Job Details

NorfolkStateUniversity (NSU), a proudly urban, top‑ranked HBCU renowned for transformative teaching, innovative research, and community impact, seeks a visionary, collaborative, and service‑oriented leader to serve as its Associate VicePresident for Human Resources and Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO). This pivotal role offers an outstanding opportunity for an experienced HR executive to cultivate a people‑first culture that empowers every Spartan employee to advance NSU's mission: To transform students' lives through exemplary teaching, research, and service.

Founded in1935 and enrolling roughly 6,000 students across 64 undergraduate, graduate, and online programs, NSU generates more than $20million in annual sponsored‑research expenditures and celebrates vibrant achievements, from eleven MEAC athletic championships to the Spartan Legion Band's 2023 RoseParade appearance. Situated in the dynamic coastal city of Norfolk, Virginia, the University stands at an exciting juncture as it refines its strategic plan, expands interdisciplinary partnerships, and modernizes its business systems.

With a reporting line up through the Office of the President via the Chief of Staff, the CHRO will provide strategic direction, innovation, and operational excellence for all human‑capital functions. Supporting an employee base of approximately 900 faculty and staff, the CHRO will steward, mentor, and develop a dedicated team of approximately 17 HR professionals.

The successful candidate will possess a reputation as a diplomatic change agent with at least ten years of senior‑level HR leadership—preferably in higher education or complex public‑sector environments, demonstrated fluency with the Virginia Department of Human Resource Management (DHRM) or comparable state systems, and a record of leading HR‑transformation initiatives. A bachelor's degree in a related field is required; a master's degree in HR management, business/public administration, higher‑education leadership, or a related discipline is preferred, and professional certification such as SHRM‑SCP or SPHR is highly desirable.

Joining a university energized by growth, innovation, and Spartan pride, the next CHRO will play a defining role in ensuring that NSU remains an inspiring, supportive, and high‑performing place to work, ultimately advancing the institution's bold vision to be recognized nationally for outstanding signature programs, research excellence, and community engagement.

WittKieffer is assisting Norfolk State University in this search. All applications, nominations, and inquiries are invited. Applications should include, as separate documents, a CV or resume and a letter of interest addressing the themes in the leadership profile, which can be found here. For fullest consideration, candidate materials should be received by August 4, 2025. Nominations and inquiries can be directed to: Sarah Palmer and Luis Bertot at ...@wittkieffer.com.


NSU is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all persons and applicants, without regard to age, color, disability, gender, national origin, political affiliation, genetic information, race, religion, sexual orientation, sex (including pregnancy), or veteran status. NSU encourages and invites minorities, women, individuals with disabilities, and veterans to apply.





Copyright 2025 Jobelephant.com Inc. All rights reserved.

Posted by the FREE value-added recruitment advertising agency

jeid-ff1cbbb342ca434f8e8ac0d9940b59d1#J-18808-Ljbffr