Lead HR Business Partner

OpenGov is the leader in AI and ERP solutions for local and state governments in the U.S. More than 2,000 cities, counties, state agencies, school districts, and special districts rely on the OpenGov Public Service Platform to operate efficiently, adapt to change, and strengthen the public trust. Category-leading products include enterprise asset management, procurement and contract management, accounting and budgeting, billing and revenue management, permitting and licensing, and transparency and open data. These solutions come together in the OpenGov ERP, allowing public sector organizations to focus on priorities and deliver maximum ROI with every dollar and decision in sync. Learn about OpenGov’s mission to power more effective and accountable government and the vision of high-performance government for every community at OpenGov.com.

Job Summary

The Lead HR Business Partner (HRBP) is a strategic, hands-on individual contributor who partners closely with senior leaders to drive people strategies that support business objectives in a fast-paced, evolving environment. Acting as a trusted advisor, this role blends business acumen with deep HR expertise to influence organizational design, talent strategies, and workforce planning. The Lead HRBP is not only a strategic thinker but also a roll-up-your-sleeves partner who collaborates across functions and HR Centers of Excellence (COEs) to develop and implement effective, scalable solutions. This role plays a critical part in fostering a high-performance culture, enhancing employee engagement, and enabling long-term organizational success.

Responsibilities

Strategic HR Partnership

• Act as a primary HR advisor to senior leaders, using advanced expertise to provide strategic guidance on workforce planning, talent strategies, and organizational design.
• Tackle complex business challenges by evaluating variable factors, adapting and refining processes, and proposing creative solutions.
• Develop and execute HR strategies that align with business goals to enhance long-term organizational effectiveness.
• Collaborate with senior leaders and HR Centers of Excellence (COEs) to influence the design and execution of scalable programs, ensuring integration with broader business initiatives.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders to influence key decisions and ensure alignment with company-wide goals.
• Act as a change agent, leading change management efforts through clear communication, stakeholder engagement, and effective cross-functional collaboration.
  
  

Employee Engagement & Retention

• Lead company-wide initiatives to promote employee satisfaction, engagement, and a culture of inclusion and innovation.
• Act as a key advisor to leadership on complex employee relations matters, navigating ambiguity and balancing legal, ethical, and business considerations.
• Partner and implement retention programs and career development initiatives tailored to address workforce needs.
  
  

Talent Management & Leadership Development

• Lead performance management processes, ensuring alignment of goal-setting, feedback, and rewards with business objectives.
• Collaborate closely with managers and the HR COEs team to deliver high-impact people programs, including compensation, benefits, organizational development, performance management, and talent development.
• Develop leadership capabilities by coaching managers and aligning their practices with organizational priorities.
• Partner with Learning & Development to design and implement targeted training programs that address skill gaps and build future-ready talent.
• Lead succession planning efforts to ensure organizational readiness for key leadership transitions.
  
  

HR Analytics & Data-Driven Decision Making

• Analyze HR metrics to identify trends and deliver actionable insights to leadership.
• Use data to inform and improve HR processes, programs, and organizational strategies.
• Influence decision-making by tailoring communication strategies to diverse audiences, including executives, managers, and external partners, ensuring clarity, alignment, and engagement.
• Foster trust and credibility through proactive, transparent communication and reliable follow-through on high-stakes, often time-sensitive issues.
  
  

Requirements And Preferred Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field.
• 7 years of progressive HR experience, with at least 3 years in an HRBP role.
• Demonstrated expertise in handling complex organizational challenges with advanced problem-solving skills.
• Strong ability to align HR strategies with organizational objectives using a strategic, data-driven approach.
• Proficiency in navigating employee relations, organizational development, and performance management in dynamic environments.
• Excellent communication, relationship-building, and influencing skills.
• Requires up to 25% travel for onsite meetings, team collaboration, and business support.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in SaaS, technology, or high-growth industries.
• Familiarity with global HR practices and compliance standards.
• HR certification (e.g., SHRM-SCP, PHR) is highly desirable.
• Experience working in a fast-paced, high-growth, or matrixed environment.
• Expertise in change management, leadership coaching, and organizational design.
  
  

Compensation

Chicago, IL: $125,000 - $150,000

On target ranges above include base plus a portion of variable compensation that is earned based on company and individual performance.

The final compensation will be determined by a number of factors such as qualifications, expertise, and the candidate’s geographical location.

Why OpenGov?

A Mission That Matters.

At OpenGov, public service is personal. We are passionate about our mission to power more effective and accountable government. Government that operates efficiently, adapts to change, and strengthens public trust. Some people say this is boring. We think it’s the core of our democracy.

Opportunity to Innovate

The next great wave of innovation is unfolding with AI, and it will impact everything—from the way we work to the way governments interact with their residents. Join a trusted team with the passion, technology, and expertise to drive innovation and bring AI to local government. We’ve touched 2,000 communities so far, and we’re just getting started.

A Team of Passionate, Driven People

This isn’t your typical 9-to-5 job; we operate in a fast-paced, results-driven environment where impact matters more than simply clocking in and out. Our global team of 800 employees is united in our commitment to challenge the status quo. OpenGov is headquartered in San Francisco and has offices in Atlanta, Boston, Buenos Aires, Chicago, Dubuque, Plano, and Pune.

A Place to Make Your Mark

We pride ourselves on our performance-based culture, where every employee is encouraged to jump in head-first and take action to help us improve. If you have a great idea, we want to hear it. Excellent performance is recognized and rewarded, and we love to promote from within.