Human Resources Director

Salary: USD75 - USD83 per hour LaSalle Network is hiring for a Director of Human Resources for a 12 month contract based in downtown Chicago. The Director of Human Resources will provide strategic and operational HR leadership during a transitional period for a leading Chicago-based university. This role will oversee a team of HR professionals while serving as a trusted advisor to executive leaders across assigned academic units. The Director of Human Resources will ensure continuity of HR operations, strengthen team capability, and provide proactive, solutions-oriented leadership in a dynamic and evolving higher education environment. This is a high-impact leadership role requiring strong people management skills, executive presence, and the ability to balance strategic oversight with day-to-day execution. Director of Human Resources Responsibilities: Provide direction and oversight to the HR team across assigned business units Manage, coach, and develop team members, including mentoring junior HR staff Act as HR Business Partner to executive leaders, offering strategic counsel and practical solutions Provide forward-looking workforce planning, forecasting potential challenges and mitigating risks Drive proactive, solutions-focused HR initiatives aligned with university objectives Effectively manage shifting priorities in a fast-paced academic environment Maintain strong executive presence and credibility with senior leadership Ensure smooth HR operations and service delivery across academic units Support organizational design and workforce planning initiatives Oversee employee relations, performance management, and compliance matters Partner with leadership on talent acquisition, succession planning, and talent development Foster a collaborative, high-performing HR team Align HR practices with university policies and best practices in higher education Director of Human Resources Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field 10+ years of progressive HR leadership experience in complex, multi-stakeholder environments Demonstrated experience managing and developing HR professionals Exposure across all major HR functions including employee relations, leadership development, talent acquisition, and compliance Strategic thinker with strong execution capability Action-oriented and adaptable in evolving environments Solutions-focused mindset with strong problem-solving skills Ability to build credibility with executive leaders and faculty stakeholders Familiarity with broad HR best practices; higher education experience preferred Strong interpersonal, coaching, and communication skills Work Model: This position offers a hybrid working model of four days on-site in downtown Chicago. Compensation: The hourly pay rate for this role ranges from $75-83/hr. Benefits: LaSalle Network consultants are eligible to enroll in benefits. For details, visit #J-18808-Ljbffr