Associate Director, HR Business Partner in San Francisco, California at Morrison & Foerster LLP

Associate Director, HR Business Partner

Locations: San Francisco, California; Los Angeles, California
Req ID: 5954
Position Type: Human Resources
Job Overview

At MoFo, we couldnt write our own success story without yours. Ready to write your story?

Join MoFo as ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR, HR BUSINESS PARTNER on our Human Resources team!

This role can be based in San Francisco or Los Angeles.
https://www.mofo.com/offices

ABOUT THE ROLE

As Associate Director, HR Business Partner, you'll serve as a trusted advisor and strategic force partnering directly with leadership teams to shape the talent, culture, and organizational health of your client groups. From succession planning and leadership development to employee relations and change management, you'll bring both the big-picture thinking and the hands-on expertise to move the needle at every level. If you lead with influence, act with intention, and know how to turn HR strategy into real business results, we want to hear from you.

• Client Relationships Build strategic, value-add partnerships with C-level and director clients. Regularly meet to guide workplace change, shape engagement strategies, and coach leaders developing their HR acumen while strengthening the HRBP brand.
• Organizational Development & Training Assess client group needs and collaborate with Talent Development to design and deliver learning solutions across leadership development, change management, team building, and workplace engagement. Measure program effectiveness.
• Organizational Design Advise on org structure, staffing, and reporting relationships. Partner with directors and senior managers to build efficient, best-practice designs aligned with Firm priorities.
• Performance Management Oversee the staff evaluation process. Coach managers on goal-setting, feedback delivery, and review drafting. Contribute to compensation decisions and ensure timely completion of evaluations.
• Talent Management Drive skill and career development strategies in partnership with Talent Development. Build tools for retention, succession planning, and leadership development. Use assessments like DiSC to strengthen management capability and team effectiveness.
• Recruiting Partner with managers to define staffing needs and talent profiles; liaise with recruiters on position requirements. Contribute to job descriptions, interviews, onboarding prep, and new hire goal-setting.
• HR Collaboration & Consistency Partner with HRBPs and HR functional areas to execute firm-wide strategy, share best practices, and ensure consistency across offices. Take a leadership role on HR initiatives as needed.
• HR Programs & Communications Champion HR programs across offices and functional areas. Serve as HR liaison to office managers, presenting promotions and initiatives at management meetings.
• Budgeting Partner with leaders to plan and budget for developmental and reward programs within local budgets.
• Employee Relations Advise on complex ER issues in collaboration with the Employee Relations team. Diagnose root causes, develop solutions, and counsel managers through resolution.
• Policy Development Serve as subject matter expert in drafting and reviewing Firm policies. Guide client groups on policy interpretation and application.
• Project Management & Metrics Develop processes and documentation for client group projects. Use metrics to evaluate the effectiveness of talent and organizational initiatives.
• Compliance Ensure adherence to applicable US and international laws and regulations. Monitor emerging trends and collaborate with HR Leadership Team to update HR processes accordingly.
• Global Availability Provide support to client groups and offices globally as needed.

ABOUT YOU

• Bachelors degree required, preferably in business, human resources, organizational development or related field. Masters degree preferred.
• Minimum of 9 years of solid work experience in Human Resources with at least 4 years managing people. Experience with Asia and Europe a plus.
• Experience working in a law firm or professional services firm strongly preferred.
• Understanding of law firm structure and attorney progress within the organization.
• Demonstrated success in linking solutions to business needs and implementing core people management processes.
• Strong functional HR knowledge particularly in performance management, organizational development, training, recruitment, employee relations and metrics. Up-to-date knowledge of HR related laws such as discrimination, leave of absence, etc.
• Business acumen and ability to work effectively as a trusted advisor and coach to senior managers.
• Exceptional communication skills with the ability to gain credibility, build relationships and influence people. Common sense.
• Passion for problem solving, executing flawlessly and delivering high quality results for clients.
• Ability to think and act strategically and to be proactive and creative.
• Solid project management skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and to be objective, discrete, and ethical.
• Proficient user of MS Excel, Word, PowerPoint. Solid understanding of Workday.

ABOUT MOFO

At MoFo, we collaborate as one firm, across borders, practice areas, and business functions and value fresh ideas and innovation over conformity and competition.

• About Us: https://www.mofo.com/about
• Inclusion + Engagement: https://www.mofo.com/community/we-at-mofo
• Commitment to Pro Bono: https://careers.mofo.com/careers-pro-bono
• The MoFo Foundation: https://www.mofo.com/culture/mofo-foundation

ABOUT OUR BENEFITS

MoFo offers a comprehensive benefits package starting on your first day.

• A variety of options for medical, dental, vision, life and disability coverage to meet the needs of you and your family.
• Industry-leading parental leave and family benefits including adoption and fertility treatment options and backup child and elder care.
• Global wellness program, including free access to Talkspace and Calm apps.
• Annual community service day to make an impact on your community and a birthday holiday just for fun.
• Education reimbursement annually.
• Dedicated Talent Development team.
• Competitive annual profit-sharing contribution.

Where required by law, salary ranges are stated below. Additional compensation may include a discretionary bonus, overtime as applicable, health/welfare benefits, retirement contributions, paid holidays, and PTO. The range displayed is specifically for positions performed in those cities/states and may vary based on factors including but not limited to the following: local market data and ranges; an applicant's skills and prior relevant experience; and certain degrees, licensing, and certifications.

San Francisco, Los Angeles salary range: $185k to $240k

For questions regarding this position, please e-mail jobs@mofo.com

Morrison & Foerster is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, religion, creed, ethnic or national origin, ancestry, age, disability, veteran or military status, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, domestic partner status, and other categories protected by applicable laws, or in retaliation for opposition to any practices forbidden under this policy.