Special Assistant to CHRO

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The University of Vermont is seeking a highly organized, adaptable, and trusted professional to serve as Special Assistant to the Chief Human Resources Officer ( CHRO ). In this unique role, you will operate at the center of Human Resources, partnering closely with the CHRO and HR leadership team to advance strategic priorities, support executive decision-making, and ensure the smooth coordination of critical initiatives, communications, and operations.

This position combines elements of HR, project management, executive operations, and communications. The Special Assistant serves as a trusted extension of the CHRO , helping manage priorities in a fast-paced environment; preparing presentations, reports, and executive correspondence; coordinating complex schedules and sensitive meetings; and supporting follow-through on key organizational initiatives. The role regularly works with confidential information and requires sound judgment, discretion, and the ability to anticipate needs before they arise.

Develop a strong understanding of the CHRO’s communication approach to serve as a trusted extension of the office. Consistently communicate in a manner that fosters trust, preserves relationships, and advances positive working partnerships while effectively conveying decisions, feedback, and sensitive information.

The ideal candidate is a relationship builder who thrives in dynamic environments, learns quickly, communicates with polish and professionalism, and enjoys bringing clarity and order to complex challenges. This is an exceptional opportunity for an emerging HR, operations, or administrative professional who is interested in gaining broad exposure to executive leadership, institutional strategy, and the inner workings of a high-performing HR organization.

Minimum Qualifications (or equivalent combination of education and experience)

• Bachelor’s degree and two to five years of progressively responsible experience in human resources, business operations, executive support, project coordination, administration, communications, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Demonstrated experience managing multiple priorities, coordinating complex activities, and meeting deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong written communication skills, with experience drafting professional correspondence, reports, presentations, or other business communications.
• Experience researching, gathering, organizing, and presenting information to support decision-making and problem solving.
• Demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, and the ability to learn new systems and technologies.
• Experience handling sensitive and confidential information with discretion, sound judgment, and professionalism.
• Strong organizational, interpersonal, and relationship management skills, with the ability to work effectively with individuals at all levels of an organization.

• Exper…