Director of Human Resources

Continuserve•Chicago, IL

21d•Hybrid

About The Position

ContinuServe is seeking a Director of Human Resources to join our dynamic Not-for-Profit (NFP) HR division, serving mission-driven organizations that create real impact in their communities. If you’re a strategic and experienced HR leader passionate about driving client impact, guiding teams, and delivering exceptional service across complex environments, this is your next move. This hybrid leadership role is based in the Chicago area, with regular onsite support required at client locations in Chicago and the surrounding suburbs. As the Director of HR within our Not-for-Profit HR Services Team, you’ll play a key role in leading HR strategy and operations for a portfolio of clients across sectors like education, social services, and community-based nonprofits. You’ll work closely with internal generalists and client leadership, ensuring alignment between HR best practices and each organization’s unique mission and goals. From shaping policy to supporting unionized environments, you’ll be a trusted advisor and strategic partner.

Requirements

At least 10 years of progressive HR experience, including leadership or executive-level responsibilities.
Strong executive presence and leadership skills; projecting confidence, credibility, and executive presence while serving as a trusted advisor on strategic business and people decisions.
Ability to independently lead client meetings, represent the organization professionally, and travel regularly to client locations to deliver high-quality HR services.
Thrives in fast-paced and evolving environments by demonstrating resilience, adaptability, and the ability to effectively manage competing demands.
Demonstrated experience working in unionized environments, including labor relations, grievance resolution, and CBA administration
Adept at navigating multi-client environments, balancing competing priorities and deadlines
Strong communication, conflict resolution, and organizational skills
Proven ability to build trusted client relationships and advise across diverse teams
Experience supporting mission-driven organizations, including nonprofits, education, or human services
Proficiency in employment law, HR systems, and full-cycle talent management
Committed to lifelong learning by continuously developing technical competencies, advancing HR knowledge, and embracing AI-driven tools and innovation.

Nice To Haves

Background in a consulting or outsourced HR environment with demonstrated ability to manage a client portfolio.
Familiarity with regulatory compliance related to IL DCFS, IL DHS, SAMHSA, and EEO requirements
SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, or SPHR (highly preferred)

Responsibilities

Design and implement strategy, learning and development, and succession planning initiatives tailored to client needs.
Inform strategy, navigate complex workforce matters, and support executive decision-making.
Serve as a trusted strategic advisor and HR thought partner, partnering effectively with Executive Directors, CEOs, and Boards of Directors to provide sound counsel, influence decision-making, and advance organizational priorities.
Serve as the HR lead for client organizations - remotely and onsite - providing direct support to client leadership and staff.
Provide guidance on a broad range of HR issues, including accommodations, employee relations, terminations, benefits administration, onboarding, and HRIS systems.
Lead new client onboarding by facilitating discovery sessions, conducting organizational assessments, identifying key priorities and risks, and developing implementation plans that establish a strong foundation for long-term client success.
Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal employment laws and regulations, as well as grant requirements, through regular audits and reporting.
Design, facilitate, and deliver engaging presentations and training on HR best practices, employment law, leadership development, compliance, and organizational effectiveness for employees, managers, and executive leadership.
Oversee HR operations across multiple clients.
Manage employee ”hire to retire” lifecycle best practices.
Lead HRIS integrations and improve system workflows with an eye on AI integration and enhancements.
Demonstrate strong technology aptitude and the ability to quickly learn, leverage, and optimize HR systems, AI-enabled tools, and emerging technologies to enhance operational efficiency, data-driven decision-making, and client service delivery.
Document internal and client SOPs and workflows.
Manage and support HR team members assigned to client accounts.
Foster collaboration and continuous improvement across all touchpoints.
Serve as a hands-on leader who is willing and able to perform HR Generalist responsibilities as business needs require.
Demonstrate a growth mindset by actively seeking, embracing, and applying feedback from clients and organizational leadership to continuously improve performance, strengthen partnerships, and enhance service delivery.
Demonstrate end-to-end ownership and accountability for overall client team performance and results, service delivery, client satisfaction, and achievement of strategic and operational objectives.
Highly responsive, organized, and deadline-driven, with ability to effectively manage multiple priorities while delivering high-quality work on time and in a fast-paced environment.
Champions client retention through proactive relationship management, strategic partnership, and consistent delivery of high-quality HR services.