Today’s technology has automated and streamlined many HR functions, turning the focus towards personalized people management and building positive workplace cultures. As a result, HR job titles are changing to reflect this dynamic approach to supporting people and organizational culture.
From traditional roles like HR manager and recruiter to innovative new titles such as chief collaboration officer, people champion, and adventure coach, today’s titles highlight the growing focus on employee experience, diversity, and wellbeing. These roles showcase the wide range of skills modern HR professionals bring to the table—balancing strategy, empathy, and creativity.
HR job titles in today’s market are crafted with purpose, reflecting not only responsibilities but also the values and culture of the company.
New mid-level HR job titles for the modern world
New job titles are emerging to reflect a broader emphasis on strategy, inclusivity, and employee-centric approaches. Here are some new mid-level HR titles.
Employee experience manager
In the past, HR managers were bogged down with repetitive work like spreadsheets, forms, and approvals, taking away the time they had to focus on what they were most passionate about and found most important: employee experience and company culture. Thankfully, HR automation has freed up enough time and energy for some HR pros to focus solely on their work as employee experience managers.
An employee experience manager’s responsibilities include more than just providing people with a great employee experience. They’re also responsible for building strategies to improve the work culture and optimizing every area of the employee lifecycle.
Average employee experience manager salary: $116,590 per year
Employee health and wellness manager
With benefits and compensation being one of the main concerns of HR departments, it was always common for one or more people to focus entirely on administering benefits. Today, things get even more granular. Employee wellness managers are responsible for overseeing organizations’ health and wellness programs, like yoga classes, at-home wellness challenges, medical services, and employee assistance programs (EAP).
Average employee health and wellness manager salary: $97,600 per year
Talent acquisition specialist
Recruitment is a traditionally central function of the HR department, with certain HR pros focused exclusively on sourcing, vetting, and hiring new people. A talent acquisition specialist, however, brings a new dimension of strategy and vision to their work with the recruitment cycle. In addition to filling open positions, talent acquisition specialists anticipate which positions may open in the future and ensure the company sets up new hires for long-term success and growth in the organization.
Average talent acquisition specialist salary: $69,201 per year
New senior-level HR job titles
Here are some senior-level HR positions that highlight how HR is becoming more dynamic, balancing traditional responsibilities with modern needs.
Chief heart officer
A role always requiring a heavy dose of empathy within an often rigid framework, employee relations managers facilitated and managed employee relations, including handling complaints, managing grievances, and analyzing feedback. Today, this type of work is approached with the heart first, as chief heart officers employ their high emotional intelligence to understand the experiences and changes that shape professionals’ lives. They approach people’s outside needs, personal preferences, or private happenings with sensitivity and coach them to maintain work-life harmony at optimal levels.
Average chief heart officer salary: One of the most recent and unique titles on this list, little information is available about the average salary of a chief heart officer. The average salary of a similar role, chief people officer, is $151,203 per year.
Director of people analytics
HR has always intersected with tech, data, and analytics. HRIS or HR information specialists worked with IT to oversee the use of technology such as applicant tracking systems and benefits portals, ensuring data was kept secure.
But today’s director of HR analytics goes beyond this to mine much-needed insights about behavior, skills, engagement, teams, networks, collaboration, and how work gets done. They dive deep into people data to uncover insights that can enhance productivity, drive performance, and unlock innovation. And this role is only more important as org charts flatten and agile teams replace traditional hierarchies.
Average director of people analytics salary: While these HR job titles (and salaries) are new, some information is available about how much a director of HR analytics can expect to make. In the United States, this figure is about $194,514 per year.
Chief diversity officer/diversity leader
In the past, an HR coordinator may have spent some of their time thinking about and promoting inclusivity. Now, entire roles such as chief diversity officer and diversity leader are dedicated to ideating and executing diversity and inclusion initiatives.
After all, modern companies understand that diversity and inclusion are fundamental to business success and acknowledge that companies must do more to remove inequality in the workplace. Chief diversity officers work across the company to align diversity and inclusion goals with business outcomes. They also institute policies around recruitment and promotions that can remove bias and hire or promote people companies may otherwise overlook. Some of these practices include dropping degree requirements from job roles and instituting blind screenings for hiring and promotions.
Average chief diversity officer salary: $194,224 per year
Chief learning officer
HR specialists focused on training and onboarding turn new hires into full-fledged team members. But the trend toward hiring chief learning officers shows the growing understanding that education and development must continue throughout a person’s time with the organization. That’s not to mention that today’s professionals see opportunities for growth and continuous learning as a key to joining and staying with companies.
Chief learning officers are generally experts in both corporate and personal training. They’re able to drive organizational strategy and goal setting while aligning the development of their people with business missions and objectives.
Average chief learning officer salary: $168,087 per year
Traditional HR job titles
Traditional HR job titles have been the cornerstone of human resources for years. They represent the essential HR processes that keep organizations running smoothly, from recruitment and onboarding to compliance and team member support.
While some companies are using unique and modern HR titles, not every organization makes this shift. It all comes down to what aligns best with your company’s culture, goals, and ways of working.
Here are some traditional HR positions shaping the workforce and ensuring human resources efforts align with business goals.
Junior HR job titles
Entry-level HR roles are perfect for people just starting their careers in human resources. These titles often involve learning the ropes, supporting core HR tasks, and gaining valuable experience to grow within the field.
HR intern
HR interns assist in a variety of administrative and operational tasks, helping HR teams stay organized and efficient. Their responsibilities can include scheduling interviews, maintaining records, and supporting onboarding processes. This role is ideal for those eager to gain hands-on experience and learn about HR’s many facets.
Average HR intern salary: $18.83 per hour
HR assistant
HR assistants help handle the administrative duties that keep everything on track. They manage employee files, help with benefits administration, and provide support for HR projects like onboarding new hires, organizing training sessions, and coordinating performance review cycles. HR assistants are often the first point of contact for team members seeking assistance.
Average HR assistant salary: $46,668 per year
HR associate
HR associates take on a more active role in supporting HR operations. They assist with tasks like payroll processing, recruitment coordination, and compliance tracking.
Average HR associate salary: $67,177 per year
HR generalist (or HR representative)
HR generalists, sometimes called HR representatives, manage a broad range of responsibilities. They handle everything from recruitment and onboarding to employee relations and benefits administration. This versatile role requires adaptability and a strong understanding of HR practices.
Average HR generalist salary: $67,310 per year
HR specialist
HR specialists focus on specific areas of HR, such as talent acquisition, training, or benefits management. Their in-depth knowledge allows them to refine processes and provide targeted solutions that align with organizational goals.
Average HR specialist salary: $60,351 per year
Senior HR job titles
Senior HR roles are all about leadership and strategy. Professionals in these positions guide HR teams, shape company policies, and ensure alignment between HR initiatives and business objectives.
HR business partner
HR business partners work directly with leadership teams to align HR strategies with broader business goals. They focus on workforce planning, team member development, and organizational change, ensuring HR contributes to overall success.
Average HR business partner salary: $99,485 per year.
HR consultant
HR consultants lend their expertise to organizations on a project basis, helping to refine processes and improve HR functions. They might focus on areas like compliance, performance management, or organizational development, bringing fresh perspectives and tailored recommendations.
Average HR consultant salary: $77,975 per year
HR director
HR directors oversee the day-to-day operations of the HR department and translate high-level strategy into actionable HR initiatives. They manage key functions like recruitment, benefits, compliance, and performance management. HR directors often report to the VP of HR or CHRO and ensure that HR policies support the organization’s current goals while building frameworks for growth.
Average HR director salary: $170,733 per year
Vice president of human resources
Vice presidents of HR focus on shaping the long-term HR vision and strategy across the entire organisation. They supervise senior HR leaders, including HR directors, and collaborate with executive leadership to align workforce policies with corporate objectives. Their role can be more operational and strategic than HR directors, with greater involvement in cross-departmental planning and resource allocation.
Average VP of human resources salary: $195,390 per year
Chief HR officer
The CHRO is the top HR executive responsible for setting the overall direction of HR strategy at the highest organisational level. They play a key role in executive decision-making, influencing company culture, talent management, organizational design, and leadership development. CHROs typically report directly to the CEO and ensure HR drives business transformation and long-term value.
Average chief HR officer salary: $216,001 per year
Specialized human resources position titles
Specialized HR roles focus on specific areas within the broader human resources landscape. These positions allow professionals to apply their expertise to critical functions, ensuring the organization runs smoothly while addressing people’s unique needs.
Staffing manager
Staffing managers take the lead on workforce planning, ensuring the company has a balanced and effective team. They collaborate with department leaders to anticipate hiring needs, manage recruitment strategies, and monitor staffing levels. Their efforts help the organization stay agile and ready for growth.
Average staffing manager salary: $53,303 per year
Benefits administrator
Benefits administrators specialize in managing and maintaining a company’s benefits programs. They handle everything from health insurance and retirement plans to wellness programs, ensuring people understand and access their benefits. Their role is essential in creating competitive offerings and supporting retention.
Average benefits administrator salary: $57,903 per year
Recruiter
Recruiters focus on connecting companies with the right talent. They manage the entire hiring process, from sourcing candidates and conducting interviews to extending offers. Their work is vital to building strong, skilled teams that align with organizational goals.
Average recruiter salary: $70,034 per year
Employee relations manager
Employee relations managers are dedicated to nurturing a positive workplace culture. They address concerns, mediate conflicts, and implement fair policies that strengthen relationships between the organization and its people. Their work creates an environment where everyone can thrive.
Average employee relations manager salary: $89,287 per year
Learning and development manager
Learning and development managers focus on advancing the skills and careers of people within the organization. They design and deliver training programs, support professional growth, and align development opportunities with business goals. Their work ensures teams are prepared for both current and future challenges.
Average development manager salary: $79,283 per year
Safety manager
Safety managers are responsible for maintaining a secure and healthy work environment. They oversee compliance with safety regulations, conduct regular audits, and implement training programs to reduce risks. Their efforts protect the physical health and wellbeing of everyone in the organization.
Average safety manager salary: $87,913 per year
Clarify your people’s roles with clear HR titles
What may seem like needlessly quirky or unique HR titles actually reflect a shift in the way people see HR functions in the modern workplace. Instead of focusing on endless administrative tasks, recordkeeping, and compliance management, companies and professionals now also recognize HR pros as strategic partners in helping an organization succeed.
Reconsidering and potentially transforming stale HR position titles helps us march into a new age of workplace infrastructure and be more specific and excited about the jobs we perform. No one ever said our work lives had to be boring, so why can’t the same be applied to our job titles, too?
HR job titles FAQs
What is a traditional list of human resources position titles?
Traditional HR titles are the building blocks of the HR profession. They include roles like HR assistant, HR generalist, recruiter, and benefits administrator. These positions focus on essential HR tasks such as payroll, recruitment, compliance, and employee relations. Think of them as the foundation of any HR department—they keep the day-to-day processes running smoothly.
However, HR has evolved, and so have the titles. Today, we see roles like employee experience manager, director of HR analytics, and chief diversity officer gaining prominence. These newer titles reflect the shifting priorities of modern workplaces, where strategy, data, and culture take center stage alongside traditional responsibilities.
What are currently trending HR job titles?
Trending HR titles mirror the changing needs of today’s workplace. They highlight the evolution of HR from a process-driven function to a strategic partner in organizational success. Some of the most popular roles include:
- Employee wellness manager: A position focused on health and wellness programs that support physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing
- Chief diversity officer: A role dedicated to creating an inclusive workplace by spearheading diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives
- Chief heart officer: A position that prioritizes emotional intelligence and work-life balance to foster harmony across teams
These titles emphasize innovation, a people-first approach, and the importance of addressing modern workplace challenges with creativity and strategy.
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How can HR professionals advance their careers?
Advancing in HR is all about building expertise, staying curious, and taking proactive steps. Here are a few practical ways to move your career forward:
- Expand your knowledge: Pursue HR training programs and certifications like the SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) or Professional in Human Resources (PHR) to showcase your expertise. Stay informed about emerging trends, such as HR analytics or diversity and inclusion, through workshops and webinars.
- Find a mentor: Learning from seasoned professionals can help you navigate challenges and identify growth opportunities. A mentor provides guidance and perspective as you progress in your career.
- Specialize your skills: Focus on areas like talent acquisition, organizational development, or employee experience. Specialized roles can lead to leadership opportunities.
- Show initiative: Volunteer for projects or propose ideas that align with your company’s goals. Taking ownership demonstrates leadership and a commitment to driving change.
- Network strategically: Join HR associations, attend industry events, and connect with peers. Building a strong professional network opens doors to potential opportunities.
<<Download this free career path template to track progress.>>
What is a typical HR career path?
An HR career path often starts with entry-level roles and progresses toward more specialized and strategic positions. Here’s a general outline:
- Entry-level roles: Positions like HR assistant or HR intern introduce professionals to the fundamentals of HR. Responsibilities often include administrative work, onboarding support, and maintaining team member records.
- Mid-level roles: As professionals gain experience, they move into roles like HR generalist or recruiter. These positions involve greater responsibility, such as managing hiring processes or overseeing benefits programs.
- Senior roles: Advanced positions like HR business partner or HR director focus on strategy and leadership. Professionals in these roles align HR initiatives with business objectives, manage teams, and oversee organizational change.
- Executive roles: Titles like chief HR officer or vice president of human resources represent the peak of an HR career. These roles involve shaping company-wide strategies, driving culture initiatives, and ensuring alignment with long-term goals.
While this is a common trajectory, HR careers are increasingly flexible. You can carve out a unique path by exploring specialized roles in analytics, team member experience, or diversity and inclusion. The opportunities are as diverse as the people you’ll work with.
