Interested in joining Milwaukee County? Milwaukee County is searching for authentic people who are out to change the game and bring their whole selves to work every day.Milwaukee County oversees operations from our Airport, Behavioral Health, Child Support, Combined Court Operations, Sheriff's Department, Community Reintegration Center, Human Services, Parks, Public Safety, Public Works, Fleet Operations, Transportation, and at the Zoo. Our departments are also dedicated to our Seniors and those with Disabilities in Aging and Disability Services, and Veterans in Veterans Services. Our employees also remain committed to serving the cultural, human, recreational, and social needs of the entire community.
Milwaukee County offers a wide variety of interesting jobs for people who want to make a difference in our community. Milwaukee County provides a competitive benefit package and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. If disability related accommodations are needed, please email fmla@milwaukeecountywi.gov. For submitted application inquiries please contact
careers@milwaukeecountywi.gov. Please note: an online application must be submitted for consideration.
We are searching for Changemakers to come and join our team and discover our diverse and versatile community of independent spirits and unique talents, we are redefining the way you think about Milwaukee County!
Chief Human Resources OfficerDepartment of Human Resources
Annual Salary Range: $159,494.40 - $239,262.40 Lead the Future of Public ServiceAre you a visionary human resources executive who believes people are an organization's greatest asset? Do you thrive in complex environments where strategy, leadership, innovation, and public impact intersect?
Milwaukee County is seeking an exceptional
Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) to lead human capital strategy for one of Wisconsin's largest and most diverse employers. This is an opportunity to shape the employee experience, drive organizational transformation, and make a meaningful impact on the lives of more than 950,000 residents.
Why Milwaukee County?Milwaukee County serves as the economic and cultural heart of Wisconsin. With more than 4,000 employees across public safety, transportation, parks, health and human services, airport operations, and administrative functions, our workforce is committed to strengthening communities and improving lives every day.
As CHRO, you will join the County Executive's leadership team and help build a workplace where employees thrive, leaders grow, and innovation drives results.
What You'll DoAs the County's senior human resources executive, you will:
• Develop and execute a comprehensive human capital strategy aligned with Milwaukee County's mission and goals.
• Lead teams responsible for:
- Talent Acquisition
- Talent Management
- Leadership Development
- Employee & Labor Relations
- Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
- Compensation & Benefits
- Retirement Services
- Organizational Development
- Performance Management
- Change Management
• Inspire a high-performing HR team of approximately 60 professionals.
• Partner with elected officials, department leaders, boards, commissions, and community stakeholders.
• Drive workforce engagement, retention, succession planning, and leadership development initiatives.
• Serve as a trusted advisor on organizational effectiveness, workforce planning, labor relations, and compensation strategy.
• Build innovative HR solutions that support a modern, inclusive, and service-focused organization.
What Makes This Opportunity Unique?Make a Difference Through Public ServiceEvery decision you make impacts thousands of employees and nearly one million residents throughout Milwaukee County.
Executive Visibility & InfluenceWork directly with senior leadership, elected officials, and key decision-makers to shape organizational strategy.
Lead TransformationBuild upon an established HR foundation while advancing innovative talent initiatives and workforce modernization efforts.
Strong Team in PlaceJoin an experienced HR organization with deep institutional knowledge and a track record of success.
Dynamic & Diverse WorkforceLead human capital strategy across multiple industries and professions-from healthcare and public safety to transportation and parks operations.
What We're Looking ForRequired Qualifications- Bachelor's degree in human resources, Business, or equivalent
- 5+ years of progressive senior HR leadership experience
- Proven experience leading large, complex teams and organizations
- Strong understanding of strategic human resources management
- Experience with workforce planning, talent acquisition, employee engagement, and retention strategies
- Demonstrated success navigating complex organizational or political environments
- Experience working in union and non-union environments
- Knowledge of federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to leverage data for strategic decision-making
- Exceptional leadership, communication, coaching, and relationship-building skills
Preferred Qualifications- Master's Degree, MBA, or advanced degree
- Public sector experience
- Experience leading organizational transformation and change management initiatives
- Expertise in compensation strategy and workforce modernization
- SHRM-SCP, SPHR, or equivalent certification
The Ideal CandidateYou are:
- A strategic thinker who sees the big picture
- A relationship-builder who earns trust quickly
- A courageous leader who drives accountability and results
- A collaborative partner who influences across diverse stakeholder groups
- A change agent who embraces innovation
- Passionate about public service and community impact
- Skilled at balancing competing priorities while maintaining transparency and integrity
Join UsThis is more than a CHRO role-it's an opportunity to shape the future of public service in one of the Midwest's most vibrant communities.
If you're ready to lead, innovate, and leave a lasting impact on Milwaukee County's workforce and the community we serve, we encourage you to apply.
Closing Date: June 25th or upon receipt of the first 50 application submissionsMilwaukee County is committed to fostering an equitable working environment
, free from discrimination and harassment
, on the basis of any characteristic protected by law. We prohibit any form of discrimination
, harassment based on race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy, pregnancy related condition, national origin, age, disability, FMLA status, sexual orientation, military status, marital status, or any other category or status that is now or in the future protected by federal, state, and local law. We maintain a drug-free workplace and perform pre-employment substance abuse testing, background checks and pre-employment physicals subject to job requirements. If special accommodations are needed, please contact 414-278-3936.