"Chief Human Resources Officer"

Job Details

Cranbrook Educational Community seeks an accomplished, strategic, and hands-on human resources leader to serve as its next Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO). This is an extraordinary opportunity to shape the future of HR across a dynamic and mission-driven organization.

Founded by philanthropists George and Ellen Booth in 1904, Cranbrook Educational Community is an internationally renowned center for education, art, and science located on a 319-acre historic campus in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, an affluent suburb about 20 miles north of downtown Detroit. Designated a National Historic Landmark and recognized in the first-ever Michelin Green Guide for Detroit as a must-visit destination with a coveted three-star rating, Cranbrook is home to a constellation of world-class institutions including Cranbrook Academy of Art, Cranbrook Art Museum, Cranbrook Institute of Science, Cranbrook Schools, Cranbrook House & Gardens, Cranbrook Center for Collections and Research, and Horizons-Upward Bound.

The Opportunity

Reporting to the COO, the CHRO will serve as a strategic partner to the senior leadership team, leading the development and implementation of dynamic HR initiatives that support the mission and objectives of Cranbrook. This leader will champion a positive organizational culture, foster staff development, leverage technology, and drive efficiencies and excellence in HR operations while providing vision and strategic direction.

The next CHRO will join Cranbrook at an exciting moment, building on a strong HR foundation while elevating strategy and technology across the enterprise.

Key opportunities include:

• Modernizing HR systems and leveraging technology to streamline processes around talent acquisition and performance management.
• Leading a diverse workforce with performance efforts that support development and professional growth.
• Supporting a dynamic organization with both unionized and non-union staff, ensuring positive labor relations and effective negotiation strategies.
• Partnering with leaders across Cranbrook’s diverse programs to strengthen a cohesive and collaborative culture.
• Balancing strategic vision with hands-on execution, ensuring that HR remains both a tactical and strategic partner.

Qualifications and Core Competencies

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field; Master’s degree preferred.
• At least 10 years of progressive HR experience, with significant leadership experience in the education or non-profit sector preferred.
• Strong strategic thinking, leadership, and communication skills.
• Comprehensive understanding of HR functions, including talent management, compensation, benefits, and compliance.
• Proven ability to manage complex projects and lead organizational change.
• HR certification (e.g., SPHR, SHRM-SCP) is highly desirable.

Core Competencies:

• Strong written and oral communication skills: ability to handle sensitive issues with confidentiality and maintain a calm demeanor in complex situations.
• Independent judgment/problem solving: ability to address routine and complex HR issues with creative solutions informed by established policies and employment laws.
• Work complexity: Ability to lead various projects while engaging with multiple stakeholders and offering solutions in a timely manner.
• Creativity/innovation: Regularly develop imaginative solutions that impact organizational policies and procedures.

Compensation

This is a full-time, on-site role based in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. The anticipated salary range for this position is $170,000–$190,000, commensurate with experience, with the potential to reach $200,000 for an exceptionally experienced candidate.

Applications and Nominations

Evaluation of candidate materials will begin immediately and continue until a new CHRO is named. Interested candidates can apply using the following Talent Profile link: https://talent-profile.dsgco.com/search/v2/22627.

The full leadership profile can be found here: https://www.dsgco.com/search/22627-cranbrook-educational-community-chief-human-resources-officer/

Inquiries and nominations may be sent in confidence to:

Ruth Shoemaker Wood, Ph.D., Managing Director
Laurie Casteen, Ph.D., Managing Associate
DSG Storbeck
CranbrookCHRO@dsgco.com

Cranbrook is committed to Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and nondiscrimination in all aspects of employment. As an EEO employer, Cranbrook’s policy is that employment-related decisions shall be made without regard to an applicant’s or employee’s race, color, national origin, religion, creed, sex, height, weight, marital status, disability, veteran status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, or any other basis prohibited by local, state or federal law.