Senior Director, HR Operations - Hybrid Chicago Loop Office

Job Summary

Join the NORC People Department at the University of Chicago as our newest Senior Director of Operations. NORC People serves as the organization’s Human Resources function, focused on enabling business success through strategic talent, culture, and workforce initiatives. The Senior Director of HR Operations is a strategic leader responsible for overseeing core HR operational functions, including Compensation, Benefits, HRIS, Employee Relations, and HR Compliance.

This role leads a team of experienced directors and managers, ensuring operational excellence, cross‑functional alignment, and successful execution of enterprise‑wide initiatives.

This is a hybrid role based in our Chicago Loop office (300

E. Randolph), with a minimum of eight days a month in the office.

• Lead, coach, and develop a team overseeing Compensation, Benefits, HRIS, Employee Relations, and Compliance functions.
• Provide leadership oversight across HR operations, including:
  • Compensation programs and annual planning cycles
  • Benefits administration and vendor management
  • HR systems, data integrity, and reporting
  • Employee relations practices and risk mitigation
  • HR compliance, audits, and policy administration (while empowering functional leaders to serve as technical subject matter experts)
• Drive organization‑wide HR initiatives and cross‑functional projects, ensuring timely execution, stakeholder alignment, and successful outcomes.
• Partner with HR and business leadership to improve operational efficiency, scalability, and service delivery.
• Develop and maintain operational processes, governance structures, and service standards to drive HR excellence.
• Lead organizational change management efforts related to HR programs, systems, policies, and operational improvements.
• Provide clear, transparent communication across all levels of the organization, including senior leadership, managers, and employees.
• Provide guidance on employee relations matters, supporting a positive, respectful, and compliant workplace.
• Collaborate with Finance, Legal, IT, and other business units to support strategic priorities.
• Monitor HR operational performance metrics and identify opportunities for continuous improvement, including leveraging artificial intelligence where appropriate.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable employment laws, regulations, and internal policies.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to senior leadership on HR operational strategy, organizational effectiveness, and workforce initiatives.

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field required.
• Advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive HR leadership experience, including leading large HR operations or shared services functions.
• Proven success managing and developing senior‑level HR leaders and multi‑disciplinary teams.
• At least 7 years of supervisory experience managing high‑performing teams across multiple levels.
• Strong experience leading enterprise projects, operational improvements, and organizational change initiatives.
• Experience designing, implementing, and auditing HR policies and procedures.
• Demonstrated experience leading complex employee relations strategies, including:
  • Risk mitigation and investigations
  • Oversight of harassment, discrimination, retaliation, or misconduct cases
• Deep knowledge of federal, state, and local employment laws.
• Strong business acumen and strategic thinking capabilities.
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills, with the ability to translate complex HR concepts for diverse audiences.
• Strong executive presence and influencing skills.
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced, complex environment.
• Highly organized with exceptional project and program management capabilities.
• Collaborative leadership style emphasizing empowerment and accountability.
• Ability to navigate ambiguity and drive clarity across teams.
• Data‑driven mindset with a focus on operational excellence and continuous improvement.
• Ability to align HR operations with broader business objectives.
• Familiarity with HR technology ecosystems and enterprise HR systems.