About the Foundation

The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF), located in Princeton, N.J., is a leading national philanthropy dedicated to taking bold leaps to transform health in our lifetime. To get there, we must work to dismantle structural racism and other barriers to health. Since 1972, we have focused on developing and promoting innovations in health and healthcare to improve the lives of millions. Through funding, convening, advocacy, and evidence-building, we work side-by-side with communities, practitioners, and institutions to achieve health equity faster—ultimately, paving the way, together, to a future where health is no longer a privilege, but a right.

We take seriously our responsibilities, and we pledge to work in ways that reflect our Guiding Principles. These are rooted in equity and influence everything we do at RWJF. Equity, diversity, inclusion (EDI), and collaboration enable our staff’s wide range of experiences, passions, and perspectives to strengthen our ability to address our nation’s most pressing health issues and support a culture of belonging. Part of this work includes actively shaping an inclusive, antiracist organization where all staff members thrive as we build and use our capabilities, voice, and power to advance health equity. RWJF offers a collaborative, collegial, and creative work environment. With a career at the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, you will make a difference.

Purpose of Position

The vice president and chief Human Resources (HR) officer (VP/CHRO) reports to the chief operating officer and serves as a strategic partner and senior advisor on all people, culture, and organizational development matters. The VP/CHRO is responsible for designing and implementing a progressive talent strategy that enables RWJF to achieve its mission, vision, and Executive Goals. This role ensures that RWJF remains an employer of choice, fostering a thriving, inclusive, and equitable workplace that supports employees in achieving their full potential.

As a member of the Executive Leadership Team (ELT), the CHRO also maintains a dotted-line reporting relationship to the President and CEO, serving as a strategic advisor on issues of organization-wide talent planning, policy, and resource alignment.

The VP/CHRO’s core responsibilities include:

1. Human Resources Leadership: Developing and executing an enterprise-wide human capital strategy that fosters a high-performance, inclusive, and mission- driven culture. Serving as a champion for equity and inclusion, ensuring that HR policies and practices promote fairness, transparency, and equitable access to opportunities for all employees.
2. Executive Leadership: Effectively advise the President/CEO, COO, ELT, and Board members in identifying and making strategic people-related resource and policy decisions that align with our mission, values, and Guiding Principles.
3. Operational Oversight and Management: Oversee core HR operations including employee relations, talent acquisition, learning and development, compensation and benefits, and workforce planning. Manage human and financial resources within the HR function, ensuring compliance, efficiency, and alignment with RWJF’s strategic goals.
4. Organizational Development and Structure: Lead efforts to evaluate and refine the Foundation’s organizational design, working norms, and talent strategies to ensure that Foundation teams are optimally aligned to implement the strategic framework across program and operational areas to effectively achieve impact and contribute to partnership with others. This includes driving role redesign, skills development, staff recruitment, and process improvements that enhance overall team effectiveness.
5. Change Management: In collaboration with the ELT and senior leaders at the Foundation, develop and execute enterprise-wide change management strategies that support the Foundation’s long-term transformation and growth.
6. Culture, Leadership Development, and Relationship-Building: Champion a culture of collaboration, equity, inclusion, and innovation by implementing leadership development initiatives and fostering an environment where diverse perspectives are valued.
7. Equitable Philanthropic Practices: Promote and integrate the Foundation’s equitable philanthropic principles into HR policies and practices, ensuring alignment with RWJF’s transparency and trust-building framework.
8. Inclusive Strategy Development: Create a workplace where strategic decision-making is open, inclusive, and equitable, allowing diverse opinions and perspectives to be heard and considered.
9. Employee Growth & Accountability: Foster a climate of continuous personal and professional development by equipping staff with the tools, resources, and support needed to excel. Encourage a shared sense of accountability for organizational success.

The ideal candidate will be a seasoned HR executive with a proven track record of leading complex, mission-driven, and equity-oriented organizations. They will possess deep expertise in organizational development, change management, and talent strategy, along with the ability to influence and collaborate at the highest levels of leadership. Strong emotional intelligence, strategic vision, and communication skills are essential to foster a culture of transparency, inclusion, and continuous growth at RWJF. The VP/CHRO must bring a forward-thinking mindset, analytical rigor, and the ability to drive meaningful workforce transformation while upholding RWJF’s values and commitment to equity.

Professional Experience/ Qualifications

The ideal candidate will be a visionary and strategic leader with experience managing a high-performing and diverse team of leaders in mission-driven organizations. They will bring a strong track record of success in people and culture strategy, talent management, and organizational development, with a focus on advancing equity and inclusion. Additional skills and qualifications include:

1. Extensive expertise in human resources, workforce planning, and leadership development, particularly within complex, equity-focused organizations. Ability to position HR as a critical driver of organizational strategy and success.
2. Demonstrated ability to develop and implement innovative HR strategies that drive organizational effectiveness and cultural transformation. Confidence to communicate bold ideas, navigate constructive disagreements, and foster open, transparent dialogue.
3. Expertise navigating complex interpersonal dynamics with self-awareness; in building trust; communicating transparently; and managing high-stakes situations effectively.
4. Demonstrated emotional intelligence fostering a culture of empathy and collaboration. Skilled at engaging executives and staff at all levels, building strategic alignment, and empowering leadership capabilities across the organization.
5. Proven experience in leading large-scale change management initiatives in collaboration with executive leadership. Demonstrates political savvy and a collaborative spirit when navigating peer-level and Board relationships.
6. Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills, with the ability to assess complex challenges and develop data-driven solutions.
7. Exceptional ability to foster an inclusive, transparent, and collaborative decision- making environment where diverse voices are valued. Exceptional skills in influencing and negotiation, supporting positive outcomes in complex environments.
8. Experience using data, workforce analytics, and industry trends to shape HR policies, optimize processes, and improve overall employee experience.
9. Deep understanding of equity, diversity, and inclusion principles and their application in HR policies, talent strategy, and organizational development.
10. Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage and influence at all levels of the organization.
11. A leader with a people-first approach, fostering trust, accountability, and professional growth among staff.
12. Experience in philanthropy, nonprofits, healthcare, or social impact sectors is preferred.
13. Ability to travel for staff engagement, industry gatherings, and partner collaboration.

Educational Background

Bachelor’s degree required; master’s degree preferred in Human Resources, Or...