Human Resources Generalist

HR Generalist – Shape the Future of Publishing at Sourcebooks

Are you a strategic HR partner with a passion for people, process, and purpose? Do you light up at the intersection of culture, data, and creativity? If so, your next chapter starts here.

Sourcebooks, one of the country’s fastest-growing and most innovative independent publishers, is looking for an exceptional HR Generalist to join our dynamic team. If you thrive in a collaborative, fast-paced environment, love working with data and systems (especially HRIS), and are eager to help shape a modern, inclusive workplace—we want to meet you.

This is your chance to step into a high-impact role where your work won’t just support employees—it will help reimagine the future of work in publishing.

Why This Role Is a Game-Changer

As an HR Generalist at Sourcebooks, you’ll be at the center of it all—driving key HR programs, optimizing processes, and helping craft an outstanding employee experience. Reporting to the Senior HR Director, you’ll own and support critical areas such as HRIS (ADP), onboarding, benefits, employee engagement, and compliance You’ll also play a vital role in supporting a hybrid/remote workforce and enhancing our culture of creativity, inclusivity, and continuous improvement.

This hybrid position is based in Naperville, IL (3 days in-office, 2 days remote) and offers a salary of $60,000–$75,000, commensurate with experience.

What You’ll Own & Elevate

• Optimize HRIS (ADP preferred): Manage and continuously improve system performance to ensure data integrity, process efficiency, and a stellar user experience.
• Deliver Exceptional HR Programs: Administer onboarding, benefits, leaves, performance management, and recognition with both care and consistency.
• Streamline Processes: Develop smart, scalable HR solutions—manual and automated—that empower better decision-making and faster reporting.
• Drive Talent Acquisition Support: Partner with our Associate Director of Talent Acquisition to coordinate interviews, attend career fairs, and nurture early career pipelines through campus partnerships.
• Engage Our People: Collaborate on planning and executing team-building and culture-boosting activities that connect, inspire, and celebrate.
• Partner on Employee Relations: Provide thoughtful guidance and HR policy expertise to leaders and team members, ensuring a respectful and compliant workplace.
• Report with Purpose: Use your analytical mindset to create meaningful metrics and translate them into actionable HR improvements.

What You’ll Bring to the Table

• 3–5 years of HR Generalist experience, with proven strength in managing HRIS (especially ADP).
• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field (preferred).
• A sharp eye for data, process improvement, and detail-driven execution.
• Broad experience across key HR disciplines—benefits, recruitment, employee relations, and compliance.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills—you build trust and rapport at every level.
• A proactive, solutions-focused approach, especially in fast-moving or sensitive situations.
• A team-first, growth-oriented mindset that embraces change and collaboration.

Why Join Sourcebooks?

• Be part of one of the most admired workplaces in the country—named #2 Most Loved Workplace by Newsweek (2024) and recognized as one of Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies.
• Work in a mission-driven environment where your HR expertise fuels the success of a company that’s changed over 300 million lives through books—and counting.
• Join a passionate team of book lovers and innovators who are redefining what a publishing company can be.
• Enjoy a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, FSA, HSA, 401(k), disability and life insurance, generous paid time off, and more.

Ready to help shape the future of publishing, one story—and one employee experience—at a time? Let’s build something amazing together. Please send us your resume and a compelling cover letter that tells us why Sourcebooks and why you. Be sure to include your salary expectations.

Full-time employees are eligible for our comprehensive benefits program. Our range of benefits include, but are not limited to, Medical/Prescription drug insurance, Dental, Vision, Health Care/Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account, Health Savings Account 401(k), Short and Long-Term Disability Insurance, Life/AD&D Insurance, & generous paid time off.

Sourcebooks values the array of talents and perspectives that a diverse workforce brings. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, religion, age, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or protected veteran status.