Assistant Director, Human Resources

Illinois Action for Children (“IAFC”), a local, state, and national leader in the early childhood care and education sector for over 50 years. IAFC programs, services, and advocacy improve learning and life outcomes for children and families, including reducing the effects of poverty. IAFC works to ensure that every child in Illinois – particularly those in need – have access to the necessary resources to succeed in school and in life.

Along with our mission, IAFC is committed to building and maintaining a diverse, equitable, inclusive, and anti-racist culture. We are dedicated to this pledge through our hiring practices and our focus on creating a culture and environment where diverse perspectives, ideas, and identities are valued and integrated into our way of working and servicing our staff and clients. IAFC staff represent a wide diversity of racial, socio-economic, gender, religious, and national identities. We welcome all applicants who share our mission and vision to join us in our essential work.

SUMMARY:

The Assistant Director of Human Resources directs and coordinates Human Resources initiatives for recruitment, training and development, HR functions for Early Learning Programs, as well as assists the Vice President, Human Resources with a variety of human resource related activities. Responsible for ensuring policies, procedures and programs are implemented consistently across all departments. All work to be done with minimum supervision and in accordance with Organization standards.

This incumbent will be expected to promote and adhere to the workplace core capabilities of: accountability, customer focus, continuous quality improvement, communication, competent people, and clear priorities. All work to be completed with minimum supervision and in accordance with organizational standards.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include but are not limited to the following. The organization reserves the right to add to, delete, change, or modify the essential duties and responsibilities at any time.

• Employee Relations: Along with the Early Learning HR Specialist, provides guidance and direction to employees and managers in Early Learning who may have challenges or opportunities related to employment. Develops and administers employee programs and systems that support staff. Works with IAFC attorneys on legal correspondence. Oversees and manages performance management issues, including development plans, performance improvement plans, and the termination process for Early Learning, including consulting with managers on the business and legal implications of involuntary terminations.
• Staffing: Oversees the recruitment process for sourcing and qualifying all applicants for organizational openings. Works collaboratively with department directors to anticipate and determine staffing needs. In collaboration with the Recruitment Manager, oversees all recruiting activities including placement of advertisements, resume screening, interview scheduling, background/reference checks and extension of employment offers while meeting the organization’s diversity requirements. Develops and maintains a human resources system that meets management information needs.
• Training and Development:Develop programs for enhancing organizational excellence. Operate in collaboration with management in the identification, development and implementation of processes that lead to a higher functioning organization. Work with the Senior Organizational Development Consultant in aligning training programs that support organizational excellence, including leadership development. Manage and directs the agenda for All Agency Meetings and Full Management Retreats.
• Legal Compliance: Exhibit knowledge of organizational compliance with all federal, state, and local employment laws including FMLA, EEO, ADA, COBRA, and others. Partners with legal counsel when necessary to ensure full compliance. Ensures confidentiality of employee and Human Resources records.
• Administration:Along with the VP of Human Resources, prepares the annual operational Human Resources budget and supplemental project budgets. Leads, develops, motivates, and monitors the performance of various members of Human Resources team.
• Execute our workplace core capabilities of accountability, customer focus, continuous quality improvement (CQI), communication, competent people, and clear priorities.
• Other: Work on projects as assigned or required by Management in support of the Strategic Plan.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: include but are not limited to the following. The organization reserves the right to add to, delete, change, or modify the essential duties and responsibilities at any time.

• Performs employee evaluations and makes pay and/or hiring decisions.
• Directly supervises the following positions: HR Generalist, Training Specialist, EL HR Generalist and Specialist.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

Bachelor's degree in Human Resources management or Business Administration with HR concentration or related field. PHR or SPHR certification preferred. Five to seven years of progressively more responsible positions in human resources experience preferred or equivalent combination of education and experience. Five to seven years supervisory and management experience with professional staff. Experience with budgeting and strategic planning.

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Excellent organizational skills
• Detail-oriented
• Ability to use good judgment in handling difficult situations
• High degree of initiative
• Ability to work collaboratively within the organization and lead change
• Ability to multi-task

Benefits of Working at IAFC :

• Working with passionate team members that are driven by our Mission: Illinois Action for Children is a catalyst for organizing, developing, and supporting strong families and powerful communities where children matter most.
• We strive to foster and implement a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion across our organization. We know it is not only critical to the success of diversity initiatives - but instrumental in creating an unbiased and inclusive workplace! It not only relates to the diverse clients we serve but also creates a positive employee experience.
• We offer an extensive benefits package that adds value to your total compensation. Our benefits include:
• Health, dental, and vision insurance plans with a company contribution of 95% for single coverage
• 401k with company match
• Generous PTO – first year-23 days, the second year-28 days, the third year and on - 35 days
• 11 Paid Holidays and 1 Floating Holiday
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Flexible Spending Account
• STD & LTD insurance
• Company-paid Life Insurance

Salary: $77,600 (annualized) based on background and experience

Location: Chicago, Uptown - Hybrid

Illinois Action for Children is EEO/M/F/V/D employer

While we desire for this job posting to be comprehensive, all aspects of the position may be amended at any time at the discretion of IAFC including job duties, work location and/or work schedule.