Description

Northwest Human Services is a non-profit leader in providing advocacy, quality healthcare and social services in Marion and Polk counties since 1970. We are a mission focused organization providing compassionate and professional medical, dental, psychiatry, mental health, and wraparound services for those in our community who need it most - uninsured individuals, families, the homeless, and migrant workers. As a Community Health Center we value a culture of belonging, diverse perspectives, and life experiences. Our organization embraces innovation, collaboration, and work-life harmony.

Chief People Officer (CPO)

Northwest Human Services (NWHS) is seeking an experienced Chief People Officer (CPO) to lead our people strategy and champion a culture of engagement and belonging. As a key member of the Senior Leadership Team, the CPO partners closely with the CEO to shape organizational culture, drive workforce excellence, and ensure alignment with NWHS’s mission and values. 

Job Status: Full-Time | Exempt 
Location: 681 Center St. NE, Salem, Oregon 
Reports To: Chief Executive Officer 

POSITION OVERVIEW:

The Chief People Officer is a key executive leader responsible for developing and executing the overall people strategy for the organization. This position will be instrumental in creating a compelling vision for the People/HR team and leading all aspects of human resources including workplace culture, talent management, employee experience, organizational development, total rewards, learning and development, engagement and belonging, and people operations. This role ensures all departmental functions support a thriving, inclusive, and collaborative workplace. The CPO reports directly to the CEO, serves on the Senior Leadership Team, and plays a critical role in working alongside the CEO in shaping organizational culture, fostering employee well-being, and aligning people strategies with NWHS’s mission and values. Through collaboration and proactive leadership, this position champions workplace excellence and accountability at all levels of the organization. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Strategic Leadership & Organizational Development 

• Develop and execute a forward-thinking people strategy aligned with NWHS’s mission and long-term goals. 
• Serve as a key advisor to the CEO and Senior Leadership Team on workforce planning, organizational design, and culture-building. 
• Oversee the People & Culture/HR Department, including HR operations, talent acquisition, total rewards, and employee development. 
• Manage departmental goals, budget, staffing, and resources to ensure effective alignment and accountability. 
• Present workforce insights, trends, and initiatives to the Board of Directors as needed. 

Culture, Engagement & Employee Experience 

• Champion a thriving, inclusive, and values-driven workplace culture. 
• Lead organization-wide engagement and belonging initiatives to strengthen employee connection and satisfaction. 
• Oversee employee relations, ensuring fair, transparent, and respectful practices. 
• Partner with internal leaders to design and deliver training, leadership development, and wellness programs that support growth and resilience. 

Talent Management & Total Rewards 

• Oversee all aspects of recruitment, retention, performance management, and workforce planning. 
• Design and maintain competitive, equitable compensation and benefits programs. 
• Lead succession planning and leadership development strategies that build organizational bench strength. 
• Implement talent initiatives that promote continuous learning, growth, and career pathways for employees. 

HR Operations & Compliance 

• Ensure compliance with all applicable labor, employment, and FQHC-specific regulations. 
• Use data and metrics to inform HR strategy and measure success. 
• Lead HR technology and system optimization to support efficiency and scalability. 
• Serve as the organization’s Risk Officer and HRSA FTCA Credentialing/Privileging Contact.

Requirements

• 10+ years of progressively responsible HR leadership experience, including 5+ years at a director or senior level in a complex environment. 
• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred). 
• Experience in healthcare, nonprofit, or community-based organizations preferred. 
• SPHR or SHRM-SCP certification preferred. 
• Proven success working with executive teams and Boards of Directors. 
• Deep understanding of HR strategy, equity and inclusion practices, and organizational development. 
• Strong leadership presence, emotional intelligence, and communication skills. 
• Demonstrated ability to lead through change and foster a culture of accountability, trust, and engagement.