Description
Director of Human Resources
Washington, DC | In-office, five days per week
Salary Range: $140,000 – $160,000 annually. Compensation will be based on experience, qualifications, and internal equity.
Kiernan Trebach, a mid-sized law firm based in Washington, DC with offices throughout the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, and Southeast regions of the United States, is seeking an experienced Director of Human Resources to lead and strengthen the firm’s people operations across multiple offices. Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer, this is a hands-on role for an HR leader who enjoys building structure, improving systems, and partnering closely with senior leadership in a professional services environment.
Success in this role requires sound judgment, creativity, and a solutions-oriented approach to employee engagement. The firm is seeking a practitioner with deep knowledge of HR practice and employment law, supported by formal education and professional certification, who can apply that expertise thoughtfully and pragmatically in support of a healthy and strong professional workplace culture.
Key Responsibilities
- Advise firm leadership on HR strategy, workforce planning, and organizational effectiveness.
- Provide HR leadership and operational support across multiple firm offices, ensuring consistent practices while responding to local business needs and jurisdictional requirements.
- Oversee HR operations including payroll, benefits administration, employee relations, performance management, and compliance.
- Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws, including multi-jurisdictional requirements.
- Supervise one HR professional and provide leadership, coaching, and accountability.
- Oversee recruiting for attorneys and professional staff.
- Guide the development and maintenance of HR policies, procedures, and employee handbooks.
- Evaluate and improve HR systems and processes in partnership with Finance and IT.
- Manage sensitive employee matters with discretion and sound judgment.
Additional Information
This position is eligible for the firm’s employee benefits programs, including health insurance, subject to plan terms and eligibility requirements. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of background and reference checks, consistent with applicable law.
Kiernan Trebach is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, marital status, genetic information, or any other status protected by law. This job posting is not intended to be all-inclusive; additional responsibilities may be assigned as business needs evolve.
Applications must include a cover letter expressing interest and compensation expectations with a resume. This search is being conducted by nnkAdvisory, a Human Resources consultancy. Candidates whose qualifications most closely align with the role will be contacted.
Requirements
Qualifications
- At least five (5) years of progressive HR management experience.
- Experience in professional services or similarly complex organizations.
- Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.
- Professional HR certification required (SHRM or HRCI).
