Director, Human Resources

DIRECTOR, HUMAN RESOURCES

ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE OF THE ILLINOIS COURTS

Applicants may be asked to submit additional materials.

Position: Director, Human Resources

Division: Human Resources Division

Salary: Minimum salary $149,443; salary at hire to be commensurate with experience

Benefits: An attractive judicial branch benefits package is offered, including pension, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, deferred compensation options, as well as vacation, sick and personal leave. Please refer to the following Benefits Information Sheet for additional details.

Reporting Relationship: Chief of Finance and Operations

Location: Chicago or Springfield, Illinois

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The Director of Human Resources will provide strategic leadership and direction for all facets of human resources management and will serve as a member of the Administrative Director’s Executive Leadership Team, participating in institutional planning and leadership development initiatives. The position is responsible for identifying operational gaps and prioritizing opportunities to streamline, integrate, and improve HR systems, processes, and workflows to support organizational effectiveness and operational excellence.

The Director of Human Resources oversees the administration of Illinois Supreme Court human resources policies, rules, systems, and programs, including classification and compensation, recruitment, hiring, selection, promotion, Equal Employment Opportunity reporting, performance management, personnel records and transactions, workers’ compensation, unemployment benefits, timekeeping and leave benefits administration, employee conduct standards, and professional development. The position also advises judges and managers on complex employee relations and personnel matters and applies existing and emerging labor and employment laws to ensure compliance and minimize organizational risk.

Additional responsibilities include conducting workplace investigations involving allegations of misconduct, discrimination, harassment, retaliation, ensuring appropriate documentation and resolution; serving as the branch’s Ethics Officer; reviewing employee accommodation requests and directing the interactive process; overseeing compensation and classification reviews and making recommendations; developing and monitoring HR metrics, workforce analytics, and operational reports to support strategic planning; and leading professional and leadership development, and employee engagement initiatives designed to strengthen workforce retention and organizational performance. The Director will also perform other duties as assigned.

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION

Candidates must hold a master’s degree in a field related to the position and have a minimum of 10 years of dedicated professional HR experience, with at least 7 years at a leadership level of responsibility within a large, complex organization; strong interpersonal and communication skills; knowledge of HR computerized information systems, and proven skill and ability encompassing all aspects of human resources management, including but not limited to conflict resolution, performance coaching and management, diversity and inclusion recruitment strategies, employee relations, wellness programs, regular compensation reviews and management, and effective complaint investigations, shaped by best practice and experience. Knowledge of prevailing and trending employment law and related issues and the ability to quickly acclimate to the needs and goals of the judicial system is also required.

The successful candidate will be an ethical and skilled problem-solver with the ability to perform and manage all human resources functions while productively managing staff performance and competing priorities, with the proven ability to effectively support, guide, and address management prerogatives and obligations, including advice to supervisory judges and court administrators, while also being appropriately responsive to concerns from employees, within a framework that honors both empathy and accountability.

Candidates’ prior experience should demonstrate evidence of the ability to interact effectively and productively with individuals at all levels of the organization, through a combination of exceptional communication skills, diplomacy, dignity, and respect for the conventions of the courts. A juris doctor degree is preferred.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

This position requires the ability to sit for extended periods of time. This is a professional office working environment, requiring telephone usage and the ability to process written documents. Applicants must have the ability to travel throughout the state including overnight stays as required. Limited and occasional hybrid work option possible.

Interested persons should submit - via email - a letter of interest, resume, writing sample, and completed Judicial Branch Employment Application to:

courtemployment@IllinoisCourts.gov

Applications materials must be received no later than Monday, July 6, 2026.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER