Director of People and Culture
About The Position
The Director of People and Culture reports directly to the US President and owns the company’s people and culture initiatives. This hands-on leadership role shapes people strategy and supports the attraction, retention, and development of talent while fostering a diverse, inclusive, and high-performing culture. It combines strategic planning with day-to-day people operations in a scale-up environment, supporting technical and commercial teams. The role is hybrid, based in Chicago, Illinois, with an expectation to work onsite two to three days per week. Smokeball describes itself as an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and encourages applicants to apply even if they do not meet every listed qualification.
Requirements
- At least 7 years of experience in progressive people-focused roles, including at least 3 years in a senior leadership position.
- Strong knowledge of employment law and HR compliance.
- Proven success developing and implementing initiatives.
- Experience in fast-paced, high-growth environments.
- Exceptional communication, coaching, and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to balance strategic thinking with operational execution.
- Proven experience leading organizational strategy and development, employee engagement, talent acquisition, learning and development, performance management, and compensation and benefits.
- Passion for and experience leading diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives.
Nice To Haves
- Experience in technology or legal technology environments is preferred.
Responsibilities
- Design and lead people strategies aligned with Smokeball’s vision and purpose.
- Oversee full-cycle recruitment, onboarding, and talent acquisition strategies.
- Champion employee experience, engagement, and retention across departments.
- Implement scalable learning, development, and performance management programs.
- Ensure compliance with US employment law and HR best practices, as well as other relevant jurisdictions.
- Provide leaders across the business with expert guidance on people matters.
- Manage and mentor the People & Culture team.
Benefits
- 20 vacation days, 3 reboot days, birthday off, and volunteer time.
- Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
- 401(k) match.
- Monthly wellness stipend.
- Parental leave.
- Office lunch and snacks.
- Company swag.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Director
Education Level
No Education Listed
