| Position Overview Varnum LLP, a Michigan-based, full-service law firm with over 200 attorneys and six offices, has an opening for a Senior Director of Talent in our Grand Rapids office, directly overseeing the Director of Human Resources and Director of Attorney Recruiting and Professional Development. This position plays a key leadership role in shaping the firm’s future by attracting, developing, and retaining exceptional legal and professional talent. Reporting to firm leadership, this individual provides strategic direction and oversight for all aspects of the firm’s people operations, including attorney and staff recruiting, professional development, employee engagement, retention, and benefits. The Senior Director of Talent will ensure alignment and collaboration across all talent functions, and partner closely with firm leadership to design and implement initiatives that strengthen the firm’s culture, support growth, and align the firm’s people strategy with its overall business objectives. The position blends strategic vision with hands-on leadership—ideal for a dynamic professional who thrives in a collegial law firm environment.
Key Responsibilities Leadership & Strategy - Serve as a key advisor to firm leadership on all talent-related strategies, workforce planning, and organizational development.
- Oversee the Directors of Human Resources and Attorney Recruiting & Professional Development, ensuring coordination, consistency, and excellence across all people initiatives.
- Lead and develop the broader talent, HR, and recruiting teams to deliver best-in-class support to attorneys and staff.
- Use data and analytics to identify trends, measure progress, and inform strategic decision-making.
- Represent the firm at recruiting, professional development, and industry events to enhance its visibility as an employer of choice.
Recruitment & Hiring - Develop and oversee comprehensive recruiting strategies for attorneys (lateral, entry-level, and summer associates) and professional staff.
- Partner with practice group leaders, hiring partners, and department heads to assess talent needs and ensure optimal staffing.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with law schools, recruiters, and professional associations to attract top-tier candidates.
- Ensure a seamless and inclusive candidate experience from outreach through onboarding and integration.
- Oversee recruitment budgets, metrics, and performance reporting to support data-driven decisions.
Professional Development & Retention - Collaborate with firm leadership and practice group leaders to design and implement professional development, mentorship, and training programs that promote career growth for attorneys and staff.
- Drive attorney and staff retention strategies, including career pathing, recognition programs, and engagement initiatives.
- Support succession planning, internal mobility, and advancement opportunities across all levels of the firm.
Staff Management, Employee Relations & Engagement - Provide strategic oversight of employee relations and ensure a positive, productive, and inclusive workplace culture.
- Guide and support the Director of Human Resources in managing staff performance, employee relations matters, compliance with employment laws and policies, and benefits.
- Partner with Director of Human resources to design initiatives that promote staff engagement, well-being, and retention.
- Function as a trusted advisor to attorneys and staff on sensitive personnel matters, conflict resolution, and policy interpretation.
Performance Management & Compensation - Oversee consistent and transparent evaluation and review processes for all attorneys and staff.
- Partner with firm leadership to align performance metrics, promotion criteria, and compensation structures with the firm’s strategic goals and values.
- Monitor market compensation, benefit trends, and make recommendations to maintain competitive positioning.
Culture, Inclusion & Collaboration - Collaborate with firm committees and leadership to strengthen the firm’s culture of respect, inclusion, and collaboration to deliver the best possible service to our clients and each other.
- Lead firmwide engagement and communication initiatives that enhance connection and alignment.
- Support and advance the firm’s diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) objectives through intentional programs, policies, and partnerships.
Qualifications - Experience: 7–15 years of progressive experience in talent management, legal recruiting, professional development, or human resources within a law firm or professional services environment. Prior leadership experience overseeing multiple functional teams strongly preferred.
- Education: Juris Doctor (J.D.) preferred; bachelor’s degree required.
- Skills and Attributes:
- Proven leadership and strategic planning abilities.
- Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills across all levels of the organization.
- Excellent judgment, discretion, and emotional intelligence.
- Ability to balance high-level strategic thinking with hands-on execution.
- Commitment to fostering inclusion, collaboration, and professional growth for all firm members.
Job ID: 256
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