Human Resources Director

LaSalle Network is hiring for a Director of Human Resources for a 12-18 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

This position offers a hybrid working model of four days on-site in downtown Chicago. The hourly pay rate for this role ranges from $75-83/hr. LaSalle Network offers comprehensive health benefits to consultants.

Apply today!

Rachel Holmes
Principal, LaSalle Network
#LI-RH1