HR Compliance Manager

Please note that Jackson Walker is not currently accepting search firm submissions in connection with this opening.

Department: Human Resources

Reports To: Chief Human Resources Officer

Location: This role can sit in any of Jackson Walker's office locations. (Dallas / Austin / Houston / San Antonio / Fort Worth)

FLSA: Exempt

The Compliance Manager is responsible for overseeing Jackson Walker's firmwide leave of absence programs and ensuring compliance with applicable federal, state, and local employment laws and Firm policies. This role serves as the subject‑matter expert for leave administration, working closely with employees, managers, and HR leadership to deliver a consistent, compliant, and employee‑centered leave experience.

Reporting directly to the Chief Human Resources Officer, this position plays a critical role in managing regulatory compliance, mitigating risk, and supporting the Firm's commitment to operational excellence and employee well‑being.

• Administer all firmwide leave programs, including but not limited to FMLA, ADA accommodations, short‑term disability, parental leave, secondary leaves, military leave, and applicable state and local leave programs.
• Partner with the Benefits Department on long‑term disability administration.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for employees and managers regarding leave eligibility, processes, timelines, and documentation requirements.
• Review and assess leave requests, determine eligibility, and ensure appropriate documentation is obtained and maintained.
• Track leave usage, manage return‑to‑work processes, and coordinate transitional or accommodation needs as applicable.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws related to leave, accommodations, and wage and hour considerations as they intersect with leave administration.
• Monitor legislative and regulatory changes impacting leave administration and recommend policy or process updates as needed.
• Maintain accurate records and documentation to support compliance, audits, and internal reviews.
• Partner with HR leadership to address complex leave situations and mitigate potential exposure.
• Coordinate and manage pre‑employment background checks through RAI (vendor).
• Work with PG Leaders to run client‑driven background checks.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local laws (e.g., FCRA) governing background screening.
• Maintain accurate records and documentation of all background check processes.
• Communicate results to HR; elevate to leadership if needed.

• Develop, implement, and maintain HR compliance policies and procedures aligned with federal, state, and local regulations.
• Monitor legislative and regulatory changes; advise leadership on necessary updates.
• Conduct regular audits of HR processes (e.g., onboarding, payroll, benefits, employee relations) to ensure compliance.
• Oversee compliance with EEOC, ADA, FMLA, wage and hour laws, and other employment regulations.
• Provide training and guidance to HR staff and managers on compliance topics and best practices.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws related to leave, accommodations, and wage and hour consideration as they intersect with leave administration.
• Monitor legislative and regulatory changes impacting leave administration and recommend policy or process updates as needed.
• Maintain accurate records and documentation to support compliance, audits, and internal reviews.
• Partner with HR leadership to address complex leave situations and mitigate potential exposure.
• Answer questionnaires and survey questions related to HR policies.

• Develop, review, and maintain leave‑related policies, procedures, and employee communications.
• Create standardized tools, templates, and workflows to ensure consistent application of leave practices across the Firm.
• Identify opportunities to streamline leave administration processes and improve the employee experience through automation or system enhancements.
• Support HRIS system configuration related to leave tracking…