Chief Human Resources Officer

Summary

The Chief Human Resource Officer (CHRO) is responsible for the leadership, strategic direction, and management of the human resources department. The CHRO is responsible to lead the vision, development, and execution of talent, engagement, development and culture strategies and initiatives, aimed at attracting and retaining top talent for Chugach. In addition, the CHRO will oversee human resource functions such as: compensation, benefits, labor relations, succession planning, training, and leadership development efforts. This role works with and advises the executive team and senior management leaders in developing and advancing a value-driven, diverse, and inclusive workplace culture.
Essential Functions

• Participate in labor negotiations as the Association Chief Spokesperson. Research and analyze best practices, develop labor contract goals and positions, serve on negotiation team in both lead and other capacity, and develop applicable collective bargaining agreements. Oversee and manage bargaining unit relationship and oversight of IBEW and HERE labor agreements.
• Analyze efficiencies in work systems and processes, identify areas of improvement and implement necessary change including but not limited to organizational structure, span of control, and delegation of duties.
• Partner with the Executive team to understand and manage Chugach’s human resources and talent strategy as it relates to talent attraction, retention, succession planning and culture.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Provide expertise and guidance to Chugach employees and management regarding human resource related topics.
• Direct communications for human resource information across departments.
• Contribute to leadership-level meetings and activities to develop and implement strategic priority areas; monitor progress; direct exchange ideas and finalize strategies and align human resources strategies with strategic direction of the organization.
• Manage dispute resolution for both management and unionized workforce. Complete investigations from third parties, settlement agreements and/or administrative or legal hearings and manage preparation and documentation for resolution.
• Mentor leadership and management personnel regarding the full scope of employee relations to maintain and increase productivity, efficiency, employee engagement, employee satisfaction and overall service.
• Direct Chugach’s diversity, equity and inclusion programs and initiatives.
• Direct the development and implementation of employee engagement, culture, and satisfaction programs consistent with the values and direction of the organization.
• Direct the Worker’s Compensation and Employee Wellness plans and procedures.
• Develop and direct workforce strategies, including talent acquisition and retention, compensation, benefits, performance management and policies and practices in accordance with collective bargaining, affirmative action plan, applicable law, best practices, and manager’s needs.
• Direct organization wide learning and development programs.
• Oversee Chugach human resource team. Provide clear direction, vision and strategy for the division and coach, mentor and develop the team.

Relationships
Internal

• Division Leadership / Executive Officers: Partners with to provide relevant information and guidance on human resource related issues. Collaborates with on organization wide initiatives such as succession planning, culture and engagement, development, and performance management.
• VP Human Resources: Directs, coaches, develops, supervises.
• HR Managers: Collaborates with VP of HR to mentor and coach.
• Supervisors and Managers: Partners with to provide relevant information and guidance on human resource related issues.
• All employees: Informs, provides guidance and exchanges information.
• Chief Executive Officer: Reports to, receives direction and guidance from.
• HR Specialists/Generalists: with HR Managers to mentor and coach.

External

• Other Utilities: Exchanges information with and provides technical assistance to.
• National Rural Electric Cooperative Association: Requests and provides information/assistance as necessary.
• Labor Unions: Serves as Association representative, authority to bind and settle.
• State and Federal Agencies: Exchanges information and develops relationships relative to assigned duties.
• Outside Legal Counsel: In coordination with Chugach’s internal legal department, directs and coordinates with to provide representation for Chugach in Labor and Employment matters and ensure quality advocacy and representation.

Competencies

• Knowledge of federal and state laws and resources pertaining to employment including equal employment opportunity, affirmative action, compensation, benefit programs.
• Knowledge of progressive human resource strategies and practices.
• Ability to deal tactfully with a wide variety of individuals and to build effective working relationships.
• Demonstrated expert in all functional areas of human resources and strategic planning and execution.
• Demonstrated ability to negotiate contracts and labor agreements.
• Ability to think strategically and prioritize initiatives that align with the organization’s success and goals.
• Ability to interpret, explain and apply laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Knowledge of workers compensation laws, practices, and resources.
• Ability to foster relationships across the organization to train, develop, collaborate, lead, and influence decisions at all levels.
• Ability to communicate and implement human resources programs in various subject areas including engagement, succession planning, culture, performance, employee and labor relations, compensation, workforce planning, and organizational development and design.

Supervisory Responsibility
This position oversees the human resources division.
Work Environment
Work is performed in a standard office environment. Travel to remote sites may be required. This position requires some time outside of typical working hours and travel to meetings outside the State.
Minimum Qualifications And Experience
Education
Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources or related field (business administration, economics, industrial relations), required. PHR, SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP Certification required; NRECA Management Internship Program certification preferred. Master’s degree preferred.
Experience
Ten (10) years progressively responsible and relevant experience, including a minimum of five years of supervisory or management experience required. Utility industry experience preferred. Experience must include designing and managing talent strategies, compensation and employee benefits programs, employee development and training, employee and labor relations, including contract interpretation, administration, and negotiation. Experience working in a union environment is required.
Substitution
Master’s degree in an appropriate field of study may be used to substitute for no more than three years of Human Resources management level experience.
Company Description
Chugach Electric Association is a member-owned cooperative, headquartered in Anchorage, Alaska's largest city. Anchorage itself sits at the base of the Chugach Mountains. Chugach is pleased to provide reliable, affordable power to more than 92,000 members from Anchorage to the northern Kenai Peninsula, and from Whittier on Prince William Sound to Tyonek on the west side of Cook Inlet. We service over 113,000 locations with 3,782 miles of transmission and distribution lines. We have many services that make it easy to power homes and businesses with Chugach.
Chugach's Corporate Vision
Responsibly developing energy to build a clean, sustainable future for Alaska.
Chugach's Corporate Mission
We provide safe, reliable, and affordable electricity through superior service and sustainable practices, powering the lives of our members.
Chugach's Corporate Values
Guided by our values of safety, accountability, and sustainability, we are committed to serving our members, the community, and the Chugach team.
Equal Employment Opportunity
It is a policy of Chugach Electric Association, Inc., to recruit, hire, train, promote, and compensate persons without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, pregnancy, parenthood, physical or mental disability, veteran's status, age, or any other classification protected by applicable, federal, state, or local law.
Chugach is also an affirmative action employer.
Benefits
Health Benefits

• Vision
• Medical & RX
• Dental
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Telemedicine

Financial Security

• Defined Benefit (Pension)
• Basic Life and AD&D Insurance paid for by Chugach Electric
• Retirement Investment services
• Flex Spending Account (Health, Limited Use, Dependent Care)
• Short Term Disability
• Supplemental Life Insurance
• Long Term Disability
• 401K Plan

Work, Life, Health

• 2 Float Holidays & 1 Birthday Holiday
• Employee Assistance Program
• MetLife Will Preparation
• 9 Paid Holidays
• 20 days vacation for first year of employment