Chief Human Resources Officer

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS) is located in Charlotte, NC and is the public-school system for Mecklenburg County, the most populated county in North Carolina. The county seat and largest city is Charlotte, and the county population of approximately 1,000,000 is diverse in many ways. With 6.9 million residents within 100 miles, Mecklenburg County and Charlotte lie in the heart of a region that is the sixth largest urban area in the US and that has a well-balanced economy with employment distributed between all major sectors. 

CMS has more than 148,000 students in kindergarten through 12th grade in 175 schools making CMS one of the 20 largest public school districts in the US. CMS has a diverse mix of students who represent over 180 countries and speak over 190 native languages. With an operating budget of approximately $1.4 billion, CMS is one of the largest employers in Mecklenburg County with more than 19,000 teachers, support staff, and administrators. CMS is fortunate to have tremendous support from Charlotte’s corporate, faith, and business communities and more than 90,000 mentors and volunteers that support learning and instruction in CMS classrooms. 

CMS has had a tremendous impact on the growth and economy of the region – as well as the thousands of individuals they have served. To carry on this successful legacy, the CMS strategic plan, The 2024 Strategic Plan, reflects the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Board of Education’s mission and vision: “The mission of CMS is to create an innovative, inclusive, student-centered environment that supports the development of independent learners. The vision of CMS is to lead the community in educational excellence, inspiring intellectual curiosity, creativity, and achievement so that all students reach their full potential. (C-M Board of Education, 2018)” For more information please visit www.cms.k12.nc.us.

Reporting directly to the Superintendent, the Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) is responsible for developing, implementing, and executing a human resource strategy in support of CMS’s mission and strategic plan, specifically in the areas of talent acquisition, development, utilization, and retention; equity and inclusion; change management and transformation of culture; organizational and performance management; training and development; and compensation. Serving as a strategic leader and trusted advisor to the Superintendent and executive staff of CMS, the CHRO will help cultivate, build, and maintain a culture of accountability, transparency, and one focused on valuing people and service. Positions reporting directly to the CHRO include: Executive Director, Talent Acquisition; Executive Director, Learning and Leadership Development; Executive Director, Operations; Executive Director, HR Client Services; and Executive Director, Employee Relations.  Total number of department employees is approximately 113.

The successful candidate will have significant depth and breadth of experience as a human resources generalist, strategist and leader/manager at the executive leadership level, along with increasingly responsible management positions within Human Resources, including mentoring and developing a high performing HR team.  He/she will have experience implementing innovative approaches to manage human capital and address long-term issues; the ability to develop, analyze, and recommend sound policies, strategies, and practices; the ability to be a significant, value-added strategic and operational partner; and the demonstrated ability to enhance and/or develop and implement human resources programs and procedures to improve overall operations and organizational effectiveness.   A bachelor’s degree is required; master’s degree or doctorate preferred; SHRM and/or HRCI certification desirable.  Compensation will include base salary and benefits.

To make a nomination, provide a referral, or for additional information please use the contact information below. To apply, please submit a resume and/or vita, and cover letter, to:

Coleman Lew + Associates, Inc.

6101 Carnegie Blvd., Ste. 300 - Charlotte, NC 28209

Ken Carrick, President

Janny DeLoache, Consultant

CHRO@colemanlew.com

704.377.0362

In compliance with federal law, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools administers all education programs, employment activities, and admissions without discrimination against any person on the basis of sex, race, color, religion, national origin, age, or disability.