HR Operations & Special Projects Lead

Bridge Housing Corporation•Chicago, IL

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The HR & Special Projects Lead is a hands-on, execution-focused role supporting two senior principals who work closely with executive leadership. This position serves as a central coordinator and follow-through owner—ensuring priorities are tracked, communications are managed, and work moves forward efficiently. In addition to core HR coordination responsibilities (onboarding, offboarding, benefits administration, HRIS support, and compliance), this role plays a key part in special projects and operational execution. The ideal candidate is highly organized, detail-driven, self-directed, and comfortable operating with limited direction in a fast-paced environment. This is not an entry-level HR role and not an executive assistant position. It is a doer role requiring initiative, responsiveness, and accountability for outcomes.

Requirements

2+ years of experience in HR coordination, HR operations, or a similar execution-focused role
Strong understanding of HR processes including onboarding, offboarding, benefits, and employee records
Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail—this role does not work without them
Proven ability to manage multiple priorities with minimal oversight
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Self-starter with a bias toward action and follow-through
Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment with limited direction and evolving priorities
High level of professionalism, discretion, and judgment
Proficiency with Microsoft Office and HR systems; ADP experience a plus
Bachelor’s degree preferred (or equivalent experience)

Responsibilities

Act as a primary coordination partner to two senior principals, helping manage priorities, workflows, and follow-up
Serve as a gatekeeper for communications, assisting with high-volume email and ensuring urgent or high-impact items are addressed
Attend meetings, capture clear notes, decisions, action items, owners, and deadlines
Maintain task trackers and project lists; proactively follow up to ensure execution and completion
Drive special projects independently from start to finish, identifying next steps without needing detailed instruction
Coordinate across teams to keep work aligned, on track, and moving forward
Anticipate issues, flag risks early, and propose solutions
Maintain organized documentation, trackers, and files related to projects and decisions
Administer and support HR programs including onboarding, offboarding, benefits administration, HRIS updates, employee files, and compliance tracking
Onboarding: Manage end-to-end onboarding processes including offer documentation, background checks, new hire paperwork, HRIS setup, orientation coordination, and 30/60/90-day check-ins
Offboarding: Coordinate resignation and termination processes, required documentation, exit packets, and system updates
Benefits: Support benefits administration including enrollments, changes, renewals, and open enrollment support; respond to employee benefit questions
Maintain accurate and compliant employee records, including personnel files, onboarding documents, and HRIS data; assist with audits, legal requests, and reporting as needed
Serve as a primary point of contact for the HR inbox and helpdesk, responding promptly to employee inquiries
Compile and maintain documentation for compliance, reporting, and annual HR requirements
Support HR projects and initiatives as needed, including recruitment coordination, job postings, offer support, and reference checks