadership in defining HR strategy and operating initiatives by having an excellent understanding of the department's objectives, issues, needs, and key success factors. Develop organization-specific policies and practices; actively participate in strategic and budget planning processes, and actively promote best practices.
- Participate in setting organizational objectives and goals, and partner with University Human Resources (UHR) to ensure DAPER policies are consistent with university-wide HR policies, programs, and processes.
- Design and lead strategies for facilitating organizational and behavioral change. Perform needs assessment and identify potential process improvements; make recommendations on organizational design and development; establish metrics and monitor trends. Provide relevant training and guidance to managers and employees; independently handle and/or manage redesign and reassignment efforts.
- Work with management to identify, direct, and/or deliver the training and professional development planning for individuals and groups; lead organizational and team effectiveness assessment. Design and oversee annual performance management process (e.g. goal-setting, performance reviews, incentive comp distribution, etc.)
- Investigate complex employee relations issues and manage appropriate resolution; recommend and facilitate effective solutions in alignment with applicable policies and laws; assess risk to the organization and identify compliance issues. Coach and advise staff on organizational, employee, and labor relations issues.
- Lead employee engagement initiatives for DAPER. Utilize survey results and data to spearhead the development of programming to foster a positive work environment for teams and an engaged workforce.
- Direct talent management program (recruitment, retention, and staffing plans) and advice on effective recruitment methods. Structure complex offers; support or lead high level and complex searches; advise on affirmative action objectives.
- Manage DAPER's salary-setting program; develop guidelines for program implementation. Advise managers on the assignment of employees to appropriate classification levels; design/update incentive and bonus programs.
- Lead negotiation and execution of all coach contracts in coordination with general counsel.
- Oversee processes for workers' compensation, disability, leave, workplace accommodation requests, and health and safety issues; inform managers as needed. Act as a resource to others in the organization and oversee the accurate documentation and retention of recordkeeping.
- Oversee and approve human resources transactions submitted for processing. Prepare reports and analyze data available through local and centralized database resources.
- Manage the performance of direct reports. Set team objectives, priorities, and resources to align with department objectives.
- Participate in and/or lead human resources-wide and university human resources projects/initiatives, as needed.
To be successful in this role, you will bring:
- Bachelor’s degree (required), master’s degree (preferred), and eight years of relevant experience, or combination of education and relevant experience.
- Demonstrated experience as a consultant and advisor to senior management in all human resources areas, including employee relations, employment and labor law, compensation, staffing and employment, training and development, performance coaching and management, and organizational development.
- Exceptional interpersonal skills and understanding of group dynamics. Successful track record of establishing credibility and trust with a diverse client group, including senior leaders. Demonstrated leadership skills and management courage.
- Strong analytical, critical thinking, creative problem-solving, judgment, negotiating, influencing, and strategic decision-making skills.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality, tact, and diplomacy.
- Demonstrated ability to advise on and implement organizational change. Demonstrated end-to-end experience in the development and execution of organization-wide initiatives.
- Excellent facilitation and oral and written communication skills; ability to prepare clear and concise reports and deliver formal presentations or training to senior management and other audiences.
- Strong supervision/management and staff development experience.
- Demonstrated proficiency with business applications, such as Microsoft Office suite, Google applications, and human resource information systems.
- Ability to strike the right balance between managing, coaching, rolling up your sleeves, and leading by example.
- Demonstrated passion for intercollegiate athletics.
- Strong work ethics consistent with department needs and culture.
DAPER’s Integrity:
This position, along with all DAPER coaches and staff, is responsible for the integrity of Stanford’s intercollegiate athletics program and for the reputation of Stanford University. This position is responsible for ensuring that his/her/their involvement with Athletics Department activities maintains the integrity of the University’s reputation and does not negatively impact the relationship between the University and its faculty, staff, students, and alumni. Additionally, this position must comply with University policies and procedures, and ACC rules and regulations.
Work Standards:
- Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrates the ability to work well with Stanford colleagues and clients and with external organizations.
- Promote Culture of Safety: Demonstrates commitment to personal responsibility and value for safety; communicates safety concerns; uses and promotes safe behaviors based on training and lessons learned.
- Subject to and expected to comply with all applicable University policies and procedures, including but not limited to the personnel policies and other policies found in the University's Administrative Guide.
How to Apply:
We invite you to apply for this position by clicking on the “Apply for Job” button. To be considered, please submit a cover letter and résumé along with your online application. The cover letter should briefly describe why you believe you are a good fit for this position.
Note: Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. All candidates must be eligible to work and live in the U.S.
Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
