Director of Human Resources

The Director of Human Resources will support the senior leadership of Atlanta Legal Aid as we celebrate our centennial and continue bringing transformational change to the program. Founded in 1924, our non-profit law firm represents low-income people in a variety of civil legal matters, including family, housing, consumer, public benefits, education, and health law in a five-county service area (Clayton, Cobb, DeKalb, Fulton, Gwinnett). Legal Aid employs 150 staff members and operates five county offices, as well as numerous units, programs, and projects throughout its service area. Our clients and their legal issues are diverse and numerous. The Director of Human Resources will work to advance and support the needs of the staff and program as we work with our clients. 

Requirements

The Director of Human Resources reports to and works with the Executive Director and Deputy Director to provide strategic leadership and oversight of all human resources functions, aligning people strategies with the firm's mission, values, and long-term goals. This role serves as a trusted advisor to senior leadership and managers, with particular emphasis on supporting a mission-driven, nonprofit environment.

·       Develops and executes comprehensive HR strategies related to talent acquisition and retention (with an eye towards diversity, equity and inclusion), employee relations, performance management, compensation and benefits, training and development, as well as compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and nonprofit-specific regulations.

·       Leads workforce planning efforts, assesses organizational needs, and recommends solutions that balance operational effectiveness with fiscal stewardship.

·       Develops and implements programs, policies and procedures related to all human resource functions and objectives.

·       Fosters a positive, inclusive, and collaborative workplace culture by advancing equity, transparency, accountability, and employee well-being, including implementation of initiatives that strengthen employee engagement, retention, and morale.

·       Oversees staff wellness initiatives in collaboration with the staff wellness committee.

·       Provides thought leadership to management through guidance, training and coaching on employment matters and responding to employee questions and concerns, with sensitivity to mission-driven work.

·       Plays a key role in staff training and professional development, with a particular emphasis on legal support staff and other non-attorney professionals. While the Director of Advocacy will focus on lawyer training and development, collaboration between the two will be essential on certain initiatives.

·       Oversees HR operations and systems, leverages workforce data to inform decision-making, and ensures HR practices are efficient, consistent, and scalable.

·       Partners closely with leadership on strategic planning, organizational development, and change management initiatives to support program growth, sustainability, and long-term impact.

·       Partners closely with the Finance team to ensure employee payroll and time/attendance matters are completed on time.

·       Provides leadership, coaching, facilitation and mentorship to the HR staff.

·       Periodic visits to all Legal Aid offices, units, programs, and projects are required; the program reimburses mileage for such visits.

• Bachelor’s degree required; minimum of seven (7) years of experience in Human Resources Management or a related field
  
• Outstanding interpersonal skills, with a strong emphasis on empathy and kindness when supporting staff in difficult situations
  
• Strong conflict resolution skills and the ability to exercise discretion with confidential and sensitive information
  
• Demonstrated appreciation for diversity and inclusion
  
• Ability to work effectively with individuals at all levels of the organization, adapt to organizational culture, and promote positive change
  
• Strong leadership skills
  
• Working knowledge of employment-related laws, regulations, and HR best practices
  
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  
• Ability to set priorities, meet deadlines, and effectively prioritize and delegate tasks
  
• Strong organizational skills with high attention to detail
  
• Prior experience in a legal services organization or other nonprofit environment preferred
  
• Membership in SHRM or another human resources professional organization, and HR certifications/accreditations, are highly valued
  
• Proficient in Google Workspace, Paylocity, or similar HR and payroll systems
  
• Willingness to work in the office an average of four (4) days per week is highly desired
  
• Ability to be accountable for time and work product
  
• Ability to multitask
  

Benefits

• 16 paid holidays (in 2025).
  
  
• 6 weeks paid time off. (accruing at 2.5 days per month)
  
  
• 6 weeks parental leave. (12 weeks after one year)
  

• Health insurance (including optional dental and vision coverage).
  
  
• Life and long and short-term disability insurance.
  
  
• Partial payment for dependent health insurance.
  
  
• Salary reduction option for a flexible spending account.
  
  
• Educational loan reimbursement up to $600 per month (after a set off of other loan reimbursement amounts). 
  
  
• Voluntary tax-sheltered annuity with 3% match. 
  
  
• This position may be eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness through the U.S. Department of Education.