Senior HR Director: Union Relations & Policy

ALA Brand; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 102,000 - 138,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible work schedules

Medical and dental coverage

Retirement annuity

35-hour work week

PSLF consideration

Job summary

The American Library Association (ALA) in Chicago seeks an experienced Director of Human Resources to lead its HR team, shape policies, and support a constructive labor-relations framework. Reporting to the CFO, this role partners with employees, managers, and senior leadership to ensure compliant, equitable HR practices across the organization.

You will oversee HRIS, compensation and benefits strategy, recruitment aligned to bargaining provisions, and staff development, while maintaining a

Qualifications

• Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible HR experience.
• Minimum of five years as a senior HR executive in a union-based environment.
• Master’s degree in HR or equivalent; professional HR certifications.
• Strong knowledge of federal and Illinois employment and labor laws.
• Experience administering collective bargaining agreements and labor relations.

Responsibilities

• Lead HR policies and practices ensuring equitable application and legal compliance.
• Oversee labor relations, including contract interpretation and administration.
• Resolve employee relations matters with counsel as appropriate.
• Provide strategic direction for compensation and benefits programs.
• Ensure equitable recruitment, selection, and promotions respecting bargaining provisions.
• Advance organizational development, learning, and manager training.
• Ensure HRIS operations, data integrity, reporting, and records management.
• Communicate HR policies and changes to employees and managers.
• Maintain employment compliance and timely filings (EEO-1, ACA, Form 5500).
• Supervise HR staff and manage the HR budget.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic HR

Labor relations

Policy development

Communication

Employee relations

Education

Master’s degree in Human Resources

PHR/SPHR/SHRM-CP/SHRM-SCP certification

Tools

HRIS

Payroll systems

UKG

Job description

The American Library Association (ALA) in Chicago seeks an experienced Director of Human Resources to lead its HR team, shape policies, and support a constructive labor-relations framework. Reporting to the CFO, this role partners with employees, managers, and senior leadership to ensure compliant, equitable HR practices across the organization.

You will oversee HRIS, compensation and benefits strategy, recruitment aligned to bargaining provisions, and staff development, while maintaining a