People and Culture Manager

Girls Inc. inspires all girls to be strong, smart, and bold. Our comprehensive approach to whole girl development equips girls to navigate gender, economic, and social barriers and grow up healthy, educated, and independent. These positive outcomes are achieved through three core elements: people – trained staff and volunteers who build lasting, mentoring relationships; environment – girls-only, physically and emotionally safe, where there is a sisterhood of support, high expectations, and mutual respect; and programming – research-based, hands-on and minds-on, age-appropriate, meeting the needs of today’s girls. Informed by girls and their families, we also advocate for legislation and policies to increase opportunities for all girls and address the systemic barriers that impede girls’ success, particularly girls in low-income communities and girls of color.

Position Overview

We are seeking a detail-oriented and motivated People and Culture Manager to join our team. The People and Culture Manager will report to the Chief Financial Officer. This individual will be responsible for building a supportive, collaborative, communicative work environment that empowers employees to live up to their fullest potential – whether at Girls Inc. of Chicago or in their future career endeavors. This role includes the recruitment, retention, performance management, employee relations, staff development, and advancement of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging across the organization.

Primary Responsibilities

Human Resources Management

• Oversee all HR functions, including recruitment, onboarding, benefits administration, and employee relations.
• Maintain and update personnel records via BambooHR (HRIS Systems) through reviewing and analyzing employee hire packets and other employee related documents.
• Oversee and investigate all employee relations issues and conflicts, including mediating disputes and directing disciplinary procedures.
• Develop and implement HR policies, procedures, and best practices to ensure legal compliance and organizational efficiency.
• Manage the entire employee lifecycle, including performance reviews, promotions, terminations, onboarding and offboarding processes.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations (ADA, FMLA, Wage and Hour, benefits, etc.).

Talent Acquisition and Retention

• Develop and implement recruitment strategies that attract diverse and qualified candidates.
• Collaborate with senior leadership team to identify required skills and competencies for open positions.
• Lead onboarding programs to ensure new hires are integrated into the organization’s mission and culture.
• Create retention strategies to foster long-term commitment and minimize staff turnover.
• Lead stay interviews and exit interviews, report summaries to relevant stakeholders.
• Develop cadence to perform job analysis and create and update job descriptions as needed.
• Work with the Chief Financial Officer to establish a competitive and fiscally responsible benefit, compensation, and leave program, including merit increases, bonuses, COLA, etc.

Staff Development & Training

• Develop and implement staff development programs to enhance skills, knowledge, and career growth opportunities.
• Facilitate leadership and professional development initiatives, coaching, and mentoring programs.
• Oversee annual performance evaluations and support managers in providing constructive feedback and individualized development plans for employees.

Strategic Leadership & Collaboration

• Collaborate with senior leadership to align HR practices with the organization’s mission and long-term goals.
• Provide strategic guidance on people management, organizational design, and workforce planning.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to leadership and staff, providing counsel on HR matters, conflict resolution, DEIB, and staff well-being.

Culture and Engagement

• Lead initiatives to build and nurture a positive organizational culture rooted in the nonprofit’s values.
• Implement programs that foster employee engagement, satisfaction, and wellness.
• Act as a culture ambassador, promoting inclusion, diversity, equity, and belonging (DEI) across all aspects of the organization.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging

• Create and lead DEIB initiatives to ensure an equitable workplace for all.
• Partner with executive leaders to embed DEIB in all organizational practices.
• Lead the organization’s employee resource group, the Culture Club.

Compliance and Reporting

• Lead all human resources related compliance and reporting including preparation and submission of required reports and documents.
• Develop and monitor human resources metrics including employee turnover, engagement levels, diversity statistics, and other key performance indicators.
• Prepare and present human resources reports to leadership to provide key insights for decision making and strategic planning purposes.

Core Competencies

• Proven experience working with diverse backgrounds, cultures and perspectives.
• Proven ability to manage conflict, resolve issues, and build positive working relationships.
• Strong ability to empathize and manage interpersonal relationships judiciously.
• Demonstrated relationship-building skills.
• Proven ability to address human resources related challenges with a positive, creative, and solution-oriented approach.
• Proven ability to work across all levels of the organization and build consensus.
• Strong analytical, organizational, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Must be punctual, prepared, and have a positive attitude.
• Must be self-directed, detail oriented with proven written and oral communication skills.
• Must be a high-energy, caring, self-starter, innovative and have high level of cultural competency.
• Computer literacy and knowledge of database management; experience with HRIS software.
• Ability to work flexible hours, evenings/weekends as needed and required occasionally.
• Ability to work a hybrid work environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in human resources, business administration, or related field
• Minimum of 4 years of experience in human resources, preferably in the nonprofit sector
• SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP certification preferred.
• Excellent written and oral communication and project management skills.
• Intermediate skills with and knowledge of employment laws and best practices in human resources management.
• Experience with applicant tracking systems and HRIS systems.
• Excellent computer skills including intermediate to advanced proficiency in Excel, proficiency in Word and PowerPoint.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.

Physical Requirements and Work Environment

This position requires the ability to operate phones, computers, and other office equipment. Work is generally performed in an office or classroom setting, and may involve standing, stooping, bending, and walking. Girls Inc. will make accommodations when necessary. This person may be required to travel to various locations throughout Chicago.

Girls Inc. of Chicago has a Mandatory COVID-19 Vaccination Policy.

GIRLS INC. IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.