Director of Human Resources

Hirschler; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Hirschler seeks an experienced Director of Human Resources to lead the firm's HR function from our Richmond, VA office. You will serve as a trusted advisor to leadership, overseeing talent acquisition, employee relations, performance management, compensation, benefits, compliance, training, and HR technology initiatives.

The ideal candidate is a proactive leader with business acumen, sound judgment, and a track record of fostering a collaborative, high-performing workplace.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent education/experience in HR or related field.
• 7–10 years of progressively responsible HR experience with leadership.
• Experience in recruiting/talent acquisition with knowledge of employment law.
• Experience in a law firm or professional services environment preferred.
• Deep knowledge of HR disciplines: employee relations, compensation, benefits, performance, compliance.
• Strong understanding of federal/state/local employment laws and regulations.
• Exceptional communication and relationship-building skills with attorneys and staff.
• Ability to manage sensitive information with discretion and professionalism.
• Analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills; can manage multiple priorities.
• Proficiency with HRIS and Microsoft Office; ability to learn HR technology platforms.
• Commitment to service excellence, collaboration, and positive workplace culture.
• Occasional travel to other offices as needed.

Responsibilities

• Partner with firm leadership to develop HR strategies aligned with business objectives.
• Provide leadership and oversight of all HR functions including talent management, compensation, benefits, compliance, training, and performance management.
• Supervise HR Administrator and Talent Acquisition Manager; promote HR excellence.
• Advise leadership on workforce planning, recruitment, retention, and succession planning.
• Develop and maintain HR policies, handbooks, and communications.
• Oversee benefits programs; work with consultants on renewals and trends.
• Ensure compliance with employment laws and update policies as needed.
• Manage employee relations, investigations, and performance matters.
• Lead performance management processes and development planning.
• Maintain compensation programs and benchmark against market data.
• Develop employee engagement, recognition, and retention initiatives.
• Identify and implement HR technology solutions to improve efficiency.
• Develop and manage HR department budget.

Skills

Leadership

Recruiting / Talent Acquisition

Communication

Analytical

Organizational skills

Discretion / Confidentiality

Relationship building

Problem solving

Travel flexibility

Education

Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field

Tools

HRIS

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Hirschler is seeking an experienced and strategic Director of Human Resources to lead the firm's HR function and partner with leadership to support our people, culture, and business objectives. This role serves as a trusted advisor to firm leadership and oversees all aspects of human resources management, including talent acquisition, employee relations, performance management, compensation, benefits, compliance, training and development, and HR technology initiatives. The ideal candidate is a proactive leader who brings strong business acumen, sound judgment, and a commitment to fostering an engaged, collaborative, and high-performing workplace. This position is based in our Richmond, VA office.

Responsibilities

• Partner with firm leadership to develop and implement human resources strategies that align with the firm's business objectives and long-term goals.


• Provide leadership and oversight for all HR functions, including talent management, compensation, benefits, employee relations, compliance, training, and performance management.


• Supervise and support the Human Resources Administrator and Talent Acquisition Manager while promoting excellence across the HR team.


• Advise leadership on workforce planning, recruiting, retention, employee development, and succession planning initiatives.


• Develop, implement, and maintain HR policies, procedures, employee handbook materials, and related communications.


• Oversee employee benefits programs and collaborate with external consultants to evaluate plan offerings, utilization trends, and renewal recommendations.


• Monitor and ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations, updating policies and practices as needed.


• Manage employee relations matters, conduct workplace investigations, and provide guidance on performance concerns, disciplinary actions, and conflict resolution.


• Lead performance management processes for associates and staff, including evaluations, coaching, development planning, and career growth initiatives.


• Maintain compensation programs and market competitiveness through compensation analyses and benchmarking efforts.


• Develop and implement employee engagement, recognition, and retention initiatives that support Hirschler's culture and service standards.


• Identify and implement technology solutions that enhance efficiency across recruiting, onboarding, performance management, and other HR operations.


• Develop and manage the Human Resources department budget.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.


• Minimum of 7-10 years of progressively responsible human resources experience, including leadership responsibilities.


• Prior recruiting and talent acquisition experience, with a strong understanding of employment law, hiring best practices, and workforce planning.


• Experience in a law firm or other professional services environment preferred.


• Comprehensive knowledge of HR disciplines, including employee relations, compensation, benefits administration, performance management, and compliance.


• Strong understanding of federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations.


• Exceptional communication, interpersonal, and relationship-building skills with the ability to effectively engage attorneys, leadership, staff, vendors, and consultants.


• Demonstrated ability to manage sensitive and confidential information with discretion and professionalism.


• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and projects simultaneously.


• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and the ability to learn and effectively utilize HRIS and other HR technology platforms.


• Commitment to service excellence, collaboration, and fostering a positive workplace culture.


• Occasional travel to other firm offices as needed.

At Hirschler, we believe strong relationships are at the core of everything we do, whether with our clients, our colleagues, or our community. You'll find a supportive and collegial work environment where your contributions are valued.

We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where every team member is valued and respected. We believe that diversity enriches our work environment and enhances our ability to serve our clients effectively. We celebrate the unique backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences that each individual brings to our firm.

Hirschler is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law. We are dedicated to ensuring a fair and equitable hiring process and providing an inclusive work environment where everyone has the opportunity to succeed.

Compensation is dependent on several factors, such as position, location, education, training, and/or experience.