Role Overview for VP Talent & Organizational Development – Chicago, IL
JRG Partners is proud to partner with a forward-thinking, high-growth industry leader in their search for a Vice President of Talent & Organizational Development. Based in their dynamic Chicago, IL headquarters, this executive will serve as a pivotal member of the senior leadership team, reporting directly to the Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO). This is not merely a leadership role; it is a strategic imperative. We are seeking a transformative leader who will architect and execute a comprehensive, future-focused talent strategy that aligns directly with the company’s ambitious business objectives and long-term vision. The ideal candidate is a visionary, a strategist, and a hands-on executor who understands that an organization’s most valuable asset is its people. You will be the chief architect of a world-class employee experience, from talent acquisition and onboarding to leadership development, succession planning, and fostering a culture of high performance, inclusivity, and continuous learning. This executive will be instrumental in shaping the future of the organization by ensuring it has the right people, with the right skills, in the right roles, at the right time. You will be a trusted advisor to the C-suite, providing data-driven insights and expert counsel on all matters related to human capital. Your influence will be felt across every department and at every level of the organization as you champion initiatives that enhance organizational effectiveness, drive employee engagement, and build a robust leadership pipeline to fuel sustainable growth. This role requires a unique blend of strategic acumen, operational excellence, and a deep, empathetic understanding of human behavior and organizational dynamics. If you are passionate about building exceptional teams and creating an environment where talent can thrive, we invite you to explore this career-defining opportunity.
Key Responsibilities of VP Talent & Organizational Development – Chicago, IL
The Vice President of Talent & Organizational Development will have a broad and impactful scope of responsibilities, focusing on the strategic and operational aspects of building a high-performing organization. Success in this role will be measured by the ability to create and sustain scalable programs that attract, develop, and retain top-tier talent.
Strategic Talent Leadership
Collaborate with the executive team to develop and implement a holistic talent and organizational strategy. Translate business goals into actionable human capital initiatives, ensuring all programs support the company’s growth trajectory. Serve as the primary thought leader on talent management, organizational design, and company culture.
Organizational Development & Effectiveness
Lead large-scale organizational design and change management initiatives. Diagnose organizational needs and develop targeted interventions to improve team effectiveness, communication, and collaboration. Implement and refine performance management systems that drive accountability, foster continuous feedback, and support career development.
Leadership & High-Potential Development
Design, implement, and oversee comprehensive leadership development programs for all levels, from emerging leaders to senior executives. Identify high-potential employees and create robust succession plans for critical roles, ensuring a strong pipeline of future leaders. Utilize assessments, coaching, and experiential learning to accelerate development.
Talent Acquisition Strategy
Partner with the Head of Talent Acquisition to evolve the company’s recruitment strategy, focusing on employer branding, diverse sourcing channels, and an exceptional candidate experience. Provide strategic oversight to ensure the attraction and hiring of diverse, high-caliber talent that aligns with the company’s culture and values.
Learning & Development (L&D)
Champion a culture of continuous learning and professional growth. Oversee the creation and delivery of innovative L&D programs that enhance employee skills and capabilities. This includes developing robust leadership competency models to guide curriculum development and career pathing.
Culture, Engagement, and DEI
Act as the primary steward of the company’s culture. Develop and execute strategies to measure and enhance employee engagement, morale, and retention. Champion Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, embedding DEI principles into all talent processes and fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace where every employee feels a sense of belonging.
HR Analytics and Technology
Leverage data and analytics to provide insights into talent trends, program effectiveness, and workforce planning. Make data-driven recommendations to senior leadership. Oversee the optimization of HR technology systems (HRIS, LMS, ATS) to improve efficiency and the overall employee experience.
Team Leadership and Mentorship
Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of HR professionals across Talent Management, L&D, and Organizational Development. Foster a collaborative and innovative team environment, providing guidance and professional growth opportunities for your direct reports.
Requirements for the VP Talent & Organizational Development – Chicago, IL
We are seeking a seasoned and sophisticated HR leader with a proven track record of building and scaling talent functions in complex, dynamic environments. The successful candidate will possess the following qualifications:
Educational Background
A Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Organizational Psychology, or a related field is required. A Master’s degree (MBA, MS in HR, or similar) is strongly preferred.
Professional Experience
A minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in Human Resources, with at least 7 years in a senior leadership capacity overseeing multiple functions such as Talent Management, Organizational Development, and Learning & Development.
Strategic Acumen
Demonstrated ability to think strategically and translate business needs into effective talent strategies. Experience acting as a trusted advisor and business partner to executive-level leadership.
Leadership and Influence
Proven experience leading and inspiring a team of HR professionals. Exceptional executive presence, communication, and interpersonal skills with the ability to influence and build credibility at all levels of an organization.
Change Management Expertise
Deep experience leading organizations through significant change, including mergers, acquisitions, rapid growth, or cultural transformation. A strong command of change management principles and methodologies is essential.
Data-Driven Mindset
Strong analytical skills and experience using HR metrics and data to inform decisions, measure program effectiveness, and tell a compelling story about talent.
DEI Commitment
A demonstrated passion for and experience in driving meaningful Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives that result in a more diverse and inclusive workforce.
Industry Knowledge
Experience in a fast-paced, matrixed organization is highly desirable. Must have a deep understanding of current HR best practices, employment law, and emerging trends in talent management.
Certifications
Professional certifications such as SHRM-SCP, SPHR, or certifications in coaching or organizational development are highly valued.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client is committed to investing in their employees and offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package designed to support their well-being and professional growth. This includes:
Competitive Compensation
A highly competitive base salary, annual bonus potential, and long-term equity incentives.
Comprehensive Health & Wellness
Medical, dental, and vision insurance with multiple plan options to suit your needs. Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) options. Access to mental health resources and wellness programs.
Retirement Planning
A robust 401(k) plan with a generous company match to help you plan for your future.
Generous Paid Time Off
A flexible and generous paid time off (PTO) policy, including vacation, sick days, and company-paid holidays.
Parental Leave
Comprehensive paid parental leave for new parents to support their families.
Professional Development
A dedicated budget for continuous learning, including conferences, certifications, and further education.
Commuter Benefits
Pre-tax benefits for public transportation and parking for our Chicago-based team.
Flexible Work Environment
A hybrid work model that blends in-office collaboration with remote flexibility.
How to Apply
JRG Partners is leading the exclusive search for this critical leadership role. If you are a visionary HR leader ready to make a significant impact on a thriving organization, we encourage you to apply. To be considered for this opportunity, please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your relevant experience. For more information on our expertise in this area, please visit our Human Resources Executive Search practice area. We look forward to reviewing your application. Our client is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
