Human Resources Generalist

POSITION OVERVIEW

Chicago Shakespeare Theater has an opportunity for a talented and versatile HR Generalist with exceptional adaptability and resourcefulness to join our team and be an important part of a wonderful workplace.

The Human Resources Generalist supports the Director of Human Resources and oversees many aspects of the Human Resource function at the Theater, helping to ensure an excellent, welcoming and safe experience for CST employees, performers and visiting creative artists. The department works collaboratively across all areas of the organization, providing best-in-class employee service.

The ideal candidate will be highly-motivated, process-oriented, take strong initiative, demonstrate great problem-solving capability, and exhibit excellent communication skills.

The HR Generalist assists with a variety of Human Resources functions including health and other benefits and enrollments, recruiting, onboarding and offboarding experiences, and various administrative and compliance duties. The HR Generalist will maintain meticulous records electronically and in Paycom (payroll and HRIS).

As with all positions in Human Resources, the Generalist must exercise appropriate discretion regarding personnel matters, payroll information, medical incidents, financial information, organizational planning, and other sensitive information.

The HR Generalist should stay current on best practices in employee benefits, compliance and labor laws, and be informed about changes which affect employment and the performing arts.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Reasonable accommodations may be requested to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

Administration, Benefits and Compliance

Serve as the HRIS administrator: regularly audit the HR and payroll components of Paycom including creation of metrics, queries, and ongoing reports for company requirements

Troubleshoot login and/or access issues for users, provide access setup, pay/labor allocation adjustments, timecard corrections, and training for managers on Paycom navigation

Administer employee benefits including PTO (Chicago Paid Leave Ordinance), sick leave, leaves of absence, health and welfare benefits, and FMLA; review benefit plans with employees and manage the open enrollment portal

Ensure compliance and regulatory requirements are met timely and accurately, including keeping clean data, reporting related to benefit files, EEO-1, OSHA, non-discrimination testing, Medicare Part D, I-9s, and audits

Coordinate and manage employee and performer injury and/or worker compensation claims in tandem with Company Management

Serve as a resource for workforce questions, inquiries, concerns, or needs

Manage and process unemployment insurance claims in an accurate and timely manner, ensuring legitimacy and compliance with state and federal laws

Assist with employee relations matters by communicating employee concerns, collecting relevant information and documentation; refer employee matters to Director of Human Resources

Maintain HR forms and employee files, staff directory, organizational chart, and staff pages on the CST website; update and edit as needed

Assist with implementation and coordination of human resources policies, programs and initiatives, including the company all-staff meeting

Participate in the development of new HR materials, processes, objectives and systems

Suggest new procedures and policies for improving employee experience as well as the efficiency of HR department and company

Keep up with trends, regulatory changes, new technologies in human resources, and employment law

Talent Acquisition and Onboarding

Manage full-cycle recruiting: post open positions, review candidate submissions, conduct initial phone screens, and facilitate the hiring of qualified job applicants; collaborate with department managers to understand skills and competencies required for open positions

Conduct all required pre-employment and new hire actions such as references, background checks, and employee eligibility verifications

Schedule, track, and facilitate onboarding, including IT and facilities needs and employee training

Manage miscellaneous new hire actions such as parking arrangements, keycards, facilitating Theater tours, MVR background checks (when needed), nametags, nameplates, mailboxes, phone chart, org chart

Assist with voluntary and involuntary separations and offboarding to ensure a smooth transition for departing employees and adherence to compliance matters, such as COBRA, PTO payout, etc.

Employee Relations

• In collaboration with Director of Human Resources, Executive Director and Artistic Director, plan all-staff meetings including agenda, logistics and communications
• Serve as a member of the “Merry Makers” employee engagement committee
• Plan other employee events including professional development lunch-and-learns
• Create and distribute monthly CST newsletter as a primary communications tool for employees

ADDITIONAL DUTIES

• Engage in committees, events, training and other initiatives, as needed
• Serve as a thought partner in the IDEA space, ensuring the CST platform is elevated in human resources policies and practices
• Facilitate or assist in facilitating video or in-person training sessions

COMPETENCIES/SKILLS

• Experience in the performing arts is preferred but not required
• Familiarity with unions and collective bargaining agreements would be welcome
• Models CST’s core values of service, ingenuity, and collaboration as well as its customer service ethos
• Champion the organization’s commitment to a respectful, inclusive and equitable workplace
• Emotional intelligence

Mission-driven

• Comfortable with employees of all backgrounds and lived experiences, with the genuine ability to exhibit kindness and care
• Strong ability to act with integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality
• Exceptional interpersonal skills, with a people-first mindset
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Exhibit a proactive approach to problem solving
• Evident willingness to be of service to others
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to meet multiple deadlines, reprioritize as necessary and remain productive and flexible
• Perform other duties as assigned

WORK ENVIRONMENT/SCHEDULE

• Position is onsite at the Chicago Shakespeare Theater campus on Navy Pier
• Work hours are typically 9am - 5pm, Monday through Friday
• Overtime hours may be necessary depending on work volume
• Evenings, weekends or holidays may be necessary
• Volunteer opportunities will arise to partake in special events and programs

PHYSICAL DEMAND

Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on and viewing a computer

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree preferred but not required; degree in human resources, organizational development, or a related field is a plus but not required
• Minimum 3 years of human resources experience
• Minimum 3 years’ experience in full cycle recruiting desirable
• Experience with unions and collective bargaining agreements terrific but not required
• Proficiency with Human Resource Information Systems (HRIS’s) and Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS’s)
• Computer proficiency, including word processing and spreadsheet software
• A passion for theater and Shakespeare would be lovely, but not mandatory!

ADDITIONAL EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software a plus
• Proficiency in PowerPoint, Excel, and survey platforms a plus
• Thorough knowledge of HR procedures and policies
• Knowledge of local and federal employment-related laws and regulations.

DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION STATEMENT

CST is dedicated to increasing equity, diversity and inclusion in our audiences, our programs and in all our hiring for staff and artists. We are committed to providing a work environment that is free from discrimination. CST prohibits discrimination in employment against any employee or job applicant because of that person’s race, color, creed, religion, ancestry, sex, national origin, disability, genetic information, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, veteran status, status with regard to public assistance, membership in a local human rights commission or any other legally protected status.