Chief Human Resources Officer

Position Overview

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The Opportunity

Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences (PNWU), a private health sciences university founded in 2005, in Yakima, Washington, seeks a mission-centric, skilled, collaborative human resources executive who will serve as the University’s next Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO). 

The CHRO serves as a senior advisor to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), as well as an advisor to the executive team, on all human capital related matters. They help to ensure that the University has the talent, processes/systems, and commitment necessary to grow and meet its mission. They will possess significant HR experience, technical skills, and knowledge combined with effective communication skills. Managing a small staff of up to three HR professionals and providing management and guidance to ensure that HR contributes to decisions on the overall strategy and direction of PNWU, the CHRO will create a collaborative, strategic, and forward- looking HR function. A bachelor’s degree is required. 

About PNWU 

PNWU is a grassroots, non-profit health sciences university established in 2005 by a group of visionary community leaders in Washington’s fertile Yakima Valley aimed at increasing access to health care in medically underserved areas of the Pacific Northwest. The University's inaugural program was the first new medical school to open in the Pacific Northwest in sixty years. The University currently offers the degrees of Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine, Doctor of Physical Therapy, Master of Science in Occupational Therapy, and Master of Arts in Medical Science, enrolling over 550 students annually with plans to develop other programs and/or colleges moving forward. In fall of 2025 PNWU will welcome the first cohort of students in the Doctor of Dental Science program. Interprofessional educational partnerships with other universities add another 100 students to the population. The campus includes 300 employees with academic programming spread over a five-state region. For more information about the University, visit pnwu.edu. 

Located in Yakima, WA, a city of approximately 95,000, situated in the south-central part of the state near the eastern slopes of the Cascade Mountains in a major agricultural and outdoor recreation region, PNWU is approximately 140 miles from Seattle, 170 miles from Portland, and 200 miles from Spokane. The Yakima Valley is a wonderful place to live, work and play. For more information, visit visityakima.com. 

Salary: The anticipated hiring range has been established at $160,000 to $180,000.

Procedure for Candidacy

A complete position profile with instructions for application may be found above. Additional information about PNWU at www.pnwu.edu

Candidates should provide:

  • A letter of interest stating how their experience and qualifications connect with the required/preferred characteristics and priorities expressed in the leadership profile. 
  • A curriculum vitae. 
  • A statement of contribution to diversity, equity, and inclusion. 
  • The names and contact information of five professional references. References will not be contacted without prior authorization from the applicant. 

Applicants are encouraged to submit materials through the AGB Search application portal. Should you have questions or encounter any difficulties with the application process, please contact PNWU-CHRO@agbsearch.com. Please direct nominations and inquiries to that same email address. 

For full consideration, applications should be received by Friday, November 8, 2024. The search committee will continue its work until an appointment is made. 

This search is being supported by:

Ms. Monica Burton, Principal: monica.burton@agbsearch.com / (917) 825-2961 

Dr. Margaret “Peggy” Plympton, Principal: margaret.plympton@agbsearch.com / (484) 554-4542 

EEO Statement 
PNWU is an equal opportunity employer and makes employment and student application decisions on the basis of merit. The University shall not discriminate against faculty, staff, volunteers, students, or applicants on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, religion, sex, gender, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation or gender identity, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by law for any reason including recruitment, selection, and promotion. 

As well, PNWU prohibits all forms of harassment by students, employees, guests, or volunteers whether intentional or unintentional, on campus or at other owned or contracted facilities.