Heidelberg University Retains Spelman Johnson to Lead CHRO Search
May 20, 2024 – A number of universities have recently turned to search firms to find new chief human resources officers. Executive recruitment firm Spelman Johnson was recently retained by Heidelberg University in Tiffin, OH, to lead in its search for a new CHRO. Senior consultant Laura Puckett-Boler is leading the assignment. This senior leader reports directly to the university president and serves as a member of the strategic leadership team. The CHRO provides executive-level strategic leadership, planning, prioritization, collaboration, teamwork, and impact to support all existing and future university human resources, campus safety, and risk management services.
Spelman Johnson explains that the CHRO takes a leadership role in enabling and ensuring diversity, equity, and inclusion for all aspects of the campus community. The CHRO provides comprehensive leadership and management oversight for all human resource and compliance activities of the following departments and groups: human resources, payroll, Title IX, campus security & safety, and risk management. This position serves in a hands-on capacity.
The successful candidate must possess a bachelor’s degree; professional certification in a human resources, labor relations, and/or benefits specialization; and 10 or more years of successful administrative experience in personnel, human resources, or business administration experience. Preferred experience includes a master’s degree and 10 or more years of successful administrative experience in a college or university or comparable environment.
The search firm also notes that those applying will demonstrate a personal and professional commitment to diversity and inclusion, the ability to work collaboratively across the campus, and the aptitude to build and maintain relationships with faculty, staff, and students with an emphasis on dynamic communication and collaboration.
Related: Spelman Johnson Recruits Chief Marketing and Communication Officer for Texas Tech
Review of applications will begin May 29, 2024, and continue until the position is filled.
Established in 1850
Founded in 1850, Heidelberg University was started by members of the German Reformed Church to serve German immigrants in the region. The campus is as unique and honored as its nationally recognized academic programs. The collage of historic and contemporary architectural styles on the tree-lined campus reflects the diversity of students, faculty, and staff who value a strong liberal arts education coupled with unique professional development opportunities. This private university serves 1,082 undergraduate and graduate students.
Spelman Johnson is based in Easthampton, MA. Established in 1991, the search firm has helped hundreds of academic institutions identify professionals, pairing leaders with positions across all facets of colleges and universities.
Ms. Puckett-Boler leads searches across a range of institutional types and administrative functions, with particular depth in student affairs, auxiliary services, human resources, and finance and administration. Prior to joining Spelman Johnson, she served as vice chancellor for student affairs and dean of students at the University of South Carolina Upstate (USC Upstate). She held progressively responsible roles during her 28 years with USC Upstate, including director of student activities, director of student life, dean of students, and assistant vice chancellor for student affairs.
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Spelman Johnson is also currently leading the athletics director search for Kalamazoo College. Reporting to the provost, the director of athletics has overall responsibility for all aspects of the athletics department, including the visionary leadership, strategic development, management, coordination, and supervision of a comprehensive NCAA Division III intercollegiate athletics program with 18 sports teams and approximately 417 scholar-athletes; the leadership of the college’s credit-bearing physical education program; and oversight of the fitness and wellness center including club sports and intramurals.
A bachelor’s degree and significant, progressive experience leading a complex, dynamic, and diverse organization are required. Experience within a highly selective liberal arts institution, collegiate-level coaching, capital planning and fundraising experience, and a master’s degree are preferred. The successful candidate will comprehensively understand intercollegiate athletics administration, student-athlete development, and NCAA compliance within a Division III environment.
Related: Spelman Johnson Recruits Athletic Director for Connecticut College
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief; Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor; Lily Fauver, Managing Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
