Vice President, Human Resources

Company: The Cleveland Orchestra
Location: Chicago
Posted on: June 2, 2025

Job Description:

The Cleveland Orchestra is seeking a Vice President, Human Resources, a member of the Executive Team, responsible for overall strategic Human Resources (HR) leadership for the Musical Arts Association/The Cleveland Orchestra, which includes a full-function HR operation for non-artistic staff and a partial-function HR operation for artistic staff. The incumbent leads HR strategic planning and is responsible for daily oversight of all HR operations. The VP oversees development and implementation of human resources policies, programs, and services, including recruitment/retention, compensation, benefits, compliance, employee/labor relations, performance management, wellness, engagement, and general employment practices and procedures, ensuring alignment with strategic goals and creating a 'world-class' place of employment.

Position responsibilities include the following:

HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGEMENT

• Identify and develop internal policies, organizational structures, work processes and management practices to improve the use of HR throughout MAA, recommending/implementing changes as necessary.
• Participate in organizational strategic planning, representing HR and staffing needs, contributions, and perspectives. Make recommendations regarding short and long-term human resource needs to ensure staff in all departments are able to contribute to the successful achievement of organizational goals.
• Prepare and monitor human resources annual budgets and multi-year projections. Monitor related expenses for salaries and fringe benefits, prepare regular forecast updates, recommend adjustments to ensure annual results within budgeted goals.
• Identify applicable labor and employment laws, rules, and regulations impacting the HR function. Ensure proactive, compliance-focused efforts throughout the institution. Collaborate with outside counsel to respond to legal actions and complaints. Ensure compliance with Department of Labor, Wage and Hour, HIPAA, ERISA, etc.
• Responsible for the development, review, revision, implementation of policy/procedure to ensure compliance with applicable legal guidelines, and alignment with organizational culture and mission. Communicate to managers and employees, emphasizing both understanding and acceptance.
• Audit existing policies, procedures and practices for compliance, effectiveness and opportunities for improvement including the expanded use of technology.
• Serve as a Management Liaison to the Board of Trustees Personnel Committee. Coordinate meeting scheduling, agenda development, and presentation of materials for member review and action. Ensure appropriate recordkeeping of all meetings.EMPLOYEE/LABOR RELATIONS
  • Participate in strategy development and contract negotiations for four Union collective bargaining agreements (Cleveland Orchestra-Local 4; Ticket Sellers-Local 756; Stagehands-Local 27; Hall Staff-Local 1). Collaborate with negotiating team partners, legal counsel, and other managers to strategize and ensure achievement of results consistent with organizational strategic and business plans, and in line with fiscal resources.
  • Partner with managers to implement and administer collective bargaining agreements. Provide support and counsel on matters of contract interpretation, general labor law, and grievance handling.
  • Lead organizational employee relations efforts by recommending programs and practices that enhance the connection between the institution and its employees. Monitor general employee relations and morale, with emphasis on developing and promoting a positive and productive work environment.
  • Ensure MAA Treatment Standards are upheld by all staff and musicians.
  • Coordinate with Director of Orchestra Personnel on development and implementation of targeted initiatives to improve relationships between multiple institutional constituency groups, with emphasis on Trustee/Musician/Staff relations.
  • Lead investigations into any complaints involving employee behavior, including harassment and discrimination. Coordinate with outside legal counsel, as appropriate.TALENT MANAGEMENT
    • Direct the performance management programs and systems, including the review process. Make improvements and enhancements to performance management systems and process to ensure alignment with organizational mission and operational need.
    • Identify and implement training programs, including senior leadership development, to ensure provision of comprehensive staff development offerings that provide employees with appropriate and meaningful opportunity for development.
    • Consult with managers on personnel issues, particularly as related to employee relations, development and performance concerns. Brainstorm multiple outcomes; guide managers to implement corrective measures in early stages to achieve positive resolution.
    • Direct process for all involuntary separations, including development of appropriate separation agreements for sensitive terminations in conjunction with CFO and Executive Director. Oversee implementation and communication of all separation meetings. Coordinate with outside legal counsel as appropriate.RECRUITMENT/RETENTION
      • Foster and promote the ongoing development of a 'world-class' place of employment.
      • Oversee all recruitment and retention activities and programs for the organization, with the goal of attracting and retaining high-caliber staff in support of The Cleveland Orchestra's mission and strategic/business plans.
      • Ensure maintenance of competitive compensation packages as compared to industry standards and regional benchmarks. Conduct and/or participate in relevant salary and benefits surveys.
      • Direct the strategy for employee orientation and on-boarding that provides new staff with an introduction to our mission, culture & philosophy, ensure effectiveness of process.BENEFIT MANAGEMENT
        • Oversee the management and administration of all institutional employee benefit plans including medical, dental, vision, life, LTD insurance; Flexible Spending; retirement plans; musician instrument insurance; including recommendations of benefit enhancements and/or development of new programs.
        • Lead renewal of benefit plans and price negotiations while strategically managing the benefits budget, vendor relationships, alignment with unions, and changing employee needs and market conditions. Identify cost-saving opportunities while maintaining quality coverage.
        • Select and negotiate contracts with healthcare consultants/brokers.
        • Oversee Open Enrollment and related informational sessions.
        • In coordination with Finance Department, participate in required annual audits, compliance testing, and preparation/filing of any required reports for benefit plans. Generate regular reports on benefit utilization and cost analysis.
        • Ensure employees receive the highest level of solution-focused service regarding benefits related questions/issues.
        • Ensure compliance with HIPAA and ERISA regulationsThe successful candidate will meet the following qualifications:
          • Bachelor's Degree required, advanced degree in human resources or related area, or Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) certification, preferred
          • Minimum 15 years Human Resources Experience required, with 5+ at the Director level preferred, some non-profit experience desirable
          • 5 years of managerial experience
          • Proficiency and ability to learn a variety of software applications and HRIS
          • Exceptional organizational, prioritization and interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. Able to relate to people throughout all levels of the organization
          • Experienced in employee and labor relations, including union contract negotiation experience
          • Strong analytic and budgeting skills with broad business experience, including extensive knowledge of cost-effective approaches related to salary and benefits management and administration
          • Demonstrated integrity and the highest ethical standards, objectivity, comprehensive organizational view, tact and ability to think clearly in stressful situations
          • Able to make decisions using an operational, implementation and detail-oriented perspective
          • Ability to consistently maintain a professional image and demeanor
          • Ability to maintain a high degree of confidentiality
          • Must be able to occasionally work evening and weekend hoursWe offer a competitive salary, very generous medical and dental plan benefits, 403(b) plan with employer match, hybrid remote/onsite work schedule, complimentary concert tickets, and the opportunity to work with a world-renowned Orchestra.
            
            The Cleveland Orchestra is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer that strongly supports and values diversity and fosters an equitable and inclusive work environment which includes accommodation. Applications from all qualified candidates are welcome, and individuals from all equity-seeking groups are encouraged to apply.
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Keywords: The Cleveland Orchestra, Elkhart , Vice President, Human Resources, Human Resources , Chicago, Indiana