Director of Human Resources

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) is seeking a talented and dedicated Director of Human Resources to lead our HR department in Chicago. This is a rare opportunity to join our leadership team.

Here, you'll have a purpose-driven role and work alongside passionate colleagues that consistently produce great work, all in a fun, rewarding, and collaborative environment. We're looking for someone who is strategic, analytical, accountable, a strong communicator, and has a proven track record of success.

Company Description:

Be a part of a legendary non-profit organization celebrating its 100th anniversary in Chicago in 2026.

Fast Company recently recognized the BBB as a "Brand That Matters" and said "(The Better Business Bureau is) the go-to source for scoping out business credibility."

There are 90+ BBBs throughout the U.S. and Canada, and the Chicago BBB is among the largest in North America.

Our mission is to educate and connect people with businesses they can trust. Our website (BBB.org), is among the top 1% of most trafficked websites in the world.

To familiarize yourself with our organization, view our social media: @ChicagoBBB via Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram or go to bbb.org/chicagobuzz to learn more.

Position Summary:

The Director of Human Resources will be responsible for both strategic planning and day-to-day HR operations. Reporting directly to the CEO, this role will lead all core HR functions including recruitment, employee relations, compliance, benefits administration, and culture-building. This high-impact role is ideal for a dynamic HR leader who enjoys wearing many hats and working independently, while partnering closely with the leadership team to support staff across the organization. The position is a full-time, remote role, although some occasional on-site attendance throughout the year is mandatory. We are seeking candidates that reside in the greater Chicagoland (city/suburban) area.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic HR Leadership

• Advise the CEO and leadership team on HR strategy, workforce planning, and people-related initiatives
• Align HR practices with BBB core values and mission
• Champion an inclusive, equitable, and engaging workplace culture
• Collaborate with the Finance team to develop and manage the HR budget and resource planning
• Implement new policies which adapt to workplace factors such as AI, Whistleblower, and Remote Work
• Maintain the organization's Accountability Chart

Recruitment & Onboarding

• Manage full-cycle recruitment, including job postings, candidate screening, interviewing, and offer letters
• Design and implement onboarding and orientation processes that ensure a positive employee experience

Employee Relations & Performance Management

• Serve as a confidential and trusted resource for staff on HR questions, concerns, and conflict resolution
• Facilitate performance management processes including goal setting, feedback, and performance reviews
• Ensure clear documentation and consistent application of HR policies and procedures
• Oversee performance plans for all departments

Compensation & Benefits

• Administer employee benefits programs, including health, dental, vision, retirement, and leave policies
• Lead annual open enrollment, including plan review, employee communication, and coordination with benefits brokers
• Serve as the point of contact for all employee benefits questions and issues
• Support compensation planning in collaboration with the CEO and Finance team
• Review and approval of monthly insurance billing
• Provide payroll and W-2 reporting calculations including employee insurance contributions, employer-paid insurance totals, and group term life insurance taxable amounts

Compliance & HR Operations

• Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations
• Maintain HR records, personnel files, and the employee handbook
• Manage and maintain HR systems (e.g., payroll, HRIS, applicant tracking)
• Stay informed about employment law updates and HR best practices relevant to the nonprofit sector
• Participate in the annual audit for areas related to payroll, hiring, resignations, and terminations
• Maintain up-to-date retirement plan information database including administration for 401(k) loans and repayments
• Work with the Finance team to complete the Annual Retirement Plan 5500 filing tasks including reviewing and distributing the summary report and assisting with non-discrimination testing

Learning & Development

• Identify and coordinate training, development, and growth opportunities for staff
• Support a culture of continuous learning, feedback, and professional development
• Coordinate and implement required annual staff trainings (e.g., compliance refreshers, sexual harassment prevention)

Qualifications and Skills:

• Considering LOCAL candidates only
• 7+ years of progressive HR experience, including leadership or strategic roles
• 4-year college degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field
• SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, or SPHR certification preferred
• Proven ability to independently manage core HR functions with minimal supervision
• Strong understanding of employment law, HR compliance, and nonprofit workplace dynamics
• Experience managing employee benefits, including open enrollment and broker/vendor relationships
• Excellent communication, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills
• High level of discretion, emotional intelligence, and integrity
• Commitment to fostering a mission-aligned workplace culture in accordance with BBB core values and mission
• Familiarity with HR platforms such as ADP, Paylocity, Paychex, or similar
• Experience supporting remote work environments

Salary & Benefits:

The salary range for this role is $100,000 - $120,000 compensation. Individual salaries within each range are determined through a wide variety of factors including but not limited to education, experience, knowledge and skills. The Better Business Bureau reviews compensation regularly and may adjust base salaries to reflect market competitiveness. In addition to salary, individuals may be eligible for a discretionary performance bonus.

Our employee benefits include:

• Generous paid time off (including birthdays and volunteer days)
• 401(k) with company match
• Medical, dental and vision coverage
• Annual employer HRA/HSA contributions
• Company provided life insurance
• Home office internet stipend

Equal Employment Opportunity

The BBB is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of a person's race, color, religion, creed, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, military status or any other category protected by law. All decisions regarding recruiting, hiring, training, promotions, compensation, benefits, discipline, transfer, lay-offs, and education shall be made without regard to the foregoing. The BBB will provide reasonable accommodations for individual religious beliefs and to individuals with disabilities as provided by law.