Human Resources - Division Director Human Resources

ABA Chicago, 321 North Clark, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America

Job Description

Posted Friday, January 16, 2026 at 6:00 AM

The American Bar Association (ABA) was founded on a commitment to advance the rule of law in the United States and beyond by providing practical resources for legal professionals, conducting law school accreditation, developing model ethics codes and more. Today, the ABA remains a member-based organization that works to ensure access to justice for all, a fair legal process, and respect for the rule of law at home and across the globe.

The ABA is committed to service and refining the standards that guide the legal profession. ABA staff are provided multiple types of continuing education and career development opportunities. Your work will help eliminate bias, enhance diversity, and advance the rule of law throughout the US and around the world.

The ABA recognizes the value staff contribute to our success through a generous benefits package that protects their health and their financial security. The ABA's wide array of benefit offerings include 401(k), medical, dental, vision, flexible spending accounts, health spending accounts, supplemental life and disability insurance, prepaid legal programs, and a complimentary membership to the American Bar Association, which offers additional benefits.

Flexible/hybrid work arrangements may be available for residents of CA, DC, IL, IN, IA, MD, MI, MN, TX, VA, and WI. Residency requirements may apply. ABA employees are eligible to apply for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF).

Job Summary/General Purpose of Job

The Division Director of Human Resources serves as a strategic partner to the executive leadership team of the ABA. Leading a team of human resources professionals the Division Director of Human Resources is responsible for developing and delivering the human capital strategy for the American Bar Association across all locations. This role requires the ability to properly diagnose organizational needs, persuade and influence business leaders, and effectively communicate and lead the development of unit solutions that support the organization, and are compliant with internal governance practices and established policies. The Division Director of Human Resources is a member of the Ethics Office, Thrift (retirement contribution) Committee, and the Business Continuity Team.

Essential Job Functions and Responsibilities (listed in order of importance and/or time spent)

As a strategic human capital advisor, contribute to the development and stewardship of an organizational culture, that reflects the ABA's mission and values, while supporting its standard for quality, efficiency, integrity, innovation, and accountability.

The Division Director of Human Resources leads a team of Human Resources professionals and is responsible for directing all aspects of the organization's human resources policies, objectives, and processes, including:

• Talent Acquisition - sourcing, hiring, and on-boarding high quality talent.
• Benefits - development, maintenance and administration of comprehensive suite of employee benefit programs in a cost-effective manner.
• Compensation: maintenance and development of salary structure(s), incentive and recognition programs, job descriptions, and organizational design.
• Employee Engagement, Training, and Development- continual development of training curriculum(s) that meet the evolving needs of the organization, and management and development of employee performance calibrations and reviews.
• HR Technology and Analytics - Responsible for administration and continuous improvement of HR systems to help the organization increase efficiency and effectiveness of processes in a cost-effective manner.
• Employee Relations - Provides counsel to senior leadership team on personnel matters, and oversees sensitive, confidential investigations, as required.

Work closely with General Counsel to ensure employment policies and practices are compliant will all legal requirements.

Develop and administer the department budget and oversee the selection and management of HR vendors in accordance with ABA policies.

Performs other related duties as required.

Staff Management Responsibilities

Yes, this position will be responsible for managing staff.

Required Education, Qualifications, Experience

Bachelor's Degree from four-year college or university.

A minimum of 15 years of HR experience, which must include management and development of HR staff.

Proven history of successful partnership with executive level leaders, and prior experience managing organizational change, and continuousp>

• Communication - must be able to communicate effectively whether in written, oral or presentation form.
• Inter-personal/relationship-building - must be able to develop strong relationships with ABA leaders and work effectively across departments.
• Technological - must be comfortable with technology and remain abreast of technological developments in the HR space.
• Critical thinking - must be able to analyze complex situations, weigh the pros and cons, and determine best path forward.

Preferred Education, Qualifications, Experience

The American Bar Association is an Equal Opportunity Employer: Disability/Veteran. In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADAAA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position with the American Bar Association, please call 312-988-5188.

ABA Chicago, 321 North Clark, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America