Human Resources Generalist

Job Purpose: 

The Community Solution Education System is seeking a Human Resources Generalist to join the HR Operations team. The Human Resources Generalist is responsible for supporting and executing a wide range of human resources functions including recruitment, employee relations, compliance, training, benefits, and HRIS administration. This role requires a self-motivated, resourceful, and independent problem-solver who thrives in a fast-paced, evolving environment. The ideal candidate is curious by nature, eager to learn how HR adds value to our community functions, offers strategic project and program management, and applies critical thinking to propose process improvements and connect HR strategy to operational goals. This role is distributed, and remote in nature so the ideal candidate will have the ability to thrive in a remote work environment, maintaining focus, availability, and follow-through with minimal supervision. 

They will serve as a trusted partner to employees and managers, bring clarity to complex situations, and manage HR initiatives with a proactive, organized approach. The Generalist reports to the Associate Vice President of Human Resources. 

Key Responsibilities: 

Recruitment & Onboarding 

• Manage full-cycle recruitment including job posting, sourcing, screening, interviewing, background checks, and offers. 

• Partner with hiring managers to build strong candidate pipelines and a positive candidate experience. 

• Coordinate and facilitate onboarding processes to ensure a smooth transition for new hires. 

Employee Relations & Compliance 

• Provide day-to-day support on employee relations issues including coaching, performance concerns, and conflict resolution. 

• Conduct thorough and impartial workplace investigations and document findings in alignment with company policy. 

• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of employment laws and support policy interpretation and compliance across the organization. 

• Support involuntary terminations and ensure legal and compassionate offboarding processes. 

• Manage LOA aspects in collaboration with vendor and employee support needs. 

HR Operations & Systems 

• Maintain accurate and confidential employee records within the HRIS (Workday preferred). 

• Collaborate with payroll to ensure timely and accurate processing of employee information. 

• Assist in benefits administration and resolve related employee inquiries. 

• Manage employee verifications, tuition reimbursements, and other transactional HR activities. 

Projects & Process Improvement 

• Lead and support HR initiatives and projects including change management efforts. 

• Independently research HR best practices, laws, and operational needs to inform decisions. 

• Identify and recommend improvements to SOPs and HR workflows to enhance efficiency and employee experience. 

• Analyze HR data and generate reports that drive strategic recommendations. 

• Bridge HR best practices with departmental operations by aligning people strategies to functional goals and identifying HR solutions that support team effectiveness and community outcomes. 

Learning, Engagement & Culture 

• Coordinate employee programs such as internships, onboarding, and training through LMS and live facilitation. 

• Support organizational events and internal initiatives that build culture and engagement. 

Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s degree in human resources, business administration, or a related field 

• 2+ years of full-cycle recruitment experience 

• 2+ years of general human resources experience 

• Demonstrated experience handling employee relations and investigations 

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (especially Word and Excel) 

• Experience with an HRIS platform (Workday preferred) 

• Strong communication skills and the ability to engage with all levels of the organization 

• Excellent problem-solving, organizational, and analytical abilities 

• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment 

• Proven ability to manage projects independently and navigate shifting priorities 

Preferred 

• Experience supporting a distributed workforce 

• Exposure to cross-functional or matrixed environments 

• SHRM or HRCI certification 

Working Conditions: 

• This is a remote/distributed position with occasional travel to the Chicago office or campus locations 

• Up to 20% travel for operational or team-related needs.