Chief People and Culture Officer

Richland Library is seeking to hire a Full-Time Chief People and Culture Officer at our Main location.

DESCRIPTION:

The Chief People and Culture Officer (CPCO) leads the strategic direction, planning, development, and implementation of all People & Culture initiatives for Richland Library. This executive role oversees the Human Resources Manager and the Human Resources Department, as well as the Learning and Development Manager and the Learning and Development Department.

The CPCO serves as a strategic business partner to the Executive Leadership Team, fostering an organizational culture that supports innovation, equity, inclusion, staff development, and operational excellence. Responsibilities include oversight of talent strategy, employee engagement, organizational development, HR compliance, performance management, culture-building, leadership development, and change management.

This position requires a visionary, highly collaborative leader who excels at developing people-centered strategies and creating an inclusive, supportive environment aligned with Richland Library’s mission and values.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Leads the People & Culture division, providing strategic oversight to the HR Manager/Department and the Learning & Development Manager/Department.
• Guides workforce planning, organizational culture initiatives, and talent development strategies.
• Advises Executive Leadership, contributes to strategic planning, and ensures alignment between people strategies and organizational goals.
• Ensures compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws, reviews and updates policies, procedures, and practices.
• Develops and implements programs related to compensation, benefits, performance management, recruitment, retention, employee relations, succession plans, and organizational culture.
• Oversees training, leadership development, and continuous learning initiatives for all staff.
• Conducts organizational assessments, surveys, exit interviews and leads culture-building strategies.
• Maintains positive employee relations and fosters a workplace culture grounded in belonging, inclusion, respect, and service.
• Analyzes HR and organizational metrics to support data-driven decision-making.
• Serves as a key representative of the library in professional networks and community partnerships.
• Ensures all staff experience support for Richland Library’s strategic plan and brand promises.
• Provides leadership, coaching, and evaluation for departmental teams.
• Oversees departmental staffing, budget development, and resource planning.

CORE KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Advanced knowledge of HR strategy, organizational development, employment law, and culture-building best practices.
• Strong understanding of leadership development, instructional design, and staff engagement approaches.
• Demonstrated ability to build trust, lead change, and motivate diverse teams.
• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to present complex information clearly to various audiences.
• Ability to interpret HR metrics, analyze data, and create actionable strategies.
• Ability to make sound decisions, solve problems, and manage multiple priorities.
• Strong relationship-building skills and the ability to work collaboratively across departments.
• Commitment to belonging. inclusion, and the values of public service.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in human resources management, organizational leadership, business/public administration, or related field.
• Seven (7) years of progressive HR leadership experience, including at least three (3) years in a senior or executive role.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master’s degree in human resources, leadership, public or business administration.
• Professional certifications such as SHRM-SCP, SPHR, or related credentials.

*UKG experience is a plus

PHYSICAL, ENVIRONMENTAL, AND SENSORY REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to exert light physical effort and perform tasks that may require walking, standing, or keyboard use.
• Work performed primarily indoors with potential exposure to common office conditions.
• Requires visual and auditory acuity and clear communication.

Location, Salary & Hours:

Where: Richland Library Main, 1431 Assembly Street, Columbia, SC 29201

Salary: $120,000 - $125,000

Hours: 37.5 hours per week: Monday – Friday 9:00 – 5:30 pm, with evening, weekend, or emergency hours being possible.

FLSA Job Status: Exempt

Deadline: Open until it is filled. Applicants will be notified by email once the position is filled.

No phone calls and/or in-person inquiries regarding the status of applications. Applicants selected for an interview will be contacted by phone.

Why the Richland Library?

Richland Library is a vibrant, contemporary organization that provides resources and information that advance the Midlands. Offering state-of-the-art technology, a great variety of literary and cultural programs and 12 bustling facilities located throughout the county, Richland Library offers a truly customized, modern library experience for residents and visitors alike.

The Richland Library is an award-winning, forward-thinking public library system because of our exceptional, diverse staff, who are passionate about serving our community. Be a part of our team and help us to continue to fulfill our mission to help our customers learn, create and share.

We are guided by our shared Vision: “to enhance the quality of life for our entire community”; and by strategic objectives including advancing our community, having an engaged staff who make a significant positive difference, and enhancing the experience and outcomes of customers who interact with Richland Library.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT STATEMENT:

Richland Library an equal opportunity employer; we consider all qualified candidates without regards to race, color, sex (to include pregnancy, childbirth, and all related medical conditions), religion or belief, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, military or veteran status, marital status, or any basis prohibited by federal, state or local law. The Library also complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act and applicable state and local laws with regard to providing reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities. Please indicate if you need assistance completing any forms or to otherwise participate in the application process.

Salary : $120,000 - $125,000