Human Resources Director

The American Library Association (ALA) is seeking an experienced Director of Human Resources to lead its HR team, oversee Association-wide HR policies and practices, and help shape a workplace where employees can thrive. Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer, the Director will serve as a trusted partner to employees, managers, and senior leadership, providing strategic guidance on evolving workforce needs. As ALA’s primary HR liaison with union representatives, the Director will foster constructive labor relations and support a fair, consistent, and effective workplace for both union and nonunion staff.

• Developing and guiding HR policies and practices to ensure consistent, equitable application and alignment with employment laws and the collective bargaining agreement.
• Leading labor relations, including contract interpretation and administration, labor-management meetings, grievances, and support for collective bargaining in coordination with labor counsel.
• Guiding the resolution of employee relations matters, including complaints, workplace investigations, coaching, progressive discipline, and separations; coordinating with employment counsel as appropriate.
• Providing strategic direction for compensation and benefits, including collectively bargained provisions, to support competitive, equitable programs and organizational goals.
• Establishing equitable recruitment, selection, placement, promotion, and transfer practices that comply with applicable collective bargaining provisions.
• Advancing organizational development, employee learning, and manager training in performance management, employee relations, and contract administration.
• Ensuring effective HRIS operations, system security, accurate reporting, and data integrity, including the maintenance of employment records and employee status changes.
• Overseeing HR communications to keep employees and managers informed about policies, benefits, workplace expectations, and collectively bargained programs or changes.
• Maintaining employment compliance and ensuring timely completion of required filings, including EEO-1, ACA reporting, and Form 5500, and distribution of required employee notices.
• Leading staff development and establishing training programs that strengthen employee skills, support manager effectiveness, and address organizational needs.
• Developing employee orientation to introduce new staff to ALA’s mission, culture, policies, and workplace practices.
• Supervising, developing, and evaluating HR staff; developing and administering the HR budget and monitoring departmental expenses.
• Advising the CFO and senior leadership on significant HR and labor matters and collaborating with Finance, legal counsel, benefit providers, and external consultants.

This is a regular full-time position based in our Chicago office.

ALA staff are currently working on a hybrid schedule. Please note that although we have a generous telecommuting policy for our employees, we do not have fully remote positions outside of our workplace sites.

All offers of employment are contingent upon satisfactory completion of a background check and proof of eligibility to work in the United States.

Starting salary is negotiable from $120k based on relevant experience. ALA offers an excellent benefits package that includes flexible work schedules, medical and dental coverage, generous paid time off, retirement annuity, and a 35-hour work week. You may also qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF).

• Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible human resources experience.
• Minimum of five years of experience as a senior human resources executive in a union-based environment.
• Master’s degree in Human…