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Human Resource Generalist

Job Details

It Takes A Village HQ - Chicago, IL
$66950.00 - $73158.00 Salary

Description

About It Takes A Village Family of Schools (ITAV):
ITAV is a beacon for educating and loving Black children. We provide a comprehensive, culturally responsive social justice education and life-empowering social services. At ITAV, learning is fun and transformative, teaching is innovative, and knowledge is not bound by the walls of the classroom. Students, staff, and families are empowered to be civically engaged and make positive change by addressing local, national, and global issues.  


Role:

It Takes A Village (ITAV) Family of Schools is seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Human Resource Generalist to support the day-to-day operations of the HR department. This role is instrumental in fostering a positive workplace culture, ensuring compliance with employment laws, and driving the execution of HR programs that support staff performance and organizational effectiveness. Reporting to the Director of HR, the HR Generalist will handle a broad spectrum of responsibilities, from employee lifecycle processes to policy implementation and payroll oversight, with a focus on service, accuracy, and continuous improvement.

 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

  • Ensure Legal and Regulatory Compliance
    • Maintain up-to-date knowledge of federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations (e.g., FMLA, FLSA, ADA, EEO, IDHR), and proactively implement policy and procedure updates to ensure ongoing compliance.
    • Conduct regular audits of HR files and records (digital and physical) to ensure accuracy and compliance with licensing requirements and regulatory standards.
  • Employee Lifecycle Management
    • Assist with onboarding and offboarding processes, including background checks, I-9 verification, orientation scheduling, exit interviews, and final paperwork to ensure a smooth transition for all staff.
    • Lead the employee evaluation process, including goal setting, mid-year and annual reviews, and documentation of performance improvement plans (PIPs) when applicable.
  • Policy Implementation and Staff Support
    • Maintain, update, and communicate the Employee Handbook, HR policies, and organizational procedures to ensure consistency, clarity, and accessibility across the organization.
    • Respond promptly and professionally to HR-related inquiries from employees and supervisors, providing guidance on policy interpretation, benefits, employee relations, and conflict resolution.
    • Participate in and support disciplinary and investigatory meetings, ensuring documentation, confidentiality, and adherence to due process.
  • Payroll Oversight
    • Oversee the biweekly payroll process by ensuring accurate employee timekeeping, reviewing payroll reports, and managing pay adjustments to ensure timely, error-free payroll processing.
    • Serve as a point of contact for employee payroll-related questions and issues.
    • Benefits and Leave Administration
      • Assist with employee benefits programs including health insurance, dental/vision insurance, Aflac, Legal Shield, 401(k), and leave of absence policies.
    • Training and Development
      • Assist in coordinating professional development opportunities for staff, including compliance training, leadership development, and new supervisor training.
      • Support the Director of HR in the identification and implementation of training needs across departments.
    • Other Duties as Assigned
      • Flexibly respond to emerging HR needs and perform special projects that support the overall effectiveness and sustainability of the HR department.


Why Join Us?

  • Impact: Step into a vital role within our organization, where you'll provide essential support to students and families, helping to remove barriers to success and well-being.

  • Growth: Join a dynamic and mission-driven organization that values professional development, offering pathways for career advancement and opportunities to expand your expertise as a School Social Worker.

  • Community: Collaborate with a dedicated team of educators, counselors, and staff who share your commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive school environment.

  • Innovation: Play a key role in designing and implementing progressive strategies that integrate mental health, social-emotional learning, and equity-driven practices into our school community.

 

Location(s): It Takes A Village HQ 

Position Type: Full-Time

Salary: $66,950 - $73,158

Qualifications

Required Education and Experience:

  • Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field required; MBA is preferred. 
  • At least one year of human resource management experience is preferred. • Specific experience in higher education, non-profit institutions, or agencies is preferred, but not required. 

 

Knowledge, Skills, and Attributes

  • Strong demonstration of alignment with ITAV’s mission.

  • Strong understanding of federal, state, and local employment laws and HR compliance requirements (e.g., FMLA, FLSA, ADA, EEO, IDHR).

  • Familiarity with HR best practices, talent management strategies, and employee engagement principles.

  • Working knowledge of payroll systems and processes, including timekeeping, pay adjustments, and reporting.

  • Experience with HRIS platforms (e.g., PayCom, ADP, or similar) and data reporting tools.

  • Understanding of benefits administration, including open enrollment, insurance plans, and employee leave policies.

  • Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy in handling confidential data, payroll, and personnel files.

  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain policies clearly and diplomatically.

  • Ability to effectively manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

  • Proficiency in Google Suite and document management platforms.

  • Analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to identify trends and recommend improvements.

  • Skilled in conflict resolution, active listening, and employee relations.

  • High level of integrity, discretion, and respect for confidentiality.

  • Professional, approachable, and service-oriented demeanor with a commitment to supporting staff and organizational culture.

  • Strong sense of initiative, ownership, and accountability.

  • Collaborative team player who can also work independently with minimal supervision.

  • Flexible and adaptable to changing needs, priorities, and systems.


Who You Are:

  • You are a passionate advocate for family well-being and community empowerment, dedicated to advancing social justice and equity through transformative family support practices.

  • A strategic thinker, you have a proven track record in enhancing student success and school performance.

  • Your strength lies in building relationships and fostering collaboration within the educational community. 

  • You are a creative and dynamic problem-solver who thrives in evolving educational landscapes. 

 

Ready to Make a Difference?

If you're inspired to contribute to our mission and lead our recruitment, admissions, and enrollment efforts into an exciting new chapter, we'd love to hear from you. To apply, please upload your cover letter and resume here.

 

Compensation and Benefits Package:

  • Competitive, transparent pay scale aligned with local public schools

  • 80% employer contribution of medical benefits

  • Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance

  • 3% 401(k) company match

  • Up to $10,000 in annual tuition assistance 

  • Targeted, ongoing professional development

  • International travel opportunities with students

  • Opportunities for leadership, growth, and meaningful impact

 

Physical Requirements:

  • Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.

  • Must be able to lift 15 pounds at times.

  • Must be able to access and navigate each department at the organization's facilities.

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