Chief Human Resources Officer

Ascend is the largest credit union in Middle Tennessee and one of the largest credit unions in the United States, with over $4 billion in assets. With an occupation-based field of membership, Ascend is focused on the expansion and diversification of the select employee groups it serves, which creates greater security for the credit union and its member-owners. Approximately 650 employees serve more than 260,000 members from 28 Middle Tennessee branch locations, Regional Operations Center, Teller Center and Corporate Headquarters. Ascend recognizes that its employees are critical to the credit union’s sustained success and future growth. Our employees are the face of the credit union and their personal successes fuel the success of the team. Through collaboration between employees, management, our membership and our Board, we fuel an engine that propels the credit union forward.

Thank you for your interest in a career with Ascend Federal Credit Union! Being employed by Ascend is vastly different than just holding a job. The credit union prides itself on providing employees rewarding career opportunities, competitive benefits and a unique work culture. The credit union’s commitment to its employees is fostered by its commitment to the member-owners, ensuring dedicated and engaged employees to serve the membership. Ascend’s vision to be the most loved credit union in our market by employees and members alike has earned the credit union distinctions including Federal Credit Union of the Year (NAFCU, 2015), Best Credit Union to Work For (2016-2024) and Training APEX Awards (2015-2024).

Responsible for the strategic functions of the human resource and training functions of the credit union. Function as a member of the senior management team, participate in establishing and implementing major goals and objectives of the credit union and serve as a resource in all aspects of human resources. Provide leadership in establishing and implementing overall human resource objectives, policies, and plans. Ensure that human resource activities are conducted in accordance with established credit union policies and with governmental regulations. Assign, direct, and appraise Human Resource and Training personnel.

#LI-Onsite

• Direct and control the activities of the Human Resource, Talent Acquisition and Training departments. Assure all areas are aligned with Ascend's strategic plans including diversity and inclusion.
• Assist the President and Board of Directors with long and short term human resource planning. Develop a total strategy and direction for the credit union’s human resource functions.
• Work directly with the CEO to establish a compensation and benefits strategy that aligns with the organizational strategy of the credit union and enables us to have the human capital to achieve our strategic goals.
• Recommend and direct wage/labor policies based on objective data regarding competition, profitability, business conditions and economic environment.
• Provide information to Compensation Committee for the Board of Directors as requested. Ensure board’s compensation policy is complied with. Ensure compensation is competitive to attract and retain top notch talent.
• Designs strategies and critical initiatives to promote and enhance workplace culture of productivity and employee engagement.
• Serve as a member of the credit union’s senior management team and participate significantly in developing overall policies, program, objectives and goals.
• Establish the procedures and design processes that result in departmental productivity and efficiency.
• Participate in the development of long-range plans and budgets that contribute to overall profitability and growth.
• Support the credit union’s compliance function in area of responsibility.
• Provide leadership to assigned personnel through effective objective setting, delegation, and communication. Conduct staff meetings as required. Assign, direct, and coordinate work.
• Assume responsibility for ensuring that professional business relationships are established and maintained with members, vendors, the business community, and trade organizations.
• Contribute advice during Strategic Planning sessions to ensure that corporate goals and objectives are developed with sound principles in mind.
• Inform President/CEO and other management staff about concerns or complaints received from members and employees that could effect the overall operation of the credit union or which may impact employee/management relations.
• Oversee 401(k) Plan, Long Term Disability Plan, Group Health Insurance Plan, Flex Plan, AD&D, Group Life Insurance Plan, and Voluntary Insurance Plans; provide information on plans to employees.
• To attract and retain high performing employees, responsible for making improvements to new and existing benefits, vendor/carrier changes, etc. Review recommended/required changes to the benefits provided including amendments, resolutions, etc. for compliance.
• Consult with outside attorneys on issues pertaining to the credit union’s benefit plans including the 401(k) plan and other employment related matters to ascertain the credit union remains in compliance.
• Work on special projects requested by management, implementation of new benefit, change of carrier, etc.
• Responsible for the overall activities of HR related functions including recruitment, training, disciplinary matters, wellness, drug testing program, worker’s compensations claims, affirmative action plan, unemployment requests, and employee recognition efforts (picnic, Christmas gifts, service award luncheons, etc.)
• Oversee the distribution and allocation of the annual raise and bonus budget as provided by the Board of Directors. Keep management informed of matters regarding employee performance in the allocation of funds.
• Work with the senior leadership team in developing succession planning for all areas of leadership.
• Support the credit union’s strategy of having a diverse workplace and supporting a culture that understands the value of having diversity of thought within our workforce.
• Check and verify employees' timecards.
• Prepare employee work schedules or assign as needed.
• Regularly monitor employee performance and provide feedback, coaching, recognition, rewards, and motivation to all employees.
• Attend various meetings and training sessions to keep updated on job duties or as assigned.
• Read all internal publications including HUB and Possibilities.
• Perform other duties as required or assigned.

Education

• Bachelor's Degree in business or related field or equivalent experience and education is required

Work Experience

• 10-15 years of progressive experience in human resource positions is required
• Supervisory experience is required

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of human resource laws and regulations.
• High level of problem solving skills.
• Understanding of compensation and benefits policies and programs.
• Excellent written and oral skills required in order to communicate and/or explain personnel matters.
• A high degree of poise and tact to represent the credit union in a positive manner to employees, potential employees, and other contacts of importance to the credit union.
• Interpersonal skills must include the ability to motivate or influence others which requires a high level of diplomacy and tact. Must be able to obtain cooperation (internally and externally).
• Possession of a valid, unrestricted driver's license vehicle.
• Must be able to operate or have the ability to be trained to operate related office equipment, including calculator, personal computer, multifunction copier and telephone.
• Regular and reliable attendance is required.

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Ascend Federal Credit Union is an Equal Opportunity Employer.