Head of Employee Relations & HR Compliance

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. 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.
Candidates must currently live within reasonable commuting distance or be willing to relocate to the area. Candidates residing outside the area should address their interest in relocating and anticipated relocation timeline in their cover letter.
Job Type: Full-time
Strategic HR Leadership

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

Talent Acquisition & Onboarding

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

Employee Engagement & Culture

• Lead initiatives to strengthen employee engagement, satisfaction, and retention.
• Facilitate employee surveys, focus groups, and feedback channels with transparency
• Promote a positive workplace culture through communication, recognition, and team-building programs.

Performance Management & Development

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

Compliance & Risk Management

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

Manage compensation strategy, salary structures, and benefit programs aligned with market benchmarks and organizational values.
# Evaluate and recommend benefit enhancements that support employee well-being and work-life balance.

HR Operations & Systems

• Oversee HR systems and ensure accurate personnel data management and reporting.
• Ensure smooth execution of HR processes and data-informed decision-making.

Collaborate with leaders across all departments to support workforce development and HR-related needs.

• Lead cross-functional projects that advance the organization’s mission and employee experience.
• Represent HR in board presentations, compliance audits, strategic planning, and leadership meetings.
• 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.
• Proficiency with HRIS systems and Microsoft Office Suite.
• 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.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee will typically work indoors in an office setting. Will occasionally travel to other local Lifelong Access facilities, recruitment fairs and events.

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. reach with hands and arms, and must have ability to regularly access and navigate throughout the organization’s facilities. Professional development and training opportunities
Flexible schedule options
Paid time off including vacation, personal time, and holidays.