Company:
Abilene Christian University
Job Location:
Category:
Other Executive
Type:
Full-Time
The Opportunity
Abilene Christian University (ACU) seeks a strategic, mission-driven, and collaborative Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) to serve as the senior human resources executive for the ACU system. Reporting to the Senior Vice President of Operations, the CHRO is a key executive leader and trusted advisor to the President and senior leadership, responsible for placing people and culture at the center of ACU's long-term vision.
This role extends well beyond operational excellence. ACU seeks a CHRO who will shape institutional culture, strengthen talent and leadership capacity, and advance organizational effectiveness across a complex, faith-based university system. The CHRO will lead a forward-looking human capital strategy that supports academic and operational priorities while fostering a mission-centered work environment.
Serving as a system-level leader, the CHRO will provide strategic oversight and alignment of human resources across Abilene Christian University's campuses in Abilene and Dallas, balancing system-wide consistency with campus-specific needs and positioning the University for future growth.
Overview of the University
Founded in 1906, Abilene Christian University is a nationally recognized Christian university committed to transforming lives through Christ-centered education, academic excellence, and service. ACU serves approximately 7,500 students across undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs and employs more than 1,000 faculty and staff working in 44 states.
ACU currently has two campuses-a historic residential campus in Abilene, Texas, and a graduate and professional campus in Dallas-along with a growing portfolio of online and hybrid programs that extend the University's reach nationwide.
Designated as a Carnegie R2 research university, ACU is committed to expanding its research profile while maintaining a strong emphasis on teaching excellence and student success. The University is distinguished by its integration of faith and learning, commitment to experiential education, applied research, and global engagement.
With engaged governance, strong executive leadership, and continued investments in facilities, technology, academic quality, and people, ACU is well positioned for sustained national impact and long-term institutional vitality.
Awards and Recognition
Abilene Christian University has earned consistent national recognition for academic quality, innovation, and student outcomes. ACU is annually ranked among the leading universities in the nation and has received accolades for excellence in undergraduate teaching, student engagement, and institutional value.
ACU's faith-based mission, emphasis on ethical leadership, and strong sense of community distinguish it among peer institutions. In addition, ACU has been recognized as an employer of choice, reflecting its commitment to professional development, workplace culture, and employee well-being.
Overview of Human Resources at ACU
The Human Resources function at Abilene Christian University serves the entire ACU system, supporting faculty and staff across the Abilene and Dallas campuses. HR plays a critical role in advancing ACU's mission by aligning people, policies, and leadership practices to support effective operations, strong employee performance, and a healthy institutional culture.
HR is responsible for an enterprise-wide portfolio that includes talent acquisition, compensation and benefits, employee relations, performance management, learning and development, compliance, payroll, and HR information systems. As ACU continues to operate and grow as a multi-campus system, Human Resources is focused on aligning policies and practices across campuses while remaining responsive to local needs.
The CHRO will lead the continued evolution of HR into a strategic, system-level partner that integrates workforce analytics, modern HR systems, and strong service delivery to support data-informed decision-making and long-term institutional success.
Chief Human Resources Officer - Key Responsibilities
The Chief Human Resources Officer will provide enterprise-wide leadership for all aspects of human resources strategy and operations, including:
- Strategic Leadership and Vision: Develop and execute a forward-looking HR strategy aligned with ACU's mission, values, and strategic plan. Partner with executive leadership to anticipate workforce needs and build organizational capacity for growth.
- System-Level Integration: Align HR policies and practices across campuses, balancing consistency with campus-specific needs, and provide strategic direction to system HR leadership and operations.
- Talent and Organizational Development: Design and lead strategies for attracting, developing, and retaining top faculty and staff. Oversee succession planning, leadership development, and performance management across the University.
- Culture, Engagement, and Employee Experience: Shape and sustain a values-driven organizational culture that reflects Christian principles and ACU's mission. Advance initiatives that strengthen engagement, community, recognition, and belonging.
- Workforce Planning and Analytics: Lead long-term workforce planning and oversee workforce analytics to inform decision-making related to hiring, compensation, retention, and organizational design.
- HR Operations and Compliance: Oversee HR functions including talent acquisition, compensation, benefits, employee relations, learning and development, compliance, payroll, and HRIS. Ensure policies and practices comply with federal, state, and local laws and higher education regulations.
- Change Leadership: Guide the University through organizational change, including adaptation to evolving workforce trends such as hybrid work, digital skills, and generational shifts.
- Resource Stewardship: Manage HR budgets, systems, and resources to ensure efficient, effective service delivery and continuous improvement.
Ideal Candidate Profile
ACU seeks a seasoned, values-driven human resources executive with the strategic perspective, leadership presence, and relational skills to lead at the enterprise level within a mission-centered university environment. The successful candidate will bring many of the following qualifications and attributes:
- Senior-level HR leadership experience, preferably within higher education or a comparably complex, mission-driven organization.
- Demonstrated success in shaping HR strategy, organizational culture, and workforce development.
- Proven ability to serve as a trusted advisor to executive leadership and to build strong partnerships with faculty, staff, and stakeholders.
- Experience leading organizational change, modernizing HR systems, and using workforce analytics to inform strategy.
- Deep understanding of employment law, regulatory compliance, compensation, benefits, and risk management.
- A leadership style characterized by integrity, collaboration, sound judgment, and compassion.
- An authentic commitment to ACU's Christian mission and the integration of faith-informed leadership.
Educational Background: A bachelor’s degree is required; a master’s degree in human resources, business, organizational leadership, higher education administration, or a related field is preferred. Professional HR certification (e.g., SHRM-SCP or similar) is desirable.