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Director of Human Resources

Want to help build something extraordinary? At Chippewa Valley Health Cooperative, we’re not just reopening a hospital—we’re building a new kind of healthcare organization from the ground up. We’re looking for an exceptional Director of Human Resources who is as passionate about organizational development, leadership, and culture as they are about traditional HR. This is a rare opportunity to help shape an organization that challenges conventional hospital management practices, embraces lean thinking, empowers employees, and puts patients and people first. We want a creative, collaborative leader who enjoys building rather than simply maintaining systems—and who believes great organizations are intentionally designed. Help us build something special for the Chippewa Valley!

 

Chippewa Valley Health Cooperative (CVHC) | Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin
Reports to: Chief Executive Officer | Full-Time | Leadership Team

 

An Opportunity to Build Something Different

CVHC is reopening a hospital in Chippewa Falls and building a locally governed, community-owned, physician-engaged healthcare organization. Our goal is not simply to recreate a traditional hospital, but to develop a more collaborative, effective, affordable model of care.

We seek a creative, practical HR leader who is excited to build an organization from the ground up. This person will shape both the employee experience and the way CVHC is organized, led, and continuously improved.

 

Position Summary

The Director of Human Resources is a member of the leadership team responsible for HR strategy, organizational development, workforce planning, and the systems needed to open and grow the hospital. Working closely with the CEO, COO, clinical leaders, and department managers, the Director will build a strong culture and effective management practices while personally handling essential HR work during startup.

 

Key Responsibilities

Organizational Development, Culture, and Leadership

  • Partner with leadership to design an effective, adaptable organization, including roles, accountability, decision-making, communication, and team structures.
  • Build a culture of respect, transparency, teamwork, service, and employee empowerment; translate values into everyday management practices.
  • Lead organizational development initiatives, including leadership coaching, team effectiveness, succession planning, change management, and employee engagement.
  • Help managers develop the skills to lead people, resolve problems, and guide teams through startup and growth.

Lean Management and Continuous Improvement

  • Champion lean principles and practical continuous improvement across HR and the broader organization.
  • Work with leaders and frontline employees to simplify processes, improve workflows, and reduce unnecessary bureaucracy.
  • Support effective management practices such as daily communication, standard work, visual management, and structured problem-solving where useful.

Workforce Strategy and Employee Experience

  • Lead workforce planning, recruiting, selection, and onboarding for the phased hospital opening and future expansion.
  • Develop creative approaches to attracting and retaining clinical and nonclinical talent.
  • Establish practical approaches to performance feedback, professional development, recognition, and employee engagement.
  • Design and administer competitive, financially responsible compensation and benefits programs.

HR Operations and Compliance

  • Build and manage essential HR infrastructure, including policies, personnel records, payroll coordination, benefits administration, and HR information systems.
  • Ensure compliance with applicable employment laws, healthcare requirements, and workforce training obligations in partnership with clinical and operational leaders.
  • Manage employee relations, investigations, and conflict resolution with fairness, discretion, and sound judgment.
  • Create scalable, accessible HR services that support managers and employees without unnecessary administrative complexity.

 

 

Qualifications

Required:

  • Bachelor’s degree in HR, business, healthcare administration, organizational development, or a related field, or equivalent relevant experience.
  • Progressive HR experience with leadership responsibility and strong knowledge of core HR operations and employment practices.
  • Demonstrated ability to partner with leaders, develop teams, improve organizational effectiveness, and implement practical systems.
  • Strong communication, coaching, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills; willingness to work strategically and hands-on.

Preferred:

  • Healthcare or hospital experience; experience building or transforming an HR function or organizational culture.
  • Experience in organizational development, change management, leadership development, and lean or continuous improvement.
  • HR certification (SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, or SPHR).

We welcome candidates from outside traditional hospital HR roles who bring fresh thinking and a record of building effective organizations.

 

 

What Success Looks Like

In the first 12–18 months, the Director will help establish a compliant, efficient HR foundation; recruit and onboard a strong workforce; build trust with leaders and employees; and put in place practical organizational development and management practices that support a distinctive culture, continuous improvement, and sustainable growth.

 

Why Join CVHC?

Few HR leadership roles offer the chance to shape an organization from its beginning. At CVHC, the Director will have a meaningful voice in creating a workplace employees are proud to be part of, and hospital patients are proud to call their own.

Please apply by sending your resume and cover letter to mike.sanders@cvhealthcoop.org.

 

Chippewa Valley Health Cooperative is an equal opportunity employer committed to a respectful, inclusive, and supportive workplace.

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