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The Deputy Chief Human Resources Officer (Deputy CHRO) reports to the Associate Vice President, Human Resources, and provides strategic leadership across the institution's human resources, compensation and benefits functions. This role leads the development and implementation of key HR strategies, programs, and policies, with oversight of talent acquisition, onboarding, performance management, learning and development, employee engagement, compliance, and compensation and benefits.
Acting on behalf of the Associate Vice President, Human Resources, as needed, the Deputy CHRO represents and leads the organization in the AVP's absence. The position also partners with UW System institution Human Resources leaders on systemwide policy development, projects, and strategic initiatives.
Compensation Strategy, Classification & Workforce Analytics
Benefits, Leave & Retirement Administration
Human Resources
Leadership & External Relations
UW System Human Resources is the strategic partner to the UW System Administration and its 13 universities. We consult, partner and collaborate to provide strategy and leadership support to advance the mission of UW System. To that end, we provide expertise across the employee life cycle, including talent acquisition, employee engagement, learning and development, performance management, compensation and total benefits. These services are designed to foster employee engagement within a respectful environment that promotes healthy and productive employees and inspires excellence.
The Deputy, CHRO is a full-time, salaried (exempt), limited appointee position.
Well-qualified candidates can expect a starting annual salary within a range of $140,000 - $160,000, commensurate with the candidate’s education, related experience, and qualifications.
Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
Seven + years of broad human resources experience and current knowledge across the functional areas of human resources, including compensation and benefits; three years must have been managing, coaching, training and evaluating direct reports in multiple HR functional areas
Experience leading organizational change initiatives and workforce planning efforts
Master’s degree from an accredited institution in a related field.
SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP certification is highly desirable.
Demonstrated comprehensive understanding of both business and academic issues related to human resources.
Experience utilizing Workday or other integrated Human Capital Management (HCM) systems to support strategic workforce planning, talent management, and organizational decision-making.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Advanced computer skills and proficiency in Workday, or other similar system, and Microsoft Office Suite.
Skill in consensus-building, managing change and delivering communication to diverse audiences. High comfort level with public speaking.
Approachable with superior interpersonal skills and the ability to interact tactfully and professionally with staff and leadership.
Appreciation, commitment and respect for diverse views, perspectives and people; models inclusion and respect.
Knowledge of federal and state laws and regulations related to compensation, benefits, leave administration, and employment practices.
Demonstrated ability to get things done within a team environment.
How to Apply:
Applicant screening will begin immediately and be ongoing through Friday, October 2, 2026. However, applications may be accepted until the position has been filled.
To receive full consideration, interested applicants are required to apply online and provide:
Resume (PDF Format)
Cover letter addressing your experience and education as it applies to all minimum and preferred qualifications (PDF Format)
Failing to submit the required application documents may disqualify your application.
The office is located at 780 Regent Street, Madison, WI. An in-office requirement is expected four days per week and one day may be worked off-site/remote. Telecommuting agreements are subject to change at any time.
Questions may be addressed to Sarah Haen, HR Manager, at sarah.haen@wisconsin.edu.
If you need to request an accommodation because of a disability, you can find information about how to make a request by contacting uwshr@wisconsin.edu.
This offer of employment is conditional pending the results of a criminal background check and a reference check process that includes questions regarding employee misconduct, sexual violence, and sexual harassment. If you have prior work history within the past 7 years with the Universities of Wisconsin, your personnel file will also be reviewed for employee misconduct. If the results are unacceptable, the offer will be withdrawn or, if you have started employment, your employment will be terminated.
Please note that successful applicants are responsible for ensuring their eligibility to work in the United States (i.e., a citizen or national of the United States, a lawful permanent resident, a foreign national authorized to work in the United States without the need of employer sponsorship) on, before, or after the effective date of appointment.
The Universities of Wisconsin will not reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing, except that the identity of the successful candidate will be released. See Wis. Stat. §. 19.36(7).
Universities of Wisconsin employees receive an excellent benefits package. To learn more about the benefits package, review the Faculty, Academic Staff & Limited Appointees or University Staff Please see this link for total compensation information: Universities of Wisconsin Health & Retirement Contributions Estimator to provide you with total compensation information.
The Universities of Wisconsin provides statistics on campus crime in its Annual Security Report. For more information on university campus statistics see https://www.wisconsin.edu/compliance/clery/.
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other bases protected by applicable federal or State law and UW System policies. We are committed to building a workforce that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills, and encourage all qualified individuals to apply.