Director of Human Resources

Director of Human Resources Hybrid – 4 days in office, 1 remote Atlanta Legal Aid Society (“Legal Aid”) seeks a mission-driven Director of Human Resources to partner with senior leadership and support the people who carry out our work serving low-income communities across metro Atlanta. Founded in 1924, Legal Aid is a nonprofit law firm providing free civil legal services to individuals and families facing critical issues such as housing instability, family violence, access to public benefits, education rights, and healthcare. Our team of approximately 150 staff across five counties (Clayton, Cobb, DeKalb, Fulton, and Gwinnett) works every day to ensure equal access to justice. As we approach our centennial and continue expanding our impact, we are seeking an HR leader who brings both strong operational expertise and a deep appreciation for service-oriented work. The ideal candidate thrives in a collaborative environment, values compassion and equity, and enjoys working closely with staff and leadership to support a mission-driven organization. This role is well suited for an HR professional who is comfortable working in a small or lean HR environment, partnering closely with leadership while remaining hands-on across the full range of HR functions. The Director of Human Resources reports to the Executive Director and Deputy Director and serves as a trusted advisor to leadership and managers across the organization. Key Responsibilities • Provide strategic leadership and oversight of all human resources functions, aligning people strategies with Legal Aid’s mission and long-term goals • Lead HR initiatives related to talent acquisition, retention, employee relations, performance management, compensation and benefits, training, and compliance • Serve as a trusted advisor to leadership and managers on employee relations, workplace culture, and organizational development • Foster a supportive, inclusive, and collaborative workplace culture that reflects the organization’s commitment to equity and service • Develop and implement HR policies, procedures, and programs that support staff and organizational effectiveness • Lead workforce planning and organizational development initiatives while balancing operational needs with nonprofit fiscal stewardship • Provide coaching, guidance, and training to managers on employment matters and effective staff management • Oversee HR systems and operations, using workforce data to inform decision-making and improve HR processes • Partner closely with the Finance team to ensure payroll and time/attendance processes run smoothly • Support staff engagement and wellness initiatives in collaboration with the staff wellness committee • Periodically visit Legal Aid offices and programs throughout the five-county service area Requirements Qualifications • Bachelor’s degree required • Minimum seven (7) years of progressive Human Resources experience, including leadership or strategic HR responsibilities • Experience working in a nonprofit, legal services, social services, or other mission-driven organization strongly preferred • Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a small or lean HR environment where the HR leader may serve as the primary HR professional or part of a small team • Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to approach sensitive situations with empathy, discretion, and sound judgment • Experience supporting staff who work in client-facing or service-oriented environments is highly valued • Strong conflict resolution and employee relations experience • Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion • Working knowledge of federal and state employment laws and HR best practices • Excellent written and verbal communication skills • Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple responsibilities • Membership in SHRM or another HR professional organization and HR certifications (e.g., SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR) are highly valued • Proficiency with Google Workspace and HRIS/payroll platforms such as Paylocity or similar systems • Willingness to work in the office an average of four (4) days per week Selected candidates will be asked to submit a full application packet during the interview process including: • Letter of interest • Resume • Recent writing sample • Official college transcripts • Professional references 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.