Lead HR Generalist

Title

Lead HR Generalist

4822 N. Broadway, Chicago, IL 60640

Hybrid, Monday to Friday (8:30am-5:00pm)

The Lead HR Generalist provides advanced-level human resources support to employees and managers across multiple business units. This role serves as a trusted HR partner, handling more complex employee relations matters, supporting compliance and policy interpretation, coordinating talent processes, and offering guidance across various HR disciplines. The Lead HR Generalist may lead projects, coach junior HR staff, and support initiatives that enhance employee engagement, culture, and organizational effectiveness.

• Make a meaningful impact on the lives of individuals seeking education and career pathways.
• Collaborate with a diverse and passionate team dedicated to the mission and vision of our organization.
• Achieve your goals in a supportive environment that prioritizes your well‑being and personal flexibility.

• Medical insurance: BCBS PPO, HMO, and HDHP with HSA Plan
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• 401(k) 3% Employer Contribution
• Commuter benefits
• Professional Development Assistance
• Disability insurance
• Voluntary Benefits
• Flexible Spending Account
• Life/AD&D Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Special Vendor Discounted Offerings on Travel, Amusement Parks, etc.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Serves as a primary HR partner to designated departments, providing consultation on HR policies, employee relations, performance management, and conflict resolution.
• Conducts initial investigations into employee concerns, escalating serious issues to the HR Director as needed.
• Guides managers through corrective action processes, documentation, and coaching conversations.
• Ensures consistent application of organizational policies and supports leaders in decision‑making.
• Partners with Talent Acquisition and hiring managers to support high‑priority or complex recruitment needs.
• Participates in interviews, reviews job descriptions, and assists with candidate selection and offer recommendations.
• Supports onboarding and orientation for new hires, ensuring a smooth transition into the organization.
• Assists in workforce planning discussions and monitors staffing trends.
• Supports performance management processes, providing coaching to leaders on goal‑setting, documentation, and evaluation practices.
• Ensures departmental adherence to federal, state, and local employment laws (EEO, FLSA, ADA, FMLA, etc.).
• Assists with policy updates, compliance audits, and HR risk mitigation strategies.
• Maintains confidentiality and ensures HR practices meet high ethical and professional standards.
• Supports organizational culture, recognition efforts, DEI initiatives, and engagement programs.
• Leads or participates in HR projects, process improvements, and system upgrades.
• Provides coaching and support to HR Coordinators, Recruiters, or HR Generalists.
• Builds strong working relationships with staff and leaders while acting as a role model for positive HR partnership.

• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited institute of higher learning is required.
• Minimum seven (7) years of progressive HR experience, including generalist‑level responsibilities.
• Experience supporting employee relations, recruitment, and policy interpretation required.

• HR‑related certification (SHRM or HRCI) preferred.

• Strong knowledge of HR practices, employment law, and HR compliance.
• Ability to handle complex employee relations matters with sound judgment and discretion.
• Strong communication, coaching, and relationship‑building skills.
• Excellent organizational and prioritization abilities; able to manage multiple deadlines.
• Excellent communication skills; strong networker, relationship builder and communicator with experience collaborating with diverse work teams and stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to handle confidential and sensitive information, possessing skills to handle situations in a professional and diplomatic manner.
• A high degree of collaboration and emotional intelligence, self‑motivation, and analytical ability.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Internet…