Description

Senior Vice President, Chief Human Resources Officer

Jeanne D’Arc Credit Union Lowell, Massachusetts Full-Time, Hybrid

(Up to 2 days per week offsite)

Turner HR Consulting has been retained by Jeanne D’Arc Credit Union to conduct the search for its next Senior Vice President, Chief Human Resources Officer: an exceptional opportunity for an accomplished, people-centered HR executive to build and lead the human resources function at one of the nation’s oldest credit unions, at a pivotal moment of investment in its people, systems, and culture.

The Organization
Founded in 1912 as a place where immigrants working in the Lowell mills could turn for financial stability, Jeanne D’Arc Credit Union is the third-oldest credit union in the United States: a not-for-profit, member-owned financial cooperative headquartered in Lowell, Massachusetts. Locally owned by more than 100,000 members and holding $2.2 billion in assets, Jeanne D’Arc operates eight full-service branches across Greater Lowell and Southern New Hampshire, along with three high school branches, and employs 289 team members, including 253 full-time professionals. Its mission is simple: to help each member make smart financial choices.

Jeanne D’Arc has long been known as a special place to work — a Great Place to Work Certified™ employer whose people are deeply engaged in the communities the credit union serves. Through the We Share a Common Thread Foundation and a year-round calendar of volunteerism and giving, social responsibility is woven into the credit union’s culture and its brand.

The Opportunity
Under the leadership of President & CEO Larissa Thurston, Jeanne D’Arc has made a deliberate commitment to investing in its people and modernizing its HR systems and practices. Following a comprehensive, independent assessment of the HR function completed earlier in 2026, the credit union has a clear roadmap for elevating human resources — and is seeking the leader who will bring it to life, with a broad mandate and the direct sponsorship of the President & CEO.

The Role
Reporting directly to the President & CEO and serving on the executive leadership team, the SVP, CHRO develops and executes the credit union’s human capital strategy and provides leadership for all HR functions, from talent acquisition and total rewards to learning and professional development, employee relations, and engagement. The SVP, CHRO leads a current team of five HR professionals, with plans to add specialist expertise in total rewards and learning and development, and carries full budgetary responsibility for the function, including oversight of benefits administration and all HR vendors. This is a visible, community-facing role based at the credit union’s Lowell headquarters, with a regular presence across the branch network. Key priorities include:

• Building and developing a high-performing HR team and establishing a true HR Business Partner model that fosters connection, trust, and a consistent employee experience.
• Creating a modern total rewards philosophy, with a refreshed job architecture and greater transparency around salary grades, ranges, and incentive criteria.
• Maximizing the value of the credit union’s HR technology platform (ADP), including payroll, automated performance management, and merit processing.
• Re-imagining learning and professional development as a strategic function, from frontline training to manager development and career pathing.
• Strengthening communication, engagement, and Jeanne D’Arc’s brand as an employer of choice in the Greater Lowell region.
• Serving as a trusted strategic advisor to the President & CEO, executive team, and Board of Directors.

Qualifications

• A master’s degree, or a bachelor’s degree in human resources, business administration, finance, or a related field combined with relevant professional certification; SHRM-SCP or SHRM-CP strongly preferred.
• Ten to fifteen years of progressively responsible HR experience, including at least five years of executive HR leadership, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Demonstrated expertise across the HR disciplines, with particular depth in total rewards (compensation, benefits, and payroll), talent acquisition, learning and development, and HR technology (ADP experience a plus).
• Proven experience in HR transformation and process improvement; strong knowledge of federal and state employment laws; financial services or credit union industry experience valued.
• Strong financial and analytical acumen, including experience with HR metrics and workforce analytics to support data-driven decision making.
• Exceptional communication and presentation skills, with the ability to engage effectively with the Board, executive leadership, managers, and frontline employees alike.
• A builder’s mindset and a collaborative, consultative, people-first leadership style, with the highest standards of personal and professional integrity.

Compensation and Benefits
The anticipated salary range for this position is $250,000–$300,000, commensurate with experience, with eligibility for the credit union’s incentive compensation program. The executive package also includes eligibility for the credit union’s Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (SERP) and an annual social/golf club dues reimbursement of $12,000. Benefits include four weeks of vacation, six sick days, three personal days, and eleven paid holidays annually, plus a paid birthday holiday; a choice of three Harvard Pilgrim medical plans (two HMO and one PPO) supported by a generous employer-funded Health Reimbursement Arrangement, with coverage effective on day one; dental and vision coverage; company-paid life and disability insurance; a 401(k) through Fidelity with company match plus an employer-paid profit sharing plan; eligible to participate in 457(b) plan; tuition reimbursement; student loan repayment assistance; and paid volunteer opportunities.

To Apply
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Candidates should submit a resume and a letter of interest in confidence to Turner HR Consulting (turnerhrconsulting.com) at [email protected]. The full position profile is available upon request.

Jeanne D’Arc Credit Union is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or disability.