Chief Human Resources Officer

Vaco has partnered with a client in downtown Indianapolis to fill a Chief Human Resources Officer position. This is a hybrid position.

As a pivotal member of the senior leadership team, the Chief Human Resources Officer will collaborate closely with firm leadership to guide the overall Human Resources strategy, policies, and compliance efforts. This position ensures HR initiatives align with the organization’s mission, values, and long-term vision. The CHRO will also act as a key advisor on employment law issues. The ideal candidate will offer substantial expertise in labor and employment law, a forward-thinking approach, and a genuine commitment to cultivating an equitable and inclusive workplace.

Duties and Responsibilities :

Provide direct leadership to the human resources and benefits teams.

Serve as a direct report to the Chief Operating Officer and work closely with executive leadership.

Develop and implement HR strategies that advance the organization’s business priorities and growth objectives.

Advise senior leaders on talent strategy, organizational effectiveness, workforce planning, and best practices.

Draft, review, and update employment-related agreements, handbooks, policies, and procedures.

Oversee recruitment efforts for both legal professionals and administrative staff.

Create and manage onboarding programs, training initiatives, and professional development opportunities.

Lead succession planning efforts and establish career progression frameworks for key administrative roles.

Promote an inclusive, collaborative, and high-performing work environment.

Handle employee relations, conflict resolution, and engagement programs.

Design competitive compensation and benefits offerings tailored to the legal industry.

Ensure adherence to federal, state, and local employment regulations.

Manage performance evaluation processes and review cycles for legal personnel.

Maintain accurate HR documentation and protect employee data confidentiality and security.

Qualifications :

Bachelor’s degree in human resources, business administration, or a related field; advanced degree or JD preferred.

10+ years of progressively responsible HR leadership experience, ideally within a law firm or professional services organization.

Demonstrated success in driving strategic HR initiatives and navigating complex organizational change.

Deep understanding of employment law, compensation frameworks, and HR technologies.

Excellent interpersonal, communication, and leadership abilities.

Strong knowledge of federal and state employment regulations.

Ability to operate effectively both independently and as part of a fast-paced, collaborative team.

High ethical standards, sound judgment, and a commitment to integrity in all responsibilities.

Vaco by Highspring values a diverse workplace and strongly encourages women, people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, members of ethnic minorities, foreign-born residents, and veterans to apply.

EEO Notice

Vaco by Highspring is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race (including but not limited to traits historically associated with race such as hair texture and hair style), color, sex (includes pregnancy or related conditions), religion or creed, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, status as a veteran, union membership, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, political affiliation, or any other protected characteristics as required by federal, state or local law.

Vaco by Highspring and its parents, affiliates, and subsidiaries are committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, Vaco by Highspring and its parents, affiliates, and subsidiaries will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and / or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact HR@vaco.com .

Vaco by Highspring also wants all applicants to know their rights that workplace discrimination is illegal .

By submitting to this position, you agree that you will be giving Vaco by Highspring the exclusive right to present your as a candidate for the foregoing employment opportunity. You further agree that you have represented information about yourself accurately and have not affirmatively misrepresented your qualifications. You also agree to maintain as confidential, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any information you learn from Vaco by Highspring about the position and you will limit disclosure of information about the position only to the extent necessary to perform any obligations in furtherance of your application. In exchange, Vaco by Highspring agrees to exercise reasonable efforts to represent you through all solicitation, job screening and resume dispersal.

Privacy Notice

Vaco by Highspring and its parents, affiliates, and subsidiaries (“we,” “our,” or “Vaco by Highspring”) respects your privacy and are committed to providing transparent notice of our policies.

California residents may access Vaco by Highspring HR Notice at Collection for California Applicants and Employees here .

• Virginia residents may access our state specific policies here .
• Residents of all other states may access our policies here .
• Canadian residents may access our policies in English here and in French here .
• Residents of countries governed by GDPR may access our policies here .

Pay Transparency Notice

Determining compensation for this role (and others) at Vaco by Highspring depends upon a wide array of factors including but not limited to :

With that said, as required by local law, Vaco by Highspring believes that the following salary range referenced above reasonably estimates the base compensation for an individual hired into this position in geographies that require salary range disclosure. The individual may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses.