The American Bar Association (ABA) was founded on a commitment to advance the rule of law in the United States and beyond by providing practical resources for legal professionals, conducting law school accreditation, developing model ethics codes and more. Today, the ABA remains a member-based organization that works to ensure access to justice for all, a fair legal process, and respect for the rule of law at home and across the globe.

The ABA is committed to service and refining the standards that guide the legal profession. ABA staff are provided multiple types of continuing education and career development opportunities. Your work will help eliminate bias, enhance diversity, and advance the rule of law throughout the US and around the world.

The ABA recognizes the value staff contribute to our success through a generous benefits package that protects their health and their financial security. The ABA’s wide array of benefit offerings include 401(k), medical, dental, vision, flexible spending accounts, health spending accounts, supplemental life and disability insurance, prepaid legal programs, and a complimentary membership to the American Bar Association, which offers additional benefits.

Flexible/hybrid work arrangements may be available for residents of CA, DC, IL, IN, IA, MD, MI, MN, TX, VA, and WI. Residency requirements may apply. ABA employees are eligible to apply for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF).

Job Summary/General Purpose of Job

• Functions as the primary point of contact on Human Resources matters for an assigned region and/or area of responsibility. The Regional manager will lead the HR function for a project of the ABA, the South Texas Pro Bono Asylum Representation Project “ProBAR.” ProBAR’s Regional manager will lead a team of passionate HR professionals who serve a staff of 280 employees working in the field of immigration legal and advocacy services. The primary office is in Harlingen, Texas with a small field office in Houston.

Essential Job Functions and Responsibilities (listed in order of importance and/or time spent)

• Functions as the primary point of contact on Human Resources matters for an assigned region and/or area of responsibility.
• Provides leaders, managers, and staff with guidance on human resources policies, practices, and solutions.
• Provides sourcing, recruiting, and acquisition of senior-level and/or technical positions.
• May function as the primary contact for an assigned region’s employee relations and talent acquisition needs and escalates complex matters to the Deputy Director – Human Resources.
• Facilitates the interaction between regional department heads with ABA HR functional directors such as talent acquisition, employee relations, compensation, talent development, and benefits.
• At the direction of ABA Employee Relations, conducts preliminary investigations into policy violations, interviews appropriate parties, and prepares draft findings for consideration.
• Accountable for the entire talent acquisition life cycle for internal and external candidates. Provides delegated oversight for the deployment and contracting of contingent workers.
• Provides preliminary coaching and counseling to employees seeking career advice and collaborates with Talent Management team to create learning paths for future career advancement.
• May serve as primary point of contact for staff needing additional support related to vicarious trauma as part of their duties serving at-risk children and adults in immigration custody. Leads coordination of supplemental benefits of counseling services and additional wellness-related activities.
• Represents the ABA at job fairs, community development activities, and professional symposia and ensures that all contacts leave the recipients with a positive perspective of the Association and its missions.
• Facilitates the adoption and acceptance of the ABA’s diversity and inclusion goals, at the staff, member, and candidate levels.
• Ensures HR functions are carried out in alignment with ProBAR’s values and beliefs, Who We Are – ABA ProBAR.
• Drives diversity and challenges, where appropriate, hiring managers’ recommendation on hires.
• Provides business intelligence on talent acquisition and external pay practices, which may impact the Association’s ability to attract, train, and retain talented staff members.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Required Education, Qualifications, Experience

• Possession of a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
• At least six years human resources experience which must have included experience in one or more of the following areas: talent acquisition, compensation, benefits, employee/labor relations, talent development, and/or functioning as an HR generalist.
• At least three years’ experience in life cycle recruiting to include C-suite sourcing and recruiting.
• At least two years' supervisory responsibility for HR staff and / or projects.

Preferred Education, Qualifications, Experience

• Previous human resources experience in a not-for-profit, NGO, and/or association setting.
• Possession of one or more HR certifications provided through the Society for Human Resources Management and/or WorldatWork.
• Experience supporting staff working with marginalized populations or at-risk communities.
• Spanish language fluency - written and verbal.

Physical Requirements

• Typical office work environment.

Extent of Travel Required in the Job

• As a normal course of business, this job will typically require travel of up to 15% of the time.

The American Bar Association is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer of all protected classes including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Women, minorities, veterans, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADAAA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position with the American Bar Association, please call 312-988-5188.