Senior HR Generalist - Part Time

Junior Achievement of Chicago•Chicago, IL

5d•$32 - $38•Hybrid

About The Position

This role is designed for an experienced HR professional seeking meaningful, high-level work on a reduced schedule. The successful candidate may be returning to the workforce, pursuing a portfolio career, or prioritizing work and life balance; selection will be based on qualifications and ability to meet the role’s requirements. COMPANY SUMMARY Junior Achievement of Chicago equips young people with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in work and life. Through experiential programs focused on work and career readiness, entrepreneurship, and financial literacy, JA Chicago partners with schools, educators, volunteers, and communities across the region. Learn more at www.jachicago.org. POSITION PURPOSE The Senior Human Resources Generalist serves as JA Chicago's experienced day-to-day HR advisor and an independent individual contributor. The role provides sound guidance to leaders and employees, owns priority HR processes, addresses employee-relations matters, and strengthens policies, compliance, performance management, benefits, and talent practices. Because the position is part time, success requires disciplined prioritization, a dependable weekly schedule, clear service standards, and an agreed escalation and backup plan for urgent matters outside scheduled hours.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in human resources, business administration, or a related field; an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience will be considered.
At least five years of progressively responsible, broad-based HR experience is preferred, including direct experience advising managers and handling employee-relations matters.
Working knowledge of employment practices and applicable federal, Illinois, and Chicago requirements.
Experience independently managing HR priorities in a small or midsize organization is strongly preferred.
Experience with ADP or a comparable HRIS and payroll platform is preferred; SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, or SPHR certification is a plus.
Excellent judgment, discretion, and ability to safeguard confidential and sensitive information.
Credibility and confidence to advise leaders, coach managers, address difficult issues, and communicate clear recommendations.
Ability to operate independently, distinguish urgent from important work, and deliver reliable service within a limited weekly schedule.
Clear professional written and verbal communication and the ability to explain policies, risks, and options in practical terms.
Strong organization, documentation, attention to detail, follow-through, and project management.
Proficiency with Microsoft 365 and ability to use HR technology effectively, including AI-enabled HR tools.
Commitment to teamwork, continuous improvement, equity, inclusion, and JA Chicago's mission.
Ability to travel locally when required; a valid driver's license and reliable transportation may be needed to fulfill position responsibilities.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, communicate, and use a computer; occasionally to stand, walk, reach, bend, and lift or carry materials weighing up to 25 pounds.

Nice To Haves

SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, or SPHR certification is a plus.

Responsibilities

Advise the VP Finance and Administration and managers on employee relations, policy interpretation, performance concerns, leaves, accommodations, workplace expectations, and corrective action; identify higher-risk matters and coordinate outside counsel or specialists when authorized.
Independently review and recommend practical updates to HR policies, procedures, templates, forms, and employee communications based on organizational needs and applicable requirements.
Oversee accurate HR administration within ADP or a comparable platform, including employee changes, payroll-related inputs, benefits transactions, records, reporting, and vendor coordination; establish controls and calendars so recurring work is completed on time.
Guide fair and consistent performance management, including goal setting, mid-year and year-end reviews, coaching, performance improvement documentation, and manager preparation.
Monitor federal, Illinois, and Chicago employment requirements; maintain required records, notices, training, and reporting, and elevate significant compliance issues promptly.
Maintain complete, accurate, confidential personnel records and provide useful workforce information and analysis to leadership.
Support the rollout and maintenance of the organization's AI-powered HR assistant by reviewing source content and helping keep guidance on the Handbook, benefits, PTO, and expense policies accurate.
Partner with hiring managers on position design, compliant and equitable selection practices, structured interviews, offers, reference or background checks, and candidate communication.
Lead or improve a consistent onboarding experience, including pre-employment requirements, orientation, manager readiness, and 30-, 60-, and 90-day milestones.
Oversee thorough offboarding, including separation documentation, benefits and systems coordination, exit interviews, property return, and communication of relevant themes to leadership.
Develop relationships with former employees, candidates, and community partners that strengthen JA Chicago's talent network.
Recommend practical improvements based on current HR practices, employee feedback, workforce data, and JA Chicago's size and resources.
Coordinate manager development, required training, employee growth opportunities, recognition activities, and engagement initiatives within the agreed annual plan.
Coach managers on clear, empathetic communication, documentation, accountability, and corrective-action practices.
Track selected measures related to recruitment, retention, engagement, and employee experience; present trends and actionable recommendations.
Promote a respectful, inclusive, mission-driven culture and model judgment, discretion, service, and collaboration.