At Manifest, our work is fueled by data, ignited by creativity and driven by results. We are a proudly independent, full-service agency represented by diverse talents, backgrounds and expertise, and we have one goal: to deliver breakthrough ideas and brand experiences that drive emotional connections and measurable impact. Let’s chat.
We’re hiring a Director of Human Resources with 10-15 years of solid HR experience within an advertising/marketing environment (agency or client-side). This role is based (hybrid) in our Chicago office and reports directly to the SVP of Human Resources.
Responsibilities
- Collaborate with senior leadership to understand the organization’s goals and strategies, developing HR strategies that align with company goals.
- Plan, develop, and implement policies, processes, training, and initiatives to support the organization’s human resource compliance and strategy needs.
- Establish and maintain competitive and comprehensive compensation and benefits programs.
- Develop and execute best practices for the onboarding of new talent.
- Maintain a performance management system to manage employee productivity effectively, developing learning and development programs to address performance gaps.
- Oversee employee relations to cultivate a positive and respectful workplace culture.
- Administer or oversee the administration of human resource programs such as leaves, disciplinary matters, disputes and investigations, recognition, and health and safety, always maintaining confidentiality.
- Monitor and guarantee the organization’s compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations, and recommend best practices; review and modify policies and practices to maintain compliance.
- Maintain knowledge of trends, best practices, and new technologies in human resources and talent management; apply this knowledge to communicate changes in policy, practice, and resources to upper management.
- Represent the Manifest brand and principles within the organization and the marketplace.
Requirements
- 10-15 years of solid human resources experience that encompasses all aspects of human resources within an advertising/marketing environment (agency or client-side), including but not limited to benefits, compliance, compensation and performance management.
- At least 5-7 years in HR managerial positions, including experience with direct reports.
- Excellent supervisory, communication, and leadership skills.
- Prioritize driving the business forward.
- Grow and set/lift performance bar for team members.
- Nurture relationships with the team as well as the agency.
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Can effectively lead team calls, as well as projects.
- Is well prepared for conversations and meetings.
- Able to create and implement operational strategies.
- Understand owned discipline impact on business outcomes and can effectively sell owned disciplined services.
- Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
- Able to prioritize tasks and to delegate when appropriate.
- Able to function well in a fast-paced environment.
- Exceptional knowledge of labor and employment laws.
- Able to think strategically, problem-solve, maintain confidentiality, and make sound business decisions.
- Able to adapt to the needs of the agency and employees.
- Proficient with Keynote, MS Office Suite, Inova HRIS, and employee performance management tools such as PerformYard or related software.
- Hybrid to the Chicago office.
- May travel up to 10%.
- Bachelor’s degree in HR, Psychology or Business Administration. MBA in HR a strong plus.
- SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP strongly preferred.
What We Offer
- Private Company – Being a private organization allows us to move quickly so that we can deliver our best for our teams and our clients.
- Flexibility – We have a hybrid work environment and a flexible PTO plan that allows teams to take time off when they need it.
- Competitive Benefits and Salary – Multiple options for health plans based on your and/or your family’s needs, plus a 401(k) match and paid parental leave. The annual salary range for this role in the Chicago market is $140k-$160k in base pay, and the base pay offered will be determined on a case-by-case basis based on experience, skills, training, certifications, education, etc., and will be informed by market data.
Manifest is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Manifest recruits qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender, age, ethnicity, national origin, protected veteran status, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender identity, marital status, pregnancy, citizenship status, or any other protected groups covered by federal, state or local laws.
