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
LaSalle Network is an Equal Opportunity Employer m/f/d/v.
LaSalle Network is the leading provider of direct hire and temporary staffing services. For over two decades, LaSalle has helped organizations hire faster and connect top talent with opportunities, from entry-level positions to the C-suite. With units specializing in Accounting and Finance, Administrative, Engineering, Marketing, Technology, Supply Chain, Revenue Cycle, Call Center, Human Resources and Executive Search, LaSalle offers staffing and recruiting solutions to companies of all sizes and across all industries.
LaSalle Network is the premier staffing and recruiting firm, earning over 100 culture, revenue and industry-based awards from major publications and having its company experts regularly contribute insights on retention strategies, hiring trends, hiring challenges, and more to national news outlets. LaSalle Network offers temporary Field Employees benefit plans including medical, dental and vision coverage. Family Medical Leave, Worker's Compensation, Paid Leave and Sick Leave are also provided. View a full list of our benefits here: View a full list of our benefits here.
All assignments are at-will and their duration is subject to change.
