Employment Opportunities at ACU

ACU is affiliated with the fellowship of the Church of Christ. All applicants must be professing Christians and willing to support the Christian mission and purpose of Abilene Christian University while employed by the university.

The Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) serves as a key executive and is responsible for setting and leading the strategic direction of human resources for the Abilene Christian University (ACU) system. This role goes beyond managing HR operations to shaping the culture, talent strategy, and organizational effectiveness of ACU. The CHRO is a trusted advisor to the President and university executives, ensuring that people and culture are at the center of ACU's long-term vision.

• Lead HR functions including talent acquisition, compensation, benefits, employee relations, learning and development, compliance, and payroll.
• Establish clear and consistent HR processes and procedures with a focus on continuous improvement to realize efficiencies.
• Ensure HR Information Systems (HRIS) and data are accurate and easy to use in order to inform people strategies.
• Ensure Title IX compliance and oversight in collaboration with appropriate university offices (if retained in portfolio).
• Manage budgets, systems, and resources to ensure efficient, effective HR service delivery.

Strategic Leadership & Vision

• Develop and execute a forward-looking HR strategy that aligns with ACU's mission, values, and strategic plan.
•  Partner with executive leadership to anticipate workforce needs, align talent to academic and operational priorities, and build organizational capacity for growth.
• Align HR policies and practices across campuses, balancing system-wide consistency with campus-specific needs.
• Provide leadership and strategic direction to the Deputy Chief Human Resources Officers, Dallas Human Resources Business Partner, and system HR operations.

Talent & Organizational Development

• Design strategies for attracting, developing, and retaining top faculty and staff.
• Lead succession planning and leadership development initiatives across the university.
• Drive employee engagement and foster a positive, mission-driven work environment.
• Develop and oversee a robust performance management program.

Workforce Planning & Policy

• Lead long-term workforce planning initiatives to ensure the ACU system has the appropriate talent and capabilities needed to meet current and future academic and administrative priorities.
• Oversee workforce analytics to inform decision-making on hiring, compensation, and retention.
• Ensure that policies and practices reflect best-in-class HR standards while remaining compliant with federal, multiple state, county, and city laws, as well as higher education regulations.
• Guide the university in adapting to future workforce trends, including remote/hybrid work, digital skills, and generational workforce shifts.

Culture & Employee Experience

• Shape and sustain a values-driven organizational culture that reflects Christian principles and ACU's mission.
• Advance initiatives that strengthen community, recognition, and belonging among faculty and staff.
• Serve as an advocate for employee well-being, performance, and professional growth.

• Strategic Thinker: Able to anticipate trends and shape HR strategy proactively.
• Culture Builder: Passion for cultivating a mission-centered workplace.
• Trusted Advisor: Provides sound counsel to senior leaders and models integrity.
• Change Leader: Guides the university through transformation with clarity and compassion.
• Collaborative Partner: Works across departments to align people and institutional priorities.

• Senior-level HR leadership experience, preferably within higher education or a mission-driven organization.
• Demonstrated success in shaping HR strategy, culture, and workforce development.
• Strong understanding of employment law, compliance, and risk management.
• Proven ability to build trusted partnerships with executives, faculty, staff, and external stakeholders.
• Master's degree in HR, Business, Organizational Leadership, or related field preferred; SHRM-SCP or similar credential desirable.

ACU does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, sex, disability, genetic information, national or ethnic origin in employment opportunities, in keeping with applicable state and federal law.

ACU is committed to maintaining a safe and secure campus environment and protecting the university's financial and physical assets.  Therefore, Abilene Christian University conducts background checks on all candidates for employment in security sensitive positions.