Director of People and Culture

Smokeball - Legal Software; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 150,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Work-life balance

Benefits package

Parental leave

Office snacks

SWAG

Job summary

Smokeball invites a strategic and hands-on Director of People and Culture to shape our people agenda in a scale-up environment. You will report to the US President and own all people operations, from strategy to day-to-day execution, supporting our technical and commercial teams in Chicago and beyond.

This hybrid role requires 7+ years in people-focused roles, with at least 3 years in senior leadership, deep employment-law knowledge, and a passion for DEI.

Qualifications

• 7+ years in progressive people-focused roles, with 3+ years in a senior leadership role.
• Strong knowledge of employment law and HR compliance.
• Experience in fast-paced, high-growth environments (tech or legal tech preferred).
• Exceptional communication, coaching, and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Design and lead people strategies aligned with Smokeball’s vision and purpose.
• Oversee full-cycle recruitment, onboarding, and talent acquisition strategies
• Champion employee experience, engagement, and retention across departments
• Implement scalable learning, development, and performance management programs
• Ensure compliance with employment law and best HR practices in the USA (and any other relevant jurisdictions)
• Support leaders across the business with expert guidance in all matters
• Manage and mentor the People & Culture team

Skills

People leadership

HR compliance

Employee engagement

Strategic thinking

Operational execution

DEI initiatives

Talent acquisition

Communication skills

Job description

About the Role

As our Director of People and Culture, you’ll report directly to the US President and take ownership of all people and culture initiatives. You’ll play a key role in shaping our people strategy, ensuring we attract, retain, and develop top talent while nurturing a diverse, inclusive, and high-performing culture.

This is a hands-on role, perfect for someone who thrives in scale-up environments, is confident in building out strategy while also managing day-to-day people operations, and understands the nuances of supporting technical and commercial teams.

This is a hybrid role with our office being in Chicago, IL. Applicants for this position should note they are expected to be onsite 2-3 days per week.

About You

You are an empathetic and approachable people leader who values building strong relationships and creating a positive, supportive workplace. You bring warmth, energy, and a genuine passion for people, while leading by example and embodying Smokeball’s core values in everything you do.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and lead people strategies aligned with Smokeball’s vision and purpose.
• Oversee full-cycle recruitment, onboarding, and talent acquisition strategies
• Champion employee experience, engagement, and retention across departments
• Implement scalable learning, development, and performance management programs
• Ensure compliance with employment law and best HR practices in the USA (and any other relevant jurisdictions)
• Support leaders across the business with expert guidance in all matters
• Manage and mentor the People & Culture team

About You

• 7+ years' experience in progressive people-focused roles, including at least 3 years in a senior leadership position
• Strong knowledge of employment law and HR compliance
• Proven success in developing and implementing initiatives
• Experience working in fast-paced, high-growth environments (tech or legal tech preferred)
• Exceptional communication, coaching, and interpersonal skills
• Adept at balancing strategic thinking with operational execution
• Proven experience leading organizational strategy and development, employee engagement, talent acquisition, learning and development, performance management, and compensation and benefits
• Passion for and experience with leading DEI initiatives

Compensation

The pay range for this role is:
$150,000 - 170,000 per year

What’s in it for you?

Competitive Salary

Work-Life Balance: 20 vacation days, 3 reboot days, birthday off, volunteer time, and more!

Benefits: Excellent medical, dental, vision coverage. 401(k) match, & monthly wellness stipend

Parental leave

Office lunch and loads of snacks

And of course…the SWAG!

Why do we do what we do? Where did the name 'Smokeball' come from? What are our values? Learn more!

Smokeball values diversity & inclusion and is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. Smokeball considers all individuals seeking employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, marital status, ancestry, physical or mental disability, veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected characteristic.