ABOUT US:

Illinois Action for Children (“IAFC”), a local, state and national leader in the early childhood care and education sector for over 50 years. IAFC programs, services, and advocacy improve learning and life outcomes for children and families, including reducing the effects of poverty. IAFC works to ensure that every child in Illinois – particularly those in need – have access to the necessary resources to succeed in school and in life.

Along with our mission, IAFC is committed to building and maintaining a diverse, equitable, inclusive, and anti-racist culture. We are dedicated to this pledge through our hiring practices and our focus on creating a culture and environment where diverse perspectives, ideas, and identities are valued and integrated into our way of working and servicing our staff and clients. IAFC staff represent a wide diversity of racial, socio-economic, gender, religious, and national identities. We welcome all applicants who share our mission and vision to join us in our essential work.

SUMMARY:

Under the direction of the Assistant Director, Human Resources, the HR Generalist is responsible for coordinating Human Resources initiatives related to staffing, and benefits, as well as assisting the Assistant Director and Vice President, Human Resources, with a variety of human resource related activities which will include recruitment and employee relations work. The Generalist will coordinate HR’s compliance efforts and assist in ensuring that policies, procedures and programs are implemented consistently across all departments. All work to be completed with minimum supervision and in accordance with organizational standards.

This incumbent will be expected to promote and adhere to the workplace core capabilities of: accountability, customer focus, continuous quality improvement (CQI), communication, competent people and clear priorities. All work to be completed with minimum supervision and in accordance with organizational standards.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include but are not limited to the following. The company reserves the right to add to, delete, change or modify the essential duties and responsibilities at any time.

1. Benefits/Compliance: Coordinate required benefits compliance reporting accurately and in a timely manner including data gathering, proofing, review and submission of various annual reports including, but not limited to: EEO-1, VETS, and OSHA reporting. Research and review various Human Resources processes to ensure compliance with current and any new federal, state, and local laws and regulations. Provide recommendations for compliance with all laws and regulations.

1. HR/Departmental: Coordinate special projects by preparing and maintaining project plans, addressing project challenges and ensuring project tasks are completed on time. Own the HR Scorecard; request data from each HR functional area; and prepare quarterly and yearly scorecard summaries. Recommend ideas or changes, based on noted trends.
2. Recruiting: When needed, work with management and supervisors to identify staffing needs, job specifications, and job responsibilities. Recruit, interview, test, and recommend candidates to fill vacant positions. Monitor the requisition, posting the position and actively recruiting for qualified candidates.
3. Training and Development: Schedule and conduct new hire orientations. When needed, work with Assistant Director, Training and Development, on training sessions covering specified topics for new and current employee training including topics such as: customer service, new and current policies/procedures training and other trainings assigned. Assist with updating materials for accuracy and to increase learning.
4. Employee Relations: Take an active role in understanding the business and employee issues as it relates to IAFC programs. Build relationships across the organization to deliver value-added service to management and employees. Consult on inquiries regarding policies, procedures, and programs. Recommend new approaches, policies and procedures to continually improve efficiency of the department and services performed. Participate in employee meetings and attends other meetings and seminars.
5. Respond to employee concerns and questions by referring the employee to the appropriate resource including PowerDMS for policies. In all interactions, is cognizant of maintaining the highest ethics and trust to ensure credibility of the position and Human Resources.
6. Provide excellent attention to detail and follow through. Provide strong administrative and/or technical support to the team as needed. Demonstrate ability to discreetly handle highly sensitive and confidential matters. Independently work on multiple tasks effectively in support of department.
7. Execute our workplace core capabilities of: accountability, customer focus, continuous quality improvement (CQI), communication, competent people and clear priorities.
8. Independently work on multiple tasks effectively in support of department.
9. Other Functions: The organization may assign other functions to the job at its discretion.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

Bachelor’s degree and 2-3 years experience in Business, with an Human Resources concentration, or as a Human Resources Generalist is required. Previous experience working with an HRIS system (ADP) is highly desired. Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills. Ability to communicate with courtesy and diplomacy, efficiently follow written and verbal instructions, provide information, and maintain effective relationships with staff, management and outside contacts.

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Understanding of employee relations and employment law required. Ability to provide internal consulting to Management. Ability to weigh the need for confidentiality and the need-to-know as it relates to communication of information.
• Strong communications skills: verbal and writing.
• Detail-oriented with the ability to multi-task.
• Ability to use good judgment in handling difficult situation.

Benefits of Working at IAFC:

• Working with passionate team members that are driven by our Mission: Illinois Action for Children is a catalyst for organizing, developing, and supporting strong families and powerful communities where children matter most.
• We strive to foster and implement a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion across our organization. We know it is not only critical to the success of diversity initiatives - but instrumental in creating an unbiased and inclusive workplace! It not only relates to the diverse clients we serve but also creates a positive employee experience.
• We offer an extensive benefits package that adds value to your total compensation. Our benefits include:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance plans with a company contribution of 95% for single coverage
• 401k with company match
• Generous PTO – first year-23 days, the second year-28 days, the third year and on - 35 days
• 11 Paid Holidays and 1 Floating Holiday
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Flexible Spending Account
• STD & LTD insurance
• Company-paid Life Insurance

Salary: $58,300 (annualized) based on background and experience

Location: Chicago, Uptown - hybrid

Illinois Action for Children is EEO/M/F/V/D employer

While we desire for this job posting to be comprehensive, all aspects of the position may be amended at any time at the discretion of IAFC including job duties, work location and/or work schedule.