Chief Human Resources Officer

POSITION SUMMARY:

We are seeking an experienced and strategic Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) who will play a crucial role in supporting our mission by fostering a thriving organizational culture, while collaborating with other senior leaders to optimize the organization’s performance, growth, and team effectiveness.

The CHRO will lead the Human Resources function, overseeing talent acquisition, performance management, compensation and employee benefit plan design and administration, employee relations, training and development, culture and belonging initiatives, and overall HR strategy.

As a member of the executive team, the CHRO will serve as a key resource and advisor to the CEO and senior leadership team on HR-related issues, while fostering collaboration between departments to support the ongoing development of a talented, engaged, and high-performing workforce.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Strategic HR Leadership

· Develop and implement HR strategies aligned with the organization's mission, goals, and federal/state grant requirements related to wildlife conservation.

· Provide leadership and guidance to the HR team, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives.

· Provide critical leadership through retention and succession strategies, organizational development and training initiatives, performance management, total rewards management, employee relations, labor relations, HR systems, and analytics execution.

Culture and Belonging:

· Foster a positive organizational culture that aligns with our commitment to conservation and environmental stewardship.

· Oversee talent acquisition and recruitment efforts to ensure an inclusive and high-performing employee workforce.

· Foster and maintain a vibrant employee culture to ensure talent readiness for future challenges.

· Implement initiatives to enhance employee engagement, morale, and a sense of purpose in contributing to wildlife habitat preservation.

· Facilitate assessments related to employee engagement and organizational health; implement action plans to promote positive change.

Remote Work Management:

· Develop and implement policies and practices to effectively manage a geographically dispersed and field-based workforce.

· Address challenges related to communication, collaboration, and team building in a hybrid work environment.

Employee Relations

· Handle complex employee relations issues and investigations, recognizing the unique challenges faced by those working remotely and/or in government offices.

· Implement strategies to promote a positive and respectful workplace aligned with our conservation mission.

Compliance and Risk Management

· Ensure HR policies and practices comply with federal and state regulations, as well as grant requirements for wildlife conservation.

· Mitigate HR-related risks and proactively address compliance issues in the context of conservation initiatives.

· Supervise the effective and efficient design and delivery of human resources policies and practices that support a compliant and equitable work environment.

Change Management

· Proactively address organizational and people challenges by bringing key stakeholders together to assess root causes and performance gaps; engage the right people/resources to successfully resolve issues.

· Foster a commitment to improvement and flexibility that encourages employees to embrace change.

Team Leadership and Development

· Build and lead a high-performing HR team, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, efficiency, transparency and continuous learning.

· Develop and maintain department metrics to monitor and evaluate the efficiency of support solutions, programs, and initiatives.

Organizational Communication

· Collaborate to ensure HR related information, updates, and changes are effectively communicated to the PF & QF team.

· Nurture the partnership of HR and the organization, fostering alignment with organizational goals.

Qualifications:

o B.A. or B.S. degree or higher in Human Resources Management, Organizational Development/Leadership, Business Administration, or related field. Master’s degree and SPHR strongly preferred.

o Minimum 10 years of senior leadership experience in a national organization. Experience in a nonprofit environment a plus, but not required.

o Proven experience as an HR leader, preferably in a nonprofit or environmental conservation organization.

o Understanding of federal and state grant requirements related to wildlife conservation is preferred.

o Strong knowledge of remote workforce management and best practices, especially in fieldwork settings.

o Experience in talent acquisition, training, and employee development.

o An energetic, well organized, detailed, self-starter who has a strong record of leadership, teamwork, and success.

o Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills.

o Familiar with current federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations.

o Understanding of Human Resources and Organizational Development principles and practices in a national, geographically dispersed, mission-driven organization.

o Ability to establish and model excellent teamwork and collaboration with diverse work groups.

o Familiarity with ADP Workforce Now system a plus

o Able to build a network of respected mentors, advisors, and colleagues who contribute to organizational effectiveness and growth.

o A passion for Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever’s mission, as well as knowledge and appreciation for conservation, hunting, and the outdoors.

o The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

o Work from the national office.

o Overnight travel for conferences, national team and other employee meetings, Pheasant Fest and Quail Classic, trade shows and other partner events; 10-15% travel annually.

Compensation and Location: Starting salary and benefits commensurate with experience and qualifications. Salary range: $150,000 - $190,000. Location is based out of our national office in St. Paul, MN .

Application Closing Date: July 9, 2025

Anticipated Start Date: August 1, 2025

To Apply: Visit our Recruitment website at: Please combine your cover letter, resume and three references in a Word document or PDF file before uploading to the Recruitment website.

For more information: Contact Marilyn Vetter, President and CEO, at

Pheasants Forever, Inc and Quail Forever is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status as a protected veteran, status as a qualified individual with disability, or any other category that may be protected by law.