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Director of Human Resources
Department:
Human Resources
Reports To:
Chief Human Resources Officer
Location:
This role can sit in any of Jackson Walker's office locations. (Dallas / Austin / Houston / San Antonio / Fort Worth)
FLSA:
Exempt
POSITION SUMMARY:
The Director of Human Resources provides strategic and operational leadership for the firm's People and Talent Operations function. This role is responsible for overseeing core HR disciplines including talent management, employee relations, performance management, HR operations, compliance, and organizational effectiveness.
Reporting to the Chief Human Resources Officer, the Director partners closely with firm leadership, practice group leaders, and administrative departments to ensure the firm attracts, develops, and retains exceptional talent while maintaining compliance with employment laws and reinforcing the firm's culture and values.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Strategic HR Leadership
Partner with the Chief Human Resources Officer and firm leadership to develop and execute HR strategies aligned with the firm's business objectives and long-term growth. Serve as a trusted advisor to department leaders and practice group leadership on workforce planning, organizational design, performance management, and employee engagement. Monitor industry, legal, and employment trends to proactively assess risks and opportunities impacting the firm's talent strategy. People & Talent Operations
Oversee day-to-day HR operations, ensuring consistent, compliant, and efficient delivery of HR services across all offices. Lead performance management processes, including goal setting, evaluations, calibration, and performance improvement planning. Partner with recruiting, attorney development, and leadership to support onboarding, integration, and retention initiatives. Employee Relations & Compliance
Provide guidance and oversight on employee relations matters, including performance concerns, workplace investigations, disciplinary actions, and policy interpretation. Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local employment laws, including those specific to the legal industry. Maintain and update HR policies and procedures to support best practices and firm standards. Talent Development & Engagement
Support leadership development initiatives and succession planning efforts across attorney and professional staff populations. Partner with firm leadership to enhance employee engagement, culture initiatives, and firm-wide programs that support inclusion, professional growth, and retention. Analyze workforce metrics and employee feedback to inform talent strategies and continuous improvement efforts. HR Operations & Analytics
Oversee HR systems, data integrity, reporting, and analytics to support informed decision-making. Develop dashboards and reporting to track key HR metrics such as turnover, engagement, performance outcomes, and workforce trends. Collaborate with Finance and other departments on compensation, workforce budgeting, and headcount planning. Team Leadership
Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing HR team, fostering collaboration, accountability, and professional growth. Standardize HR processes and best practices across offices to ensure consistency and scalability. Promote a service-oriented HR function that balances business needs with employee experience QUALIFICATIONS:
Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Management, or a related field required. Master's degree in Human Resources, Organizational Development, Business Administration, or a related discipline preferred. Minimum of 10 years of progressive Human Resources experience, including leadership responsibility. Prior experience supporting a large law firm or professional services organization strongly preferred. Demonstrated experience leading people operations, employee relations, performance management, and HR compliance. PHR, SPHR, or SHRM-SCP Certification preferred; additional certifications in employment law, organizational development, or change management a plus. Strong knowledge of employment law and HR best practices within a professional services environment. Proven ability to partner with senior leaders and influence outcomes at all levels of the organization. Excellent judgment, discretion, and ability to manage sensitive and confidential matters. Strong analytical, communication, and organizational skills. Demonstrated leadership experience with the ability to develop and motivate teams.
WORK CONDITIONS:
The Director of Human Resources works in a professional office environment and is expected to maintain regular business hours, with flexibility to meet the needs of the firm. This role may require extended hours during peak periods, including firm-wide initiatives, employee relations matters, or time-sensitive business needs. Occasional travel may be required to support firm offices, leadership meetings, or firm events. The position involves frequent interaction with firm leadership, attorneys, and professional staff and requires the ability to handle confidential and sensitive information with discretion and professionalism.
The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of essential functions, responsibilities, or requirements.
We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability. It is our intention that all qualified applicants are given equal opportunity and that employment decisions be based on job-related factors.
If you require a reasonable accommodation to complete the application or interview process, please contact us at BusinessProfessionalRecruiting@jw.com
Director of Human Resources
Department:
Human Resources
Reports To:
Chief Human Resources Officer
Location:
This role can sit in any of Jackson Walker's office locations. (Dallas / Austin / Houston / San Antonio / Fort Worth)
FLSA:
Exempt
POSITION SUMMARY:
The Director of Human Resources provides strategic and operational leadership for the firm's People and Talent Operations function. This role is responsible for overseeing core HR disciplines including talent management, employee relations, performance management, HR operations, compliance, and organizational effectiveness.
Reporting to the Chief Human Resources Officer, the Director partners closely with firm leadership, practice group leaders, and administrative departments to ensure the firm attracts, develops, and retains exceptional talent while maintaining compliance with employment laws and reinforcing the firm's culture and values.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Strategic HR Leadership
Partner with the Chief Human Resources Officer and firm leadership to develop and execute HR strategies aligned with the firm's business objectives and long-term growth. Serve as a trusted advisor to department leaders and practice group leadership on workforce planning, organizational design, performance management, and employee engagement. Monitor industry, legal, and employment trends to proactively assess risks and opportunities impacting the firm's talent strategy. People & Talent Operations
Oversee day-to-day HR operations, ensuring consistent, compliant, and efficient delivery of HR services across all offices. Lead performance management processes, including goal setting, evaluations, calibration, and performance improvement planning. Partner with recruiting, attorney development, and leadership to support onboarding, integration, and retention initiatives. Employee Relations & Compliance
Provide guidance and oversight on employee relations matters, including performance concerns, workplace investigations, disciplinary actions, and policy interpretation. Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local employment laws, including those specific to the legal industry. Maintain and update HR policies and procedures to support best practices and firm standards. Talent Development & Engagement
Support leadership development initiatives and succession planning efforts across attorney and professional staff populations. Partner with firm leadership to enhance employee engagement, culture initiatives, and firm-wide programs that support inclusion, professional growth, and retention. Analyze workforce metrics and employee feedback to inform talent strategies and continuous improvement efforts. HR Operations & Analytics
Oversee HR systems, data integrity, reporting, and analytics to support informed decision-making. Develop dashboards and reporting to track key HR metrics such as turnover, engagement, performance outcomes, and workforce trends. Collaborate with Finance and other departments on compensation, workforce budgeting, and headcount planning. Team Leadership
Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing HR team, fostering collaboration, accountability, and professional growth. Standardize HR processes and best practices across offices to ensure consistency and scalability. Promote a service-oriented HR function that balances business needs with employee experience QUALIFICATIONS:
Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Management, or a related field required. Master's degree in Human Resources, Organizational Development, Business Administration, or a related discipline preferred. Minimum of 10 years of progressive Human Resources experience, including leadership responsibility. Prior experience supporting a large law firm or professional services organization strongly preferred. Demonstrated experience leading people operations, employee relations, performance management, and HR compliance. PHR, SPHR, or SHRM-SCP Certification preferred; additional certifications in employment law, organizational development, or change management a plus. Strong knowledge of employment law and HR best practices within a professional services environment. Proven ability to partner with senior leaders and influence outcomes at all levels of the organization. Excellent judgment, discretion, and ability to manage sensitive and confidential matters. Strong analytical, communication, and organizational skills. Demonstrated leadership experience with the ability to develop and motivate teams.
WORK CONDITIONS:
The Director of Human Resources works in a professional office environment and is expected to maintain regular business hours, with flexibility to meet the needs of the firm. This role may require extended hours during peak periods, including firm-wide initiatives, employee relations matters, or time-sensitive business needs. Occasional travel may be required to support firm offices, leadership meetings, or firm events. The position involves frequent interaction with firm leadership, attorneys, and professional staff and requires the ability to handle confidential and sensitive information with discretion and professionalism.
The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of essential functions, responsibilities, or requirements.
We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability. It is our intention that all qualified applicants are given equal opportunity and that employment decisions be based on job-related factors.
If you require a reasonable accommodation to complete the application or interview process, please contact us at BusinessProfessionalRecruiting@jw.com