Director of Human Resources in Chicago, Illinois at Apparatus Solutions

ContinuServe is seeking a Director of Human Resources to join our dynamic Not-for-Profit (NFP) HR division, serving mission-driven organizations that create real impact in their communities. If you’re a strategic and experienced HR leader passionate about driving client impact, guiding teams, and delivering exceptional service across complex environments, this is your next move.
This hybrid leadership role is based in the Chicago area, with regular onsite support required at client locations in Chicago and the surrounding suburbs.
As the Director of HR within our Not-for-Profit HR Services Team, you’ll play a key role in leading HR strategy and operations for a portfolio of clients across sectors like education, social services, and community-based nonprofits. You’ll work closely with internal generalists and client leadership, ensuring alignment between HR best practices and each organization’s unique mission and goals. From shaping policy to supporting unionized environments, you’ll be a trusted advisor and strategic partner.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Talent Leadership

• Design and implement strategy, learning and development, and succession planning initiatives tailored to client needs.
• Inform strategy, navigate complex workforce matters, and support executive decision-making.
• Serve as a trusted strategic advisor and HR thought partner, partnering effectively with Executive Directors, CEOs, and Boards of Directors to provide sound counsel, influence decision-making, and advance organizational priorities.

Client-Facing HR Management

• Serve as the HR lead for client organizations - remotely and onsite - providing direct support to client leadership and staff.
• Provide guidance on a broad range of HR issues, including accommodations, employee relations, terminations, benefits administration, onboarding, and HRIS systems.
• Lead new client onboarding by facilitating discovery sessions, conducting organizational assessments, identifying key priorities and risks, and developing implementation plans that establish a strong foundation for long-term client success.

Compliance & Best Practices

• Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal employment laws and regulations, as well as grant requirements, through regular audits and reporting.
• Design, facilitate, and deliver engaging presentations and training on HR best practices, employment law, leadership development, compliance, and organizational effectiveness for employees, managers, and executive leadership.

People Operations and Systems

• Oversee HR operations across multiple clients.
• Manage employee ”hire to retire” lifecycle best practices.
• Lead HRIS integrations and improve system workflows with an eye on AI integration and enhancements.
• Demonstrate strong technology aptitude and the ability to quickly learn, leverage, and optimize HR systems, AI-enabled tools, and emerging technologies to enhance operational efficiency, data-driven decision-making, and client service delivery.
• Document internal and client SOPs and workflows.

Team Supervision

• Manage and support HR team members assigned to client accounts.
• Foster collaboration and continuous improvement across all touchpoints.
• Serve as a hands-on leader who is willing and able to perform HR Generalist responsibilities as business needs require.

Accountability and Results

• Demonstrate a growth mindset by actively seeking, embracing, and applying feedback from clients and organizational leadership to continuously improve performance, strengthen partnerships, and enhance service delivery.
• Demonstrate end-to-end ownership and accountability for overall client team performance and results, service delivery, client satisfaction, and achievement of strategic and operational objectives.
• Highly responsive, organized, and deadline-driven, with ability to effectively manage multiple priorities while delivering high-quality work on time and in a fast-paced environment.
• Champions client retention through proactive relationship management, strategic partnership, and consistent delivery of high-quality HR services.

Qualifications:

Required Experience

• At least 10 years of progressive HR experience, including leadership or executive-level responsibilities.
• Strong executive presence and leadership skills; projecting confidence, credibility, and executive presence while serving as a trusted advisor on strategic business and people decisions.
• Ability to independently lead client meetings, represent the organization professionally, and travel regularly to client locations to deliver high-quality HR services.
• Thrives in fast-paced and evolving environments by demonstrating resilience, adaptability, and the ability to effectively manage competing demands.
• Demonstrated experience working in unionized environments, including labor relations, grievance resolution, and CBA administration
• Adept at navigating multi-client environments, balancing competing priorities and deadlines
• Strong communication, conflict resolution, and organizational skills
• Proven ability to build trusted client relationships and advise across diverse teams
• Experience supporting mission-driven organizations, including nonprofits, education, or human services
• Proficiency in employment law, HR systems, and full-cycle talent management
• Committed to lifelong learning by continuously developing technical competencies, advancing HR knowledge, and embracing AI-driven tools and innovation.

Preferred Experience

• Background in a consulting or outsourced HR environment with demonstrated ability to manage a client portfolio.
• Familiarity with regulatory compliance related to IL DCFS, IL DHS, SAMHSA, and EEO requirements

Education & Certifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field
• SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, or SPHR (highly preferred)

Work Environment

• Hybrid role based in the Chicago area
• Requires onsite presence at least three days per week at various client locations in Chicago and the northern suburbs

Compensation & Benefits
Compensation: Starting salary range: $120,000-$150,000 annually, commensurate with experience.

Benefits: Comprehensive benefits package including paid time off, paid holidays, 401(k), and health insurance coverage, including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance.

About ContinuServe
ContinuServe is a tech-enabled outsourcing firm that partners with clients to provide finance, accounting, human resources, and technology services. We have deep category knowledge and deliver personalized service to help businesses impact their bottom line daily. We provide strategies that streamline and strengthen operations in today’s fast-paced environment.

We Are Built for the Pace of Possibility.
ContinuServe is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to a culturally diverse workforce. We are committed to providing an inclusive environment based on mutual respect for all candidates and team members. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, height, weight, marital status, gender identity expression, disability status, protected veteran, or other legally protected status by state or federal law.
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