Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer

Cornell University is seeking a highly strategic, collaborative, and innovative leader to serve as its next Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer (VP CHRO).Reporting to the President, and serving as a key leader, connector, and strategist across all of Cornell’s campuses, which include over 18,000 employees and 11 unions, the VP CHRO is responsible for directing the University’s overall strategic and operational human resources functions.DO NOT APPLY THROUGH THE CORNELL SYSTEM FOR THIS POSITION, INFORMATION MUST BE SUBMITTED ONLY TO ISAACSON, MILLER AS INDICATED BELOW.APPLICATIONSCornell University has retained the services of Isaacson, Miller. Screening of complete applications will begin immediately and continue until the completion of the search process. Inquiries, nominations, referrals, and CVs with cover letters should be sent via the Isaacson, Miller website for the search linked below. Electronic submission of materials is strongly encouraged.Rebecca Kennedy, Managing PartnerDan Rodas, PartnerAngelo Alexander, Senior AssociateNicole Sancilio, Managing Search Coordinatorhttps://www.imsearch.com/open-searches/cornell-university/vice-president-human-resourcesTHE OPPORTUNITYAs a trusted advisor to the President, Cabinet, Board of Trustees, and other institutional leaders, the VP CHRO will provide data-informed recommendations and pragmatic options on complex workforce, organizational, and cultural issues. Further, the VP CHRO will design, implement, and continually iterate on a change agenda that aligns with institutional priorities and capacity, while allowing flexibility for local needs and a shifting regulatory landscape.About Cornell University Cornell is a vibrant community of scholars, educators, students, and staff with cherished founding principles; world-class research; and curricula dedicated to preparing students to be well-educated, thoughtful citizens of the world. It is unique among its Ivy League peers as a private university with a land-grant mission, several New York State-supported colleges, and an international campus in Qatar. At this pivotal moment for American higher education—defined by financial pressures, workforce transformation, and evolving expectations of employees—the VP CHRO will guide Cornell through significant organizational change, some of which is already in process, while strengthening institutional trust, cohesion, and effectiveness.KEY RESPONSIBILITIESReporting to the President, and serving as a key leader, connector, and strategist across all of Cornell’s campuses, which include over 18,000 employees and 11 unions, the VP CHRO is responsible for directing the University’s overall strategic and operational human resources functions. As a trusted advisor to the President, Cabinet, Board of Trustees, and other institutional leaders, the VP CHRO will provide data-informed recommendations and pragmatic options on complex workforce, organizational, and cultural issues. Further, the VP CHRO will design, implement, and continually iterate on a change agenda that aligns with institutional priorities and capacity, while allowing flexibility for local needs and a shifting regulatory landscape.The successful candidate will be a highly visible, engaged, and credible leader who thrives in complexity and brings tested best practices, empathy, and resolve to lead through change. They will work to elevate HR’s role across the University as a strategic partner and ensure a consistent, influential presence in enterprise decision-making. Combining strategic acumen with operational depth, the VP CHRO will help Cornell balance competing priorities with clarity and decisiveness. With a deep commitment to Cornell’s mission and community, the next VP CHRO will play a vital role in shaping the University’s future as an engaged employer of choice and upholding its reputation as a world-class academic institution.   University Job Title:VP, Chief Human Resources Officer   Job Family:Human Resources   Level:No Grade - Annual   Pay Rate Type:Salary   Pay Range:Refer to Posting Language   Remote Option Availability:Onsite   Company:Endowed   Contact Name:Cyndi Morris   Contact Email:clm74@cornell.edu   Job Titles and Pay Ranges:Non-Union PositionsNoted pay ranges reflect the potential pay opportunity for each job profile. The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined considering the following criteria:Prior relevant work or industry experienceEducation level to the extent education is relevant to the positionUnique applicable skillsAcademic DisciplineTo learn more about Cornell’s non-union staff job titles and pay ranges, see Career Navigator.Union PositionsThe hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined in accordance with the rates in the respective collective bargaining agreement. To learn more about Cornell’s union wages, see Union Pay Rates.Current Employees:If you currently work at Cornell University, please exit this website and log in to Workday using your Net ID and password. Select the Career icon on your Home dashboard to view jobs at Cornell.Online Submission Guidelines:Most positions at Cornell will require you to apply online and submit both a resume/CV and cover letter.  You can upload documents either by “dragging and dropping” them into the dropbox or by using the “upload” icon on the application page. For more detailed instructions on how to apply to a job at Cornell, visit How We Hire on the HR website.Employment Assistance:For general questions about the position or the application process, please contact the Recruiter listed in the job posting or email mycareer@cornell.edu.If you require an accommodation for a disability in order to complete an employment application or to participate in the recruiting process, you are encouraged to contact Cornell Office of Civil Rights at voice (607) 255-2242, or email at accommodations@cornell.edu.Applicants that do not have internet access are encouraged to vi