Description

ABOUT THE CONNECTICUT HOUSING FINANCE AUTHORITY:

Connecticut Housing Finance Authority (“CHFA”) is a self-funded, quasi-public organization.  Its mission is to alleviate the shortage of housing for low- and moderate-income families and persons in the state of Connecticut (“State”) and, when appropriate, to promote or maintain the economic development of the State through employer-assisted housing efforts.

CHFA is a mission-driven leader in creating affordable housing opportunities for families and individuals in Connecticut.  We believe in the power of the diverse and inclusive communities we serve.  We provide a challenging, progressive, and supportive environment that encourages and promotes employee development.

We offer competitive salaries; tuition reimbursement; 457 deferred compensation, state sponsored pension plan, comprehensive health, dental, life, and disability plan, paid vacation, sick, and holidays, hybrid work schedule, ongoing training, career development and, if qualified, employee may be eligible for student loan forgiveness under Federal Loan assistance program.

ABOUT THE POSITION:

The Chief People Officer (CPO) is a dynamic leader responsible for developing and implementing the overall human resources strategy in support of CHFA’s mission and strategic goals. This position is critical in leading talent management, organizational development and developing a work environment cultivating creativity and service.  The position oversees all aspects of employee management and growth, from recruitment and onboarding to employee engagement and development.  The role embraces strategic planning and leadership development and is committed to ensuring that human resources operations are well executed and in compliance with state and federal employment law.  As a member of the executive leadership team, the efforts of the CPO are focused on strategies that promote the growth and long-term success of the organization.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:

Receives direction from the CEO - Executive Director or her designee.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED:

Supervises the work of the staff in Human Resources, Organizational Development, Employee Training and Engagement. 

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Serve as a member of the executive leadership team, leading the organization’s people strategy, particularly as it relates to current and future talent needs and succession planning.
• Develop and implement human resources initiatives that support the organization’s strategic plan.
• Spearhead thoughtful and innovative programs and practices that support the full lifecycle of employment, including recruitment, retention, employee development and engagement.
• Manage the talent acquisition process, which may include recruitment, interviewing, and hiring of qualified job applicants, particularly for managerial, exempt, and professional roles; collaborate with departmental managers and the executive management team to understand skills and competencies required for openings.
• Develop and maintain CHFA compensation plan, which may include analyzing trends in compensation and benefits; research and propose competitive programs to ensure the organization attracts and retains top talent; design and implement overall format and procedures for the plan including job evaluation, data analysis and wage surveys.
• Design, implement and maintain performance management processes with measurable goal setting for CHFA employees.
• Consult with the executive management team and all supervisors/managers on human resources issues, including performance assessments, progressive accountability and employee counseling.
• Guide management and employee actions by researching, developing, writing, and updating policies, procedures, methods, and guidelines, and by communicating and enforcing organization values.
• Create comprehensive training and development programs for employees, including new employee onboarding, evaluate performance and develop plans to remediate concerns, assign ongoing training, assist in career development, and improve organizational processes through performance assessments.
• Foster a culture of engagement and empowerment that values diversity, equity and inclusion and demonstrates fair and consistent management practices. Ensure CHFA maintains a respectful workplace that fosters open communication. Maintain and update CHFA’s Affirmative Action and Equal Employment Opportunity Policy.  
• Provide support and guidance to management and other staff when complex, specialized, and sensitive questions and issues arise; may be required to administer and execute tasks in delicate circumstances such as providing reasonable accommodation, investigating allegations of wrongdoing, and terminations.
• Manage and supervise all personnel functions, including payroll, time and attendance, HRIS systems, workers’ compensation, and benefits; supervise human resource staff; provide continuing professional development for human resources staff; propose new policies and procedures for human resources; maintain and update the CHFA Employee Handbook.
• Evaluate effectiveness of programs/processes and recommend improvements and solutions.
• Maintain knowledge of current state and federal regulations and guidelines pertaining to human resources, labor laws and new statutory requirements.
• Own and/or support special projects as needed and assist with other responsibilities as assigned.

Requirements

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:

BS/BA degree preferred in related field; a minimum of fifteen years of progressive leadership experience in human resources positions, with several of those years in senior or executive level positions. An equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered. Experience should include all or most of the following areas: employee/labor relations, human resources, payroll and benefits, organizational development and training, employee engagement and strategic planning. 

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

SHRM-CP / SHRM-SCP certification preferred. Excellent organizational and leadership skills.  Demonstrated ability to serve as a strategic member of the executive management team that provides company leadership and direction.  Excellent computer skills in the Microsoft Windows environment. CORE-CT (HR, Payroll and Security) and State of Connecticut Retirement & Benefits Systems experience a plus.  Strong interpersonal, problem solving, consulting and listening skills; skilled facilitator and communicator with sound judgment and diplomacy. Ability to deal with ambiguity and confidential information.  Knowledge and/or experience with Diversity, Equity and Inclusion approaches and initiatives.  Maintains an awareness of industry best practices. Excellent knowledge of employment legislation and regulations.

This is not an exclusive list of all job functions, and the employee is expected to complete all duties as assigned.  Duties, responsibilities and reporting structure may be added, deleted, or changed at any time at the discretion of management, formally or informally.  This job description in no way constitutes an employment contract or agreement.