About Livinghr

livingHR is an HR consulting firm that partners with organizations to build people-first cultures, and they are supporting a nonprofit in the Chicago suburbs that is dedicated to making a positive mission impact. This nonprofit is unique because it combines a strong community focus with a commitment to equity, inclusion, and safety, offering a chance to lead people strategy in a mission-driven environment. Working here means you'll be part of an executive team that values culture, financial health, and social responsibility.

About the role

As the Chief People Officer, you will be a key member of the executive team, responsible for developing and executing a comprehensive People strategy that aligns with the organization's mission and strategic goals. You will oversee all aspects of talent management, equity and inclusion, safety, compensation, and organizational culture, directly influencing the organization's ability to achieve its mission. This role is impactful because you'll shape the employee experience, drive diversity and inclusion, and ensure the well-being and safety of the workforce, all while contributing to the overall success of the nonprofit.

A typical day

A typical day might involve meeting with the executive team to discuss strategic initiatives, reviewing talent acquisition metrics, and collaborating with the Equity and Inclusion committee on upcoming programs. You could also spend time advising a department head on team development, ensuring compliance with employment laws, and addressing safety concerns with the Internal Safety Committee. Expect a mix of high-level strategy and hands-on People operations, all aimed at fostering a positive culture and driving mission impact.

Who Livinghr is looking for

Proven experience as a Chief People Officer or senior HR leader, preferably in a nonprofit or mission-driven organization, with a track record of developing and implementing People strategies.
Deep expertise in equity and inclusion, safety, talent management, compensation, and organizational culture, with the ability to advise executive peers and manage board relationships.
Strong knowledge of State and Federal employment laws and compliance, and experience managing workers' compensation and safety initiatives.
Exceptional leadership and communication skills, with the ability to build trust, influence cross-functional teams, and drive change in a collaborative environment.

Tips for this application

Highlight your experience in nonprofit or mission-driven settings, especially any work with boards of directors and internal committees, as this is a key responsibility.
Quantify your achievements in equity and inclusion, safety, and talent management—for example, 'Increased retention by X% through mentorship programs' or 'Reduced workplace incidents by Y% by implementing safety protocols'.
Tailor your resume and cover letter to emphasize your ability to develop and execute People strategies that support organizational growth and mission impact, using language from the job description.
Demonstrate your familiarity with Chicago suburbs or remote work in the US, and express enthusiasm for the nonprofit's mission—research the organization if possible, even though the name isn't disclosed.
Showcase your executive presence and ability to collaborate with C-suite peers, as the role requires advising other executives and being a collective member of the leadership team.

What to cover in your cover letter

['Your vision for aligning People strategy with organizational mission and strategic goals, particularly in a nonprofit context.', "Specific examples of how you've advanced equity and inclusion, safety, and talent management in previous roles, with measurable outcomes.", 'Your experience working with boards and committees, and your ability to influence and advise executive peers.', "Your passion for the nonprofit's mission and how you can contribute to a positive culture and financial position as part of the executive team."]

Draft a cover letter

Research before applying

Research livingHR to understand their consulting approach and values, as they are supporting the search—this may give insight into the nonprofit's culture.
Look into common challenges and best practices for Chief People Officers in nonprofit organizations, especially in the Chicago suburbs area.
If possible, identify the nonprofit organization (perhaps through livingHR's website or LinkedIn) to learn about its mission, values, and recent initiatives.
Understand the demographic and employment landscape of the Chicago suburbs to tailor your People strategies to the local workforce.

Likely interview topics

Based on the job description, expect questions about:

How would you develop and execute a People strategy that supports both the mission and strategic plan of a nonprofit?
Can you describe a time when you led an equity and inclusion initiative that resulted in tangible change? What was your approach?
What experience do you have managing safety programs and workers' compensation, and how would you ensure a safety-conscious culture?
How do you advise executive team members on recruiting, managing, and developing their teams? Provide an example.
How would you handle a situation where the board of directors has conflicting priorities regarding People initiatives?

Practise interview questions

Common mistakes to avoid

Focusing only on for-profit experience without translating skills to a nonprofit context—emphasize mission-driven work and resource constraints.
Neglecting to mention specific experience with equity and inclusion, safety, or board management, as these are core responsibilities.
Using generic HR language without demonstrating how you've developed and executed strategic People initiatives that align with organizational goals.

Deadline

No deadline is listed. Roles without a deadline usually close once the employer has enough candidates, so apply soon if you are interested.