SHRM HR Titles

The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) is the world’s largest HR professional society, representing over 340,000 members in more than 165 countries and impacting the lives of over 235 million workers and their families globally. As organizations increasingly recognize the strategic role of human resources, the demand for qualified HR professionals has surged.

 In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment in human resources will grow by 7% from 2021 to 2031, which is about as fast as the average for all occupations. This growth highlights the importance of understanding the various HR titles and roles within this dynamic field.

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What is HR?

Human Resources (HR) is an important organizational function focused on managing the workforce, which is often considered the most valuable asset of a company. HR encompasses various activities, including recruitment, employee onboarding, performance management, training and development, compensation and benefits administration, and employee relations.

The primary goal of HR is to create a productive work environment that fosters employee engagement and satisfaction while ensuring compliance with labor laws and regulations. 

Find Out: HR Exams

HR Job Titles and Descriptions

Human Resources (HR) encompasses a wide range of roles and responsibilities that are crucial for the success of any organization. With a diverse array of job titles, HR professionals can specialize in various areas, including recruitment, employee relations, benefits administration, and training and development.

Executive HR Roles

Executive HR roles are pivotal in shaping an organization’s human resources strategy and ensuring alignment with business objectives. The three key executive HR positions include: 

• Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO)
• Vice President of Human Resources
• Human Resources Director

Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO)

The CHRO is the highest-ranking HR executive responsible for the strategic management of the HR department. This role involves developing and implementing HR policies and initiatives that align with the organization’s goals, focusing on talent acquisition, employee relations, and workforce planning. The key responsibilities of this role include:

• Develops long-term HR strategies to support organizational objectives.
• Oversees recruitment, retention, and development of talent.
• Manages employee engagement initiatives and addresses workplace issues.
• Creates and enforces HR policies that comply with labor laws.
• Collaborates with other C-suite executives to integrate HR strategies into business plans.

Qualifications

To qualify for the role of Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO), candidates need to: 

• A Master’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field is typically required.
• Extensive experience in HR leadership roles, often exceeding 10 years.
• Strong knowledge of employment laws, organizational behavior, and strategic planning.
• Professional certifications such as SHRM-SCP or CIPD accreditation are highly regarded.

Salary Range: The salary for a CHRO typically ranges from $150,000 to $400,000 per year, depending on the size of the organization and location. The average salary is around $250,000, with potential bonuses and stock options that can significantly increase total compensation.

Vice President of Human Resources

The Vice President of Human Resources oversees the entire HR department, providing strategic direction and ensuring that HR initiatives support business objectives. This role involves managing complex HR issues and working closely with senior leadership. 

The key responsibilities include: 

• Formulates strategies that align HR practices with business goals.
• Ensures effective implementation of HR programs across the organization.
• Focuses on developing future leaders through training and mentorship.
• Guides the organization through transitions such as mergers or restructuring.
• Oversees the HR budget and ensures resource allocation aligns with strategic priorities.

Qualifications:

• A Master’s degree in Human Resources or Business Administration is preferred.
• Significant experience in senior HR roles, typically 8-12 years.
• Proven track record in strategic planning and execution within an organizational context.
• Professional certifications such as SHRM-SCP or similar credentials are advantageous.

Check Out: SHRM-SCP Requirements

Salary Range: The average salary for a Vice President of Human Resources is approximately $189,446, with a typical range between $140,000 to $337,000, including additional cash compensation averaging around $50,761.

Human Resources Director

The Human Resources Director manages all aspects of the HR department, including policy development, employee relations, and compliance with labor laws. They play a key role in fostering a positive workplace culture.

The Human Resources Director is responsible for developing and implementing HR policies that align with organizational goals while ensuring compliance with legal standards. 

They oversee recruitment efforts to attract top talent and implement training programs aimed at enhancing employee skills. 

Additionally, they address employee grievances and mediate disputes, using HR metrics to evaluate the effectiveness of various programs.

Qualifications:

• A Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Psychology, or a related field; a Master’s degree is often preferred.
• At least 5 to 15 years of experience in human resources management roles.
• Strong understanding of employment legislation and compliance issues.
• Professional certifications such as SHRM-CP or CIPD accreditation are beneficial.

View: SHRM-CP Certification Cost

Salary Range: The salary for an HR Director typically ranges from $90,000 to $200,000, with an average salary around $146,226.

Managerial HR Roles

Managerial roles in Human Resources are crucial for ensuring that HR functions effectively support the organization’s goals. 

HR Manager

The HR Manager is responsible for overseeing various HR functions such as recruitment, employee development, and performance management. They ensure that HR strategies align with organizational goals and foster a productive work environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field.
• 2 to 5 years of experience in HR roles.
• At least 2 years of experience in a managerial capacity.
• Preferred professional certifications (e.g., SHRM-CP, PHR).

Check Out: SHRM-CP Certification Requirements

Salary Range: The median annual salary for an HR Manager is approximately $136,350, with a typical range between $81,060 and $182,120, depending on experience and location.

HR Business Partner

The HR Business Partner (HRBP) collaborates with management to ensure that HR strategies support business objectives. This role involves monitoring workforce dynamics and providing strategic guidance to enhance organizational effectiveness.

Qualifications: An HRBP usually holds a Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources or a related field. Candidates  have 5 to 10 years of experience in HR, with a strong background in strategic planning and business operations. Certifications such as SHRM-CP or SPHR are advantageous.

Salary Range: The salary for an HR Business Partner generally ranges from $90,000 to $160,000, with an average salary around $120,000, influenced by industry and geographic location.

Training and Development Manager

The Training and Development Manager focuses on improving employee productivity through training programs. They design and implement training initiatives that align with organizational goals and enhance employee skills.

Qualifications: A Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Education, or a related field is typically required. Candidates should have at least 3 to 7 years of experience in training and development roles. Advanced degrees or certifications in training methodologies can be beneficial.

Salary Range: The average salary for a Training and Development Manager is approximately $115,000, with a range between $75,000 and $150,000, depending on the organization’s size and location.

Specialist Roles

Specialist roles in Human Resources focus on specific areas within the HR function, allowing professionals to develop expertise in particular domains. 

HR Specialist

An HR Specialist concentrates on specific areas such as recruitment, benefits administration, or employee relations. They require expertise in their specialized area and often handle administrative tasks related to those functions. The key responsibilities of HR specialists include: 

• Manage recruitment processes, including job postings, candidate screening, and interviews.
• Administer employee benefits programs and ensure compliance with regulations.
• Address employee relations issues and provide guidance on HR policies.
• Maintain accurate employee records and HR databases.
• Conduct training sessions on HR-related topics.

Qualifications

 An HR Specialist should hold a Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field. Most positions require 1 to 3 years of experience in HR roles. Professional certifications such as SHRM-CP or PHR are beneficial.

Salary Range: The average salary for an HR Specialist is approximately $69,371, with a typical range between $55,000 and $85,000, depending on experience and location.

Find out: How To Earn SHRM Specialty Credential

HR Coordinator

The HR Coordinator is  an entry-level position responsible for assisting with various HR tasks, including recruitment and onboarding processes. They serve as a point of contact for employees regarding HR inquiries. His key responsibilities include:

• Assist in the recruitment process by scheduling interviews and managing candidate communications.
• Maintain employee records and manage the administrative aspects of onboarding new hires.
• Support payroll administration and benefits enrollment processes.
• Organize training sessions and employee engagement events.
• Respond to employee inquiries regarding HR policies and procedures.

Qualifications: An HR Coordinator should hold a Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources or a related field. Many positions require 1 to 2 years of experience in administrative roles. Strong organizational and communication skills are essential.

Salary Range: The average salary for an HR Coordinator is about $53,027 per year, with a range from $39,000 to $65,000, depending on experience and geographic location.

HR Generalist

An HR Generalist manages a broad range of responsibilities across multiple HR functions, including compliance with labor laws and employee relations. This role requires versatility and a comprehensive understanding of various HR practices.

Key Responsibilities:

• Handle recruitment activities from job posting to onboarding.
• Manage employee relations issues and conduct performance reviews.
• Ensure compliance with labor laws and company policies.
• Develop training programs for employee development.
• Maintain employee records and manage data entry into HR systems.

Qualifications for an HR Generalist:

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources or a related field.
• 3 to 5 years of experience in various HR functions.
• Certifications such as SHRM-CP or PHR are advantageous.

Salary Range: The average salary for an HR Generalist is $60,000, with a typical range between $50,000 and $75,000, influenced by factors such as location and level of experience.

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Entry-Level HR Positions

Entry-level positions in Human Resources are essential for supporting the HR function and providing foundational experience in the field. 

Check Out: What Is the Entry Level Into Working in HR

HR Assistant

The HR Assistant is an entry-level role that involves supporting the HR team with various administrative tasks. This includes managing employee records, assisting in recruitment processes, and handling payroll data.

Key Responsibilities:

• Maintain and update employee records and databases.
• Assist with the recruitment process by scheduling interviews and communicating with candidates.
• Support onboarding activities for new hires, including preparing orientation materials.
• Handle payroll data entry and assist with payroll processing.
• Respond to employee inquiries regarding HR policies and procedures.

Qualifications:

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Previous experience in an administrative role is a plus but not always necessary.

Salary Range: The average salary for an HR Assistant is approximately $45,000, with a typical range between $35,000 and $55,000, depending on location and experience.

Recruiter

Recruiters focus on attracting candidates for open positions within the organization. They handle job postings, candidate screening, and initial interviews to ensure a strong talent pipeline.

Key Responsibilities:

• Create and post job advertisements on various platforms.
• Screen resumes and applications to identify suitable candidates.
• Conduct initial interviews to assess candidate qualifications.
• Coordinate interview schedules between candidates and hiring managers.
• Maintain candidate databases and track recruitment metrics.

Qualifications: A Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field is required. Strong communication skills and the ability to assess candidates effectively are essential. Previous experience in recruitment or customer service can be beneficial.

Salary Range: The average salary for a Recruiter is around $55,000, with a range from $40,000 to $70,000, depending on the organization’s size and location.

Benefits Coordinator

The Benefits Coordinator is responsible for managing employee benefits programs, including health insurance and retirement plans. This role ensures compliance with regulations while providing support to employees regarding their benefits.

Key Responsibilities:

• Administer employee benefits programs, including health insurance enrollment and retirement plan management.
• Ensure compliance with federal and state regulations regarding employee benefits.
• Assist employees with questions related to their benefits options and enrollment processes.
• Maintain accurate records of employee benefits participation.
• Coordinate communication between employees and benefits providers.

Qualifications: Requires a Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources or a related field. Knowledge of employee benefits regulations is beneficial. Strong analytical skills and attention to detail are important for this role.

Salary Range: The average salary for a Benefits Coordinator is approximately $60,000, with a typical range between $45,000 and $75,000, influenced by experience and geographic location.

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