Job Description

Summary

The Chief Human Resource Officer (CHRO) is responsible for the leadership, strategic direction, and management of the human resources department. The CHRO is responsible to lead the vision, development, and execution of talent, engagement, development and culture strategies and initiatives, aimed at attracting and retaining top talent for Chugach. In addition, the CHRO will oversee human resource functions such as: compensation, benefits, labor relations, succession planning, training, and leadership development efforts. This role works with and advises the executive team and senior management leaders in developing and advancing a value-driven, diverse, and inclusive workplace culture.

Essential Functions

• Partner with the Executive team to understand and manage Chugach’s human resources and talent strategy as it relates to talent attraction, retention, succession planning and culture.
• Oversee Chugach human resource team. Provide clear direction, vision and strategy for the division and coach, mentor and develop the team.
• Direct the development and implementation of employee engagement, culture, and satisfaction programs consistent with the values and direction of the organization.
• Direct Chugach’s diversity, equity and inclusion programs and initiatives.
• Direct organization wide learning and development programs.
• Develop and direct workforce strategies, including talent acquisition and retention, compensation, benefits, performance management and policies and practices in accordance with collective bargaining, affirmative action plan, applicable law, best practices, and manager’s needs.
• Contribute to leadership-level meetings and activities to develop and implement strategic priority areas; monitor progress; direct exchange ideas and finalize strategies and align human resources strategies with strategic direction of the organization.
• Participate in labor negotiations as the Association Chief Spokesperson. Research and analyze best practices, develop labor contract goals and positions, serve on negotiation team in both lead and other capacity, and develop applicable collective bargaining agreements. Oversee and manage bargaining unit relationship and oversight of IBEW and HERE labor agreements.
• Manage dispute resolution for both management and unionized workforce. Complete investigations from third parties, settlement agreements and/or administrative or legal hearings and manage preparation and documentation for resolution.
• Direct communications for human resource information across departments.
• Mentor leadership and management personnel regarding the full scope of employee relations to maintain and increase productivity, efficiency, employee engagement, employee satisfaction and overall service.
• Direct the Worker’s Compensation and Employee Wellness plans and procedures.
• Provide expertise and guidance to Chugach employees and management regarding human resource related topics.
• Analyze efficiencies in work systems and processes, identify areas of improvement and implement necessary change including but not limited to organizational structure, span of control, and delegation of duties.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Relationships

Internal

• Chief Executive Officer: Reports to, receives direction and guidance from.
• Division Leadership / Executive Officers: Partners with to provide relevant information and guidance on human resource related issues. Collaborates with on organization wide initiatives such as succession planning, culture and engagement, development, and performance management.
• VP Human Resources: Directs, coaches, develops, supervises.
• HR Managers: Collaborates with VP of HR to mentor and coach.
• HR Specialists/Generalists: with HR Managers to mentor and coach.
• Supervisors and Managers: Partners with to provide relevant information and guidance on human resource related issues.
• All employees: Informs, provides guidance and exchanges information.

External

• Labor Unions: Serves as Association representative, authority to bind and settle.
• Outside Legal Counsel: In coordination with Chugach’s internal legal department, directs and coordinates with to provide representation for Chugach in Labor and Employment matters and ensure quality advocacy and representation.
• National Rural Electric Cooperative Association: Requests and provides information/assistance as necessary.
• Other Utilities: Exchanges information with and provides technical assistance to.
• State and Federal Agencies: Exchanges information and develops relationships relative to assigned duties.

Competencies

• Ability to communicate and implement human resources programs in various subject areas including engagement, succession planning, culture, performance, employee and labor relations, compensation, workforce planning, and organizational development and design.
• Ability to foster relationships across the organization to train, develop, collaborate, lead, and influence decisions at all levels.
• Demonstrated ability to negotiate contracts and labor agreements.
• Demonstrated expert in all functional areas of human resources and strategic planning and execution.
• Knowledge of progressive human resource strategies and practices.
• Ability to think strategically and prioritize initiatives that align with the organization’s success and goals.
• Knowledge of federal and state laws and resources pertaining to employment including equal employment opportunity, affirmative action, compensation, benefit programs.
• Knowledge of workers compensation laws, practices, and resources.
• Ability to deal tactfully with a wide variety of individuals and to build effective working relationships.
• Ability to interpret, explain and apply laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.

Supervisory Responsibility

This position oversees the human resources division.

Work Environment

Work is performed in a standard office environment. Travel to remote sites may be required. This position requires some time outside of typical working hours and travel to meetings outside the State.

Minimum Qualifications and Experience

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources or related field (business administration, economics, industrial relations), required. PHR, SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP Certification required; NRECA Management Internship Program certification preferred. Master’s degree preferred.

Experience

Ten (10) years progressively responsible and relevant experience, including a minimum of five years of supervisory or management experience required. Utility industry experience preferred. Experience must include designing and managing talent strategies, compensation and employee benefits programs, employee development and training, employee and labor relations, including contract interpretation, administration, and negotiation. Experience working in a union environment is required.

Substitution

Master’s degree in an appropriate field of study may be used to substitute for no more than three years of Human Resources management level experience.

Company Description

Chugach Electric Association is a member-owned cooperative, headquartered in Anchorage, Alaska's largest city. Anchorage itself sits at the base of the Chugach Mountains. Chugach is pleased to provide reliable, affordable power to more than 92,000 members from Anchorage to the northern Kenai Peninsula, and from Whittier on Prince William Sound to Tyonek on the west side of Cook Inlet. We service over 113,000 locations with 3,782 miles of transmission and distribution lines. We have many services that make it easy to power homes and businesses with Chugach.

Chugach's corporate vision:
Responsibly developing energy to build a clean, sustainable future for Alaska.

Chugach's corporate mission:
We provide safe, reliable, and affordable electricity through superior service and sustainable practices, powering the lives of our members.

Chugach's corporate values:
Guided by our values of safety, accountability, and sustainability, we are committed to serving our members, the community, and the Chugach team.

Equal Employment Opportunity
It is a policy of Chugach Electric Association, Inc., to recruit, hire, train, promote, and compensate persons without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, pregnancy, parenthood, physical or mental disability, veteran's status, age, or any other classification protected by applicable, federal, state, or local law.
Chugach is also an affirmative action employer.

Benefits

Health Benefits

• Medical & RX
• Dental
• Vision
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Telemedicine

Financial Security

• 401K Plan
• Defined Benefit (Pension)
• Retirement Investment services
• Basic Life and AD&D Insurance paid for by Chugach Electric
• Supplemental Life Insurance
• Short Term Disability
• Long Term Disability
• Flex Spending Account (Health, Limited Use, Dependent Care)

Work, Life, Health

• 20 days vacation for first year of employment
• 9 Paid Holidays
• 2 Float Holidays & 1 Birthday Holiday
• Employee Assistance Program
• MetLife Will Preparation