Chief Human Resources Officer

The Chief Human Resources Officer provides strategic leadership, direction, and oversight of all human capital initiatives for the Convention Center Authority. As a key member of the executive leadership team, the CHRO will ensure alignment of the HR function with the Authority's mission, goals, and strategic plan. This role is responsible for cultivating a culture of engagement, equity, and high performance across a diverse, union and non-union workforce that supports events, hospitality services, and operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership
  • Develop and execute HR strategies aligned with organizational goals and future workforce needs.
  • Advise executive leadership on talent management, organizational design, succession planning, and labor relations.
  • Serve as a change agent to promote cultural transformation and continuous improvement.
• Talent Acquisition and Workforce Planning
  • Oversee recruitment, retention, and workforce development programs to attract top talent across diverse roles.
  • Implement DEI strategies to ensure equity and inclusion in all hiring and promotion practices.
• Employee Relations and Labor Management
  • Manage union and labor relations, including collective bargaining, grievance resolution, and contract compliance.
  • Foster a positive and productive work environment through employee engagement programs.
• Compensation, Benefits, and Compliance
  • Lead the design and administration of competitive compensation and benefits programs.
  • Ensure HR practices comply with all applicable federal, state, and local employment laws and public sector regulations.
• Learning and Development
  • Drive professional development, leadership training, and career pathing across departments.
  • Build a robust performance management system that encourages growth, feedback, and accountability.
• HR Operations and Systems
  • Oversee HR systems (HRIS), data reporting, and analytics to support strategic decision-making.
  • Ensure efficient and compliant HR operations including onboarding, offboarding, and records management.
• Other skills as later defined

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related field. A Master's degree is preferred.
• 12+ years of progressive HR leadership experience, preferably in a unionized, public-sector, hospitality, or venue management environment.
• Strong knowledge of employment law, labor relations, DEI strategies, and organizational development.
• Proven ability to lead through influence, build consensus, and drive strategic initiatives in a fast-paced, customer-focused setting.

Preferred Skills

• SHRM-SCP or SPHR certification.
• Experience in convention center, hospitality, municipal or government authority operations.
• Familiarity with public funding models, governance structures, and civil service regulations.
• Collaborative leadership style with a commitment to transparency, accountability, and inclusion.