Fractional CHRO Contract Role - Executive HR Advisory in Columbus
Career & Market Insight
Talent Community vs. Active Hiring: This is a pipeline/talent pool posting — not an immediate hire. Professionals joining should treat this as a relationship-building step with livingHR, with no guaranteed timeline. Green flag: livingHR explicitly says consultants may be considered for multiple projects over time, suggesting ongoing earning potential.
Compensation Benchmarking: At $100/hr, a full-time equivalent would be ~$208,000/year. However, as a contractor you are responsible for self-employment taxes (~15%), benefits, and income gaps between projects. Effective net compensation is closer to $140,000–$160,000 annually when normalized — competitive for a fractional CHRO but below top-tier permanent CHRO packages at large enterprises.
Skills This Role Develops:
- Executive stakeholder advisory and C-suite communication
- Org design, workforce planning, and succession strategy
- Total rewards and governance frameworks
- Cross-industry HR consulting breadth (high market demand)
Culture Signals: livingHR positions itself as a progressive, human-centric firm with a remote-first philosophy. The "WfWiMS" branding suggests genuine flexibility rather than performative remote policy — a green flag for work-life balance.
Red Flags to Watch: Project-based engagements can mean income volatility. Ensure you have a strong financial runway and pipeline before relying solely on livingHR engagements. Confirm IP ownership and non-compete terms before signing any contract.
This position is part of livingHR's talent community. By applying, you are expressing interest in joining our network of trusted professionals who partner with us on a contract basis when client project needs arise. This is not an immediate or guaranteed opening. Engagements are project-based, and livingHR will reach out when an opportunity aligns with your experience, availability, and location.
Position Details
Location: Remote (FL, CO, IL, MA, NH, RI, ME, CT, GA, SC, NC, TX)
Type: Contract / Fractional
Work Model: Remote-first (Work from Where it Makes Sense – WfWiMS)
Compensation: $100/hr
Who We Are
livingHR is the remote-first, professional services "work agency" created to make work better. We partner with organizations to deliver human-centric, future-of-work-ready HR-managed services, professional services, and products. We believe in taking exceptional care of our people so they can deliver exceptional outcomes for clients, partners, and communities.
Position Overview
Provide executive-level HR leadership to CEOs, Boards, and executive teams, guiding people strategy, organizational transformation, and scalable growth initiatives.
Responsibilities
- Deliver modern, human-centric HR solutions that improve workplace experiences
- Support client engagements with a focus on delivery excellence, strategic alignment, and outcomes
- Serve as a trusted advisor throughout the engagement lifecycle
- Apply consulting, project management, and communication best practices
- Partner with livingHR Principals and client stakeholders to deliver value
- Track billable work and maintain accurate project documentation
- Align people strategies with broader business objectives
People Strategy & Executive Advisory
- Advise CEOs and Boards on people strategy and organizational effectiveness
- Align talent, culture, and operating models with business objectives
- Guide leadership through transformation, growth, and change
Org Design & Workforce Planning
- Design organizational structures aligned to strategy
- Lead workforce planning and succession initiatives
Total Rewards & Governance
- Advise on executive compensation, incentives, and governance practices
Role Requirements
- Experience working directly with clients in consulting, professional services, PEOs, or agencies
- Strong internal HR or functional expertise across relevant disciplines
- Ability to operate independently in a fast-paced, client-facing environment
- Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and advisory skills
- Comfort working in flexible, project-based engagements
- HR certifications or platform certifications preferred where applicable
- Willingness to travel occasionally as client needs require
What You Can Expect
livingHR engages contract consultants on a project-by-project basis. Engagement timing, scope, and duration vary based on client needs. Consultants may be considered for multiple opportunities over time as part of our long-term talent community.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this an immediate job opening or a talent pipeline?
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