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- Chief Human Resource Officer
Chief Human Resource Officer
Utica, NY
Posted Feb 24, 2026
- Position Status:
- Full Time
- Starting Pay Rate:
- $105,000 - 135,000
- Travel Required:
- Minimal
- Purpose:
The Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) serves as a strategic and mission-driven executive leader responsible for developing and implementing human capital strategies that support the Independent Living Agency’s commitment to empowering individuals with disabilities to live independently and with dignity.
As a member of the executive leadership team, the CHRO oversees all aspects of human resources including workforce planning, talent acquisition, employee relations, compensation, that's imbedded in our mission that is stated above, and organizational culture. The CHRO ensures HR practices align with regulatory requirements, funding mandates, and the agency's missions, values, and community-based service model.
RCIL is a civil rights organization that offers individuals with disabilities a wide range of independent living and advocacy services through the numerous programs we manage.
RCIL is an equal opportunity employer and it is the policy of RCIL not to discriminate against any applicant for employment, or any employee because of age, color, sex, disability, national origin, race, religion, or veteran status.
Job Duties
The successful candidate will be expected to:
- Oversee all aspects of Human Resources (HR) operations including workforce planning, talent acquisition, employee relations, and compensation.
- Serve as a trusted advisor to the CEO and Leadership team.
- Develop, update, interpret, and implement Agency policies, handbooks, processes, and supervisory practices.
- Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment regulations and laws including ADA, FMLA, PFL, FLSA and EEOC.
- Work with Compliance to oversee regulatory and credentialing requirements related to HR responsibilities.
- Monitor and manage risk related to unemployment, worker’s compensation, disability and leave claims.
- Oversee HR investigations, corrective action, and employment separations.
- Manage talent acquisition, workforce planning, retention, and annual performance review process.
- Foster a supportive, and mission-aligned engaged organizational culture and lead initiatives that strengthen employee engagement, retention and promotes diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging.
- Manage Unemployment, Workers’ Compensation, and Disability claims through proactive risk oversight; timely investigations, corrective action, and employment separations that promote responsible resource use.
- Oversee benefit programs including health insurance, dental and vision insurance, flexible spending plans, 401(k), cafeteria plans and other employee benefits.
- Manage employee training and professional development, and compliance education.
- Oversee HRIS systems, personnel records, and data integrity.
- Attend all required Advisory Board and Board meetings, and other functions as required.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
- Human Resources principles and practices, affirmative action, employment law, and HR operation accuracy with records, reporting, and payroll alignment.
- Federal, state, and local employment regulations and laws.
- Performance management, benefits administration, compensation, workforce analytics, unemployment, worker’s compensation, employee relations, and investigations.
- Planning, excellent oral and written communication, flexibility, organization, analytical, ability to collaborate with managers in problem solving, supervisory, and responsiveness to working with diverse populations.
- Knowledge of ADA and accommodations, disability services, community-based programs, and Independent Living Philosophy.
Education and Experience
- Master’s degree in Human Resources or related field preferred.
- Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources or related field required.
- SHRM-SCP, SPHR, or equivalent certification preferred.
- Minimum of ten years Human Resources Generalist experience.
- At least three years’ experience running a Human Resources department (executive‑level leadership preferred).
- Experience in nonprofit, healthcare, human services, disability services, or Medicaid‑funded environments preferred.
- Demonstrated success in reducing HR‑related risk and improving workforce stability, and proven ability to lead organizational change, develop leaders, and build high‑performing teams.
Benefits
- PTO – vacation (16-24 days a year based on longevity) Sick leave 12 days a year, and 13 paid holidays.
- Possibility to work a 4-day schedule after 6 months on the job. Multiple work schedules available.
- Wellness program with the ability to earn an additional 3 PTO days a year.
- 401K with up to 10% employer investment.
- Heavily subsidized Health Insurance with co-pays.
- Vision and Dental insurance.
- Flexible Spending Accounts-Medical and Dependent Care.
- Monthly contribution towards dependent care. (to offset childcare costs)
- Company paid Life Insurance and Identity theft protection. (LifeLock)
- Employee Assistance Program.
- Family Medical Leave, Paid Family Leave, Military Leave, Bereavement Leave, Jury Duty Leave, Bone Marrow and Blood Donation Leave, Voting Time Leave, Election Leave, and Leaves for Crime Victims and Domestic Violence Victims.
- Employees may be eligible for the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness program to have student loans forgiven.
- Free covered parking.
- Additional benefits are available.