Human Resources Generalist

CHICAGO SHAKESPEARE THEATER•Chicago, IL

11d•$62,000 - $65,000•Onsite

About The Position

Chicago Shakespeare Theater is seeking a versatile Human Resources Generalist to support the Director of Human Resources and oversee a range of HR functions. The position helps provide a welcoming, safe, and high-quality workplace experience for employees, performers, and visiting creative artists. The Generalist works collaboratively across the organization and handles benefits, recruiting, onboarding and offboarding, employee relations support, administrative work, and compliance. The role requires discretion with sensitive personnel, payroll, medical, financial, and organizational information, as well as staying current on HR best practices, benefits, compliance, labor laws, and changes affecting employment and the performing arts. The role administers Paycom HRIS and payroll functions, benefits and leave programs, compliance reporting, recruiting and onboarding, employee communications, and engagement activities. The position also supports HR policies and initiatives, maintains accurate electronic records and employee information, and contributes to an inclusive and equitable workplace. The job is onsite at the Chicago Shakespeare Theater campus on Navy Pier. Typical hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, with overtime and evening, weekend, or holiday work sometimes necessary.

Requirements

At least 3 years of human resources experience.
Proficiency with HR information systems and applicant tracking systems.
Computer proficiency, including word-processing and spreadsheet software.
Thorough knowledge of HR procedures and policies.
Knowledge of local and federal employment-related laws and regulations.
Exceptional interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills; a people-first mindset and willingness to serve others.
Ability to act with integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality and to demonstrate emotional intelligence.
Strong organization, attention to detail, analytical ability, and problem-solving skills.
Ability to meet multiple deadlines, reprioritize as needed, and remain productive and flexible.
Comfort working with employees of diverse backgrounds and lived experiences, with demonstrated kindness and care.
Ability to model service, ingenuity, collaboration, and a customer-service ethos, and to support a respectful, inclusive, and equitable workplace.
Work onsite at the Chicago Shakespeare Theater campus on Navy Pier; typical schedule is Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Overtime and evening, weekend, or holiday work may be necessary.
Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on and viewing a computer.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree preferred; a degree in human resources, organizational development, or a related field is a plus but not required.
At least 3 years of full-cycle recruiting experience is desirable.
Experience in the performing arts is preferred but not required.
Experience with unions and collective bargaining agreements is welcome.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite or related software is a plus; proficiency in PowerPoint, Excel, and survey platforms is also a plus.
A passion for theater and Shakespeare is welcome but not mandatory.

Responsibilities

Administer Paycom HRIS and payroll components, including audits, metrics, queries, reports, user access and troubleshooting, pay and labor allocation adjustments, timecard corrections, and manager training.
Administer benefits and leave programs, including PTO, sick leave, leaves of absence, health and welfare benefits, FMLA, and open enrollment.
Ensure timely and accurate compliance activities and records, including benefit-file reporting, EEO-1, OSHA, non-discrimination testing, Medicare Part D, I-9s, and audits.
Coordinate employee and performer injury and workers’ compensation claims with Company Management.
Respond to workforce questions, inquiries, concerns, and needs; support employee relations matters by collecting relevant information and documentation and referring matters to the Director of Human Resources.
Manage unemployment insurance claims accurately and in compliance with state and federal laws.
Maintain HR forms and employee files, the staff directory, organizational chart, and staff pages on the CST website.
Assist with implementing and coordinating HR policies, programs, and initiatives, including the company all-staff meeting; contribute to new HR materials, processes, objectives, and systems.
Suggest procedures and policies to improve employee experience and HR and company efficiency; monitor HR trends, regulatory changes, technologies, and employment law.
Manage full-cycle recruiting, including posting jobs, reviewing candidates, conducting initial phone screens, and coordinating with department managers on job requirements and hiring.
Conduct required pre-employment and new-hire activities, including references, background checks, and eligibility verifications.
Schedule, track, and facilitate onboarding, including IT and facilities needs and employee training.
Coordinate new-hire arrangements and materials, including parking, keycards, Theater tours, MVR checks when needed, nametags, nameplates, mailboxes, phone charts, and organization charts.
Support voluntary and involuntary separations and offboarding, including compliance matters such as COBRA and PTO payout.
Plan all-staff meetings with the Director of Human Resources, Executive Director, and Artistic Director, including agendas, logistics, and communications.
Serve on the Merry Makers employee engagement committee; plan employee events, including professional development lunch-and-learns; and create and distribute the monthly CST newsletter.
Participate in committees, events, training, and other initiatives as needed; serve as a thought partner on IDEA matters and help elevate CST’s platform in HR policies and practices.
Facilitate or assist with video or in-person training sessions and perform other duties as assigned.