Head of Recruiting & HR

DLA Architects is seeking a Human Resources Manager to join our team. As one of the Midwest's top-ranked architectural design firms, we are nationally recognized for our innovative approach to educational architecture and our commitment to a workplace culture that inspires growth, creativity, and fun.

This is a hands‑on, execution‑focused role for an HR professional who excels at managing the day‑to‑day operations of our people function. Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer, you will implement priorities set by firm leadership and ensure every team member at DLA receives consistent, high‑quality HR support. In our project‑based environment, you will be the dependable backbone of how we care for our professionals.

We believe in working hard and enjoying the journey, which is why we offer a hybrid workplace, a collaborative office environment, and quarterly social outings like Top Golf and go‑kart racing.

We're looking for an operational HR leader who will help us continue to build on this special culture by keeping our people practices steady, consistent, and aligned with our values. This person will be responsible for leading all Human Resources functions for the firm.

Talent Acquisition & Onboarding

Coordinate with managers to fill design, technical, and administrative roles efficiently, while attracting candidates who reflect our collaborative, future‑thinking values

Run onboarding programs that help new hires feel supported and welcomed from day one

Ensure hiring practices consistently reflect DLA's values and standards

Employee Relations & Engagement

Handle employee relations matters with professionalism, discretion, and heart

Reinforce DLA's collaborative, people‑first culture through everyday HR practices

Compliance & Risk

Maintain compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws

Develop and maintain HR policies and procedures and apply them consistently

Conduct and document employee relations investigations as needed

Partner with legal counsel on employment matters when directed

Provide market data and benchmarking to support leadership decisions

Manage relationships with brokers, vendors, and benefit providers

Manager Support & People Operations

Support performance management and employee development programs

Manage offboarding with care and consistency

HR Reporting & Records

Maintain accurate personnel records and HR documentation

Prepare HR reports and metrics that inform leadership decisionsKeep HR systems organized, current, and reliable

Ensure follow‑through and accountability across all HR functions

10+ years of progressive Human Resources experience

Proven success running an HR function independently and reliably

Strong, current knowledge of employment law and HR best practices

Experience administering recruiting, benefits, compliance, and employee relations

Professional services experience (Architecture, Engineering, Consulting, Accounting, or Legal)

Experience supporting credentialed professionals in a project‑based environment

Familiarity with benefits administration, compliance, and HR systems management

HR certification (PHR, SPHR, SHRM‑CP, or SHRM‑SCP)

Bonus opportunity

Health, dental, disability, and vision benefits

Paid time off and holidays

This role is based in our Itasca, IL office. We offer a hybrid schedule with an expectation of at least three days per week in the office , because the best collaboration and connection happen when we're together.

Please submit your resume along with a cover letter that tells us about your experience and what great HR support looks like to you.

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