Strategic CHRO Opportunity – Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital

Korn Ferry has partnered with Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital, a community-based, nonprofit critical access hospital in St. Johnsbury, Vermont, on an exciting search for a Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO).

The CHRO will be focused on process improvement, HR strategy, and HR transformation, along with overseeing day-to-day HR responsibilities. Key responsibilities include overseeing all facets of human resources, such as talent acquisition, employee relations, benefits administration, compliance, training, compensation, and organizational development. The CHRO will also shape workplace culture, ensure HR strategies align with broader organizational objectives, and provide strategic leadership by articulating HR needs and initiatives to the senior team and the board of directors.

Essential Functions, Duties, and Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership

• Establish and implement HR strategies that effectively communicate and support the hospital’s mission and strategic vision.
• Develop and execute long-term HR plans that align with organizational goals and priorities.
• Function as a strategic advisor to the CEO and senior leadership team on key organizational and management issues, including Human Resources compliance and employment law trends.
• Work with senior leadership to establish a sound management succession plan aligned with the hospital’s strategic objectives.

Workplace Culture and Employee Engagement

• Provide leadership in fostering a positive workplace culture that promotes employee engagement, retention, and professional growth.
• Champion initiatives that support employee well-being, mental health, and work-life balance.
• Promote open communication across all levels of the organization to strengthen trust and collaboration.
• Lead efforts to enhance employee satisfaction and address workplace concerns, ensuring a fair and supportive environment.

Talent Management and Development

• Develop and implement strategies to build a diverse and inclusive workforce that reflects the community the hospital serves.
• Develop and implement employee training programs to enhance skills, leadership capabilities, and productivity.
• •Develop succession planning programs and career development initiatives to prepare future leaders.

Compensation and Benefits

• Develop and implement comprehensive compensation and benefits plans that are competitive and cost-effective.
• Evaluate market trends to ensure the hospital’s offerings remain attractive and within budget constraints.

Compliance and Risk Management

• Ensure human resources compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations, including those specific to healthcare settings.
• Maintain up-to-date human resources policies and procedures and provide ongoing training to hospital leadership and staff.
• Lead initiatives to promote workplace safety and wellness programs in alignment with hospital and regulatory standards.

HR Analytics and Decision-Making

• Leverage HR analytics and data to inform decision-making and measure the success of workforce strategies.
• Monitor key HR metrics to assess organizational performance and identify areas for improvement.

Position Requirements:

Experience:

• Minimum of 15 years of progressive HR experience, with at least five years of executive HR experience and at least five years of healthcare HR experience.
• Proven success with team assessment, HR transformation, and process improvement.
• Candidates should be mission-minded with the ability to build and sustain positive relationships at all levels of the organization.
• Skills:
  • Strong knowledge of healthcare-specific HR regulations and compliance standards.
  • Exceptional leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
  • Ability to balance strategic vision with hands-on operational leadership.
  • Proficiency in HR technologies and data-driven decision-making.
  
  
   Location: Based on-site 5 days a week in St. Johnsbury, Vermont.