Position Type:
City Manager`s Office/Director Human Resources
Date Posted:
7/17/2026
Location:
New Civic Center
Director of Human Resources
City of Evanston, Illinois
Salary: $155,507 - $233,261
The City of Evanston is seeking an experienced, strategic, and collaborative human resources leader to serve as its next Director of Human Resources.
Located along the shores of Lake Michigan, immediately north of Chicago, Evanston is a vibrant, diverse, and progressive community of approximately 78,000 residents. Home to Northwestern University and recognized for its commitment to innovation, equity, and public service, Evanston offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact within a highly engaged municipal organization.
Reporting directly to the City Manager, the Director of Human Resources serves as a key member of the City's executive leadership team and provides strategic direction for all human resources functions. The Director oversees talent acquisition, employee and labor relations, collective bargaining administration, classification and compensation, employee benefits, workers' compensation, timekeeping and leave administration, wellness initiatives, organizational development, human resources information systems (HRIS), workforce planning, and regulatory compliance. Leading a dedicated HR team, the Director partners with City leadership to attract, develop, and retain a high-performing workforce while fostering a culture of accountability, engagement, innovation, and exceptional public service.
Why Evanston?
This position offers a rare opportunity to make a visible and lasting impact on an organization that values innovation, public service, and continuous improvement. The next Director will have a unique opportunity to build upon the strengths of an experienced HR team while advancing initiatives that enhance organizational effectiveness, employee engagement, and service excellence across the City.
This role offers the opportunity to:
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Serve as a trusted advisor to the City Manager and executive leadership team.
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Lead innovative recruitment, retention, and workforce development initiatives in a competitive labor market.
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Foster productive labor-management relationships across multiple bargaining units.
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Oversee the City's employee benefits, wellness, and workers' compensation programs, balancing employee well-being, fiscal stewardship, and risk management.
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Modernize HR systems, processes, and service delivery models to improve organizational effectiveness.
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Influence policies and practices that strengthen organizational culture and employee engagement.
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Build organizational capacity that will support the City for years to come.
Strategic Priorities for the Next Director
The City is seeking a leader who is energized by the opportunity to strengthen and modernize a well-established human resources function while building on the expertise and dedication of an experienced HR team.
During the first 12 to 24 months, the next Director will have the opportunity to:
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Establish a shared vision, clear priorities, and consistent service standards across all HR functions.
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Strengthen collaboration, communication, and accountability within the Human Resources team to ensure a seamless customer experience for departments and employes.
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Develop and document key HR processes and operating procedures to promote consistency, efficiency, knowledge transfer, and organizational resilience.
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Enhance onboarding, training, and professional development programs for HR staff, supervisors, and employees.
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Continue modernizing HR technology, workflows, and service delivery practices.
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Partner closely with departments to better understand operational needs and deliver responsive, customer-focused HR solutions.
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Advance recruitment, retention, succession planning, employee engagement, and workforce development initiatives that position the City for future success.
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Success in this role will be measured not only by what gets accomplished, but by the systems, relationships, and culture established to sustain excellence long into the future.
Qualifications
Qualified candidates will possess:
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A bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Public Administration, Business Administration, or a related field. A master's degree is preferred.
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Eight or more years of progressively responsible human resources leadership experience.
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Demonstrated experience overseeing multiple HR disciplines, including labor relations, employee relations, recruitment, compensation and classification, benefits administration, workers' compensation, compliance, and organizational development.
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Strong knowledge of employment laws, labor relations practices, and modern human resources management principles.
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SHRM-SCP, SPHR, IPMA-SCP, or comparable professional certification is desirable.
Municipal or other public-sector experience is highly desirable; however, candidates from similarly complex organizations are encouraged to apply.
Compensation and Benefits
The anticipated salary range is $155,507 to $233,261, with placement dependent upon qualifications and experience, and in most cases is no higher than the midpoint of the range.
The City offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes health, dental, vision, life insurance, retirement benefits, paid leave, employee wellness programs, and professional development opportunities.
Join Our Team
Great communities are built by great employees. The City of Evanston seeks a leader who understands the critical role Human Resources plays in attracting talent, developing people, supporting employees, and strengthening organizational performance.
If you are a collaborative and forward-thinking leader who is passionate about public services and excited by the opportunity to build systems, develop people, and create lasting organizational impact, we invite you to explore this exceptional opportunity.
Electronic submissions are required. To apply for this position, please apply online at www.cityofevanston.org . The position will remain open until filled; however, candidates are strongly encouraged to apply by the first review date of August 3, 2026 for optimal consideration.
Chosen candidates will be required to provide proof of licenses, certifications, and education required for this position. Candidates will also be subject to qualifying pre-employment processes, including medical examination, drug/alcohol screen, employment verification, and criminal background check.
The City of Evanston is an equal opportunity employer and ensures against discrimination in employment on the basis of a person's race, color, sex, age, religion, disability, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, military discharge status, source of income, housing status, or gender identity. The City of Evanston is also committed to accessibility for persons with disabilities. Any person needing mobility or communications access assistance should contact Human Resources at 847-448-8204 (voice) or 847-866-5095 (TTY).
