As the Chief People Officer (CPO), you will play a crucial role in shaping and executing the people strategy for the organization. Reporting directly to the CEO, you will be responsible for building and nurturing a high-performance team, establishing a vibrant company culture, and driving talent management initiatives to propel the agency’s growth. Key Responsibilities: · Define and promote a positive and empowering company culture aligned with the agency’s core values and mission. · Implement initiatives that enhance employee engagement, satisfaction, and overall well-being. · Design and implement performance management processes that align with business objectives. Provide guidance and support to managers for effective performance reviews and goal-setting. · Develop and execute a robust succession planning strategy to identify and cultivate internal talent. Ensure a pipeline of skilled individuals to fill key roles as the company continues to expand. · Oversee talent development programs to enhance skills and capabilities across the organization. Collaborate with department heads to identify training and development needs and implement solutions. · Drive the full lifecycle of talent acquisition, from sourcing and recruiting to onboarding. Work closely with hiring managers to understand staffing needs and implement effective recruitment strategies. · Perform employee relations investigations, ensuring corporate policies are adhered to Qualifications: · Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field. Master’s degree and relevant certifications (e.g., SPHR, SHRM-SCP) are a plus. · Media / advertising agency experience is a must · Proven experience as a People/HR leader in a high-growth environment · Experience with mergers and acquisitions, creating a collaborative corporate culture · Excellent leadership and interpersonal skills with the ability to influence and collaborate at all levels. · Experience in developing and implementing effective talent management strategies. · Familiarity with Chicago's employment laws and regulations. · Must be willing to commute to downtown Chicago four times a week · Must be a US citizen or Green card holder or authorized to work permanently in the US