Human Resources Director

Our mission at Lifelong Access is to connect individuals with developmental disabilities to their community by helping them break down barriers through a lifetime of meaningful supports. From birth to end of life, Lifelong Access provides a continuum of services and supports for families, children, teens, and adults including residential housing, vocational development, supported employment, high school transition, behavioral health counseling and services, and a wide variety of pediatric therapy supports. Guided by our Core Values, our team members have a strong drive and big hearts for improving the lives of others; a place where we support each other and the individuals who put their trust in us.

Lifelong Access is seeking a Human Resources Director to provide strategic leadership and oversight for all human resources (HR) functions at Lifelong Access. This position ensures that HR practices support the mission, core values, and growth goals of the organization. The Human Resources Director leads efforts in talent acquisition, employee engagement, compliance, training, performance management, compensation, and HR operations. As a key member of the leadership team, the Human Resources Director helps shape a positive, inclusive, and value-driven workplace culture aligned with Lifelong Access’ commitment to respect, integrity, compassion, excellence, and collaboration.

Salary: $80,000 annually
Job Type: Full-time

Primary responsibilities include:
Strategic HR Leadership

1. Develop and implement HR strategies that align with organizational goals and culture.
2. Serve as a strategic partner to the CEO and executive leadership team on workforce planning and organizational development.
3. Champion and embed Lifelong Access’s core values in all aspects of HR policies, communications, and decision-making.
4. Lead, manage, and hold accountable the HR team .
5. Promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in all HR practices and policies.

Talent Acquisition & Onboarding

1. Oversee recruitment, hiring, and onboarding processes to attract and retain top talent.
2. Partner with department leaders to forecast staffing needs and build pipelines.
3. Ensure a welcoming and mission-aligned onboarding experience for all new hires.

Employee Engagement & Culture

1. Lead initiatives to strengthen employee engagement, satisfaction, and retention.
2. Design and implement strategies that reflect and reinforce Lifelong Access’ core values.
3. Facilitate employee surveys, focus groups, and feedback channels with transparency
4. Promote a positive workplace culture through communication, recognition, and team-building programs.

Performance Management & Development

1. Oversee the implementation of performance evaluation tools, including quarterly conversations and annual reviews.
2. Support supervisors in goal setting, coaching, and accountability aligned with values and expectations.
3. Develop staff training, leadership development, and career pathing opportunities.

Compliance & Risk Management

1. Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations.
2. Maintain up-to-date policies and procedures in the employee handbook and HR systems.
3. Oversee investigations and resolution of employee relations issues, maintaining fairness, consistency, and confidentiality.
4. Proactively manage risk and partner with leadership to create a safe, inclusive work environment.

Compensation & Benefits

1. Manage compensation strategy, salary structures, and benefit programs aligned with market benchmarks and organizational values.
2. Partner with Finance to ensure accurate payroll and benefit administration.
3. Evaluate and recommend benefit enhancements that support employee well-being and work-life balance.

HR Operations & Systems

1. Oversee HR systems and ensure accurate personnel data management and reporting.
2. Maintain organized, compliant personnel files and documentation.
3. Ensure smooth execution of HR processes and data-informed decision-making.

Leadership & Collaboration

1. Collaborate with leaders across all departments to support workforce development and HR-related needs.
2. Lead cross-functional projects that advance the organization’s mission and employee experience.
3. Represent HR in board presentations, compliance audits, strategic planning, and leadership meetings.
4. Be a visible champion of the organization’s mission, values, and commitment to staff.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field required; Master’s degree or HR certification (SHRM-CP/SCP or PHR/SPHR) strongly preferred.
• 5 years of progressive HR experience
• Deep knowledge of employment law, HR best practices, and compliance requirements.
• Experience supporting HR in a mission-driven or nonprofit environment preferred.
• Proven ability to lead high-performing teams and drive organizational change.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and conflict-resolution skills.
• Proficiency with HRIS systems and Microsoft Office Suite.
• High level of integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality.
• Availability to work flexible schedule, which could include occasional evening and/or weekend hours to meet deadlines, support events, staff needs, or urgent issues
• Valid Illinois driver’s license with driving record in good standing and ability to travel between sites as needed.
• Current proof of automobile insurance.

Working Conditions
While performing the duties of this job, the employee will typically work indoors in an office setting. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Will occasionally travel to other local Lifelong Access facilities, recruitment fairs and events.

Physical Requirements
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform essential functions of this job. Requests for reasonable accommodations will be reviewed to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit at a desk and work on a computer for prolonged periods. Employee is consistently and frequently required to have good close and distance vision, hearing and be able to talk. Employee is regularly required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel; reach with hands and arms, and must have ability to regularly access and navigate throughout the organization’s facilities. Employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds.

Here are some of the benefits we will offer you:

• Supportive and positive work environment
• Professional development and training opportunities
• Flexible schedule options
• Comprehensive benefit plans
• Paid time off including vacation, personal time, and holidays.

Lifelong Access is an Equal Opportunity Employer.