Chief Human Resources Officer

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory is one of the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) national laboratories and is the birthplace of great team science performed in the service of the public good. Since its founding in the 1930s, a host of award-winning scientists – including 16 Nobel Prize winners – have called the Lab home. The individual and collective talents of the remarkable people who work at Berkeley Lab represent the most important asset we have to carry out our mission of providing science solutions for the nation’s greatest challenges. 

We are seeking a strategic leader to serve as Chief Human Resources Officer to provide vision and direction for Berkeley Lab’s critical Human Resources function, which serves a population of ~4,000. Reporting to the Deputy Chief Operations Officer, this position is a strategic business partner and trusted advisor to the Laboratory Director and a key member of the Laboratory Operations Senior Leadership Team.

This position also directs the HR Division, which encompasses the offices of Talent Acquisition, Compensation & Benefits, HR Systems, Employee & Labor Relations, HR Policy & Compliance, and Project Management and Business Process Improvement. As Division Director, the position leads a talented 95-person team, including Business Partners dedicated to the Lab’s 22 Science and 7 Operations Divisions, specialized Centers of Expertise, and Shared Services group.

The Chief Human Resources Officer develops and implements long-term strategic plans to ensure strong pipelines for future hiring needs. They oversee critical tactical and operational HR activities, and innovate and modernize processes where appropriate. This position ensures compliance with all HR-related federal and state laws and regulations, adhering to applicable University of California (UC) policies and DOE contractual requirements. They will also be an integral part of the Lab’s ongoing focus to enhance both recruitment and the employee experience. This effort is a collaboration with other key offices across the Lab, including: Learning and Culture; Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accountability (IDEA); Strategic Communications, and Career Pathways. 

We are looking for candidates who are prepared to successfully navigate the changing talent landscape and manage an inter-generational workforce alongside the rapid technology developments that impact the skills and capabilities employees need to have both now and in the future. We need an effective communicator who can inspire, motivate, and engage a hybrid workforce and help to continue to build our culture of inclusion and collaboration. Candidates should have a demonstrated record of success developing hiring and retention strategies, building and inspiring a team of high-performing HR professionals, influencing change, and making sound business decisions in a large, complex organization. 

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide vision, leadership, creativity, and strategic direction that ensures Berkeley Lab’s human resources strategy and long-term workforce supports its scientific mission now and in the future. 
• Partner with senior leadership on laboratory-wide people stewardship initiatives. Develop and execute HR strategic plan that aligns with the Laboratory’s mission, values, and business objectives.
• Manage HR Division resources, including the administration of 95 employees and an annual budget of $18 million, to ensure maximum effectiveness and quality of service delivered.  Cultivate an inclusive culture that emphasizes collaboration, continuous improvement, and commitment to excellence and accountability.
• Provide oversight for all people development processes, including succession planning, talent acquisition, performance management, and reporting and analytics on people-related metrics and trends.
• Develop and implement effective and strategic employee programs designed to enhance employee capabilities, engagement and motivation.
• Provide strategic oversight, direction, development and optimization of HR business processes and information technology systems. Innovate and modernize as appropriate to meet current and anticipated business requirements.  
• Develop and maintain positive, collaborative relationships with key stakeholders, including UC Office of the President, DOE, and internal Berkeley Lab partners and customers, through constructive communication, integrity, and transparency. 
• Play a key role in the development of the Laboratory’s HR Capital Strategic Plan; work closely with HR liaisons at the UC Office of the President, DOE Berkeley Site Office, and DOE, ensuring support for the plan’s strategic and operational direction.
• Accountable for Laboratory HR management policies that ensure effective management and administration in compliance with all relevant federal and contractual requirements. Work closely with HR leaders at the other National Laboratories and in the UC system to inform the development of HR-related policies and processes.
• Foster high ethical standards in meeting the organization’s mission, vision, and goals.   

Required Qualifications:

• A minimum of 15 years of progressively responsible HR experience and a bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience. 
• Proven experience in leading and managing the design and implementation of an HR Strategic Plan with modern HR practices aligned with the organization’s mission and unique needs. 
• Broad business process transformation experience, including previous success at leading change, driving execution and adoption of strategic programs and innovative business processes across large teams in complex organizations.
• Demonstrated success as a strategic member of a senior executive team, including providing effective advice and counsel to senior leaders managing their organizations and human capital strategies.
• Experienced in leading a highly effective, engaged, innovative, and productive HR organization of comparable complexity and scope that translates to a scientific/discovery research organization.
• Track record of upgrading organizational capability through the development of a strong recruitment function and highly effective workforce.
• Demonstrated success working in a complex labor environment.
• Track record implementing process improvements in the HR function to provide efficient, accurate, and trending performance data and analyses to line management to support their decision processes. 
• Inspiring, visionary, and collaborative leader who can influence others to achieve common goals by engaging and developing robust, productive relationships.
• Demonstrated abilities as a skilled communicator with outstanding interpersonal, relationship building, advocacy, and negotiation skills applied across a broad spectrum of constituents and stakeholders. 
• Thorough knowledge and understanding of HR management and best practices in the major functional areas of HR, as well as employment law and related governmental regulations.
• Commitment to upholding the Lab’s stewardship responsibilities, especially with regard to the Lab’s research, people, and resources, and ensuring that it remains a valuable national asset.

Application Guidelines:

• For full consideration, please submit your resume and letter of interest by May 20, 2024.
• The cover letter should highlight your interest in the role, relevant HR and leadership experience (including team size and scope), significant accomplishments, as well as contributions to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Notes:

• This is a full-time career appointment, exempt from overtime pay (paid monthly).
• This position is expected to pay $300,000 to $375,000 annually; salary will be commensurate with the final candidate’s qualifications and experience, including skills, knowledge, relevant education, certifications, and aligned with the internal leadership peer group. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position.
• This position may be subject to a background check. Any convictions will be evaluated to determine if they directly relate to the responsibilities and requirements of the position. Having a conviction history will not automatically disqualify an applicant from being considered for employment.
• The Chief Human Resources Officer position is a career position appointed by and serving at the discretion of the Laboratory Director. This appointment is at will and may be terminated at any time, with or without cause.
• This position is subject to the financial disclosure requirements of the California Political Reform Act of 1974. The successful candidate will be required to file financial interest statements upon assuming this position, annually while holding this position, and when leaving this position.
• This position is eligible for a hybrid work schedule - a combination of teleworking and performing work on site at Berkeley Lab, One Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA. Work schedules are dependent on business needs. Individuals working a hybrid schedule must reside within 150 miles of the Lab.

About Berkeley Lab:

Berkeley Lab is a U.S. Department of Energy national laboratory managed by the University of California and designated a Federally Funded Research and Development Center. Located in the San Francisco Bay Area, we have a close relationship with UC Berkeley, as well as robust partnerships with other academic institutions and industries, including those in Silicon Valley. The Laboratory conducts world-class research that supports clean energy, a healthy planet, and solution-inspired discovery science. Berkeley Lab is defined by our deeply felt sense of stewardship, which we describe as a commitment to taking care of the Laboratory's research, people, and resources that are entrusted to us. Our values of team science, innovation, service, trust, and respect knit us together as a community. We practice these values and prioritize our principles of inclusion, diversity, equity, and accountability (IDEA) to build highly effective teams that produce world-class science and technology and where all individuals, regardless of their backgrounds, disciplines, and experiences, can thrive. The Laboratory has a dynamic workforce of about 4,000 employees and an annual operating budget of approximately $1.4 billion.

Berkeley Lab is committed to Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accountability (IDEA) and strives to continue building community with these shared values and commitments. Berkeley Lab is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. We heartily welcome applications from women, minorities, veterans, and all who would contribute to the Lab's mission of leading scientific discovery, inclusion, and professionalism. In support of our diverse global community, all qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status.

Equal Opportunity and IDEA Information Links: Know your rights, click here for the supplement: Equal Employment Opportunity is the Law and the Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision under 41 CFR 60-1.4.  

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