Human Resource Generalist

Sunshine Enterprises is a 501© 3 nonprofit based in Chicago, IL. Sunshine Enterprises fosters economically viable communities through training, coaching, and connecting high-potential entrepreneurs. Sunshine Enterprises’ mission is to empower high-potential entrepreneurs living in under-resourced neighborhoods to grow their businesses and transform their communities.  Sunshine Enterprises’ vision is to establish 5 neighborhood-based business hubs catalyzing free enterprise in Chicago’s under-resourced neighborhoods. Currently, we serve hundreds of unique entrepreneurs throughout the Chicago area in three main business hubs servicing neighborhoods such as Woodlawn, Englewood, West Evanston, Rogers Park, and North Lawndale. Each of these hubs has been strategically placed in areas suffering from a lack of jobs, marketplace resources, and growth opportunities. These hubs provide an economic stimulus to the communities by supporting local entrepreneurs. SE also has developed specialty hubs focused on the property developers, construction trades, arts, and tech industries.

At Sunshine Enterprises, the Human Resources Generalist ( Sr. HRG) is focused on what people need and how to provide it. We’re searching for a qualified and resourceful Human Resources Generalist to support our organization in ensuring smooth and efficient business operations. The Human Resources Generalist will have both administrative and strategic responsibilities and will help with important functions such as staffing, training and development, compensation, and benefits. At Sunshine Enterprises, we understand that our organization thrives when our employees thrive, and it begins with hiring the right Human Resources Generalist.

Objectives of this role

• Creation and management of HR full life-cycle activities (hire to retire)
• Assist in developing and executing personnel procedures and policies, and provide guidance and interpretation for business operations
• Be a strategic partner to help evolve the business HR functions/operations
• Participate in development of HR objectives and systems, including metrics, queries, and ongoing reports for organization requirements
• Assist in administering benefits, compensation, and employee performance programs
• Suggesting new procedures and policies for improving employee experience as well as the efficiency of HR department and organization
• Ensure compliance with local and national regulations and applicable employment laws, and update policies and procedures when necessary
• Serve as the main point of contact for employee relations and investigations (ER)

Responsibilities

• Prepare paperwork and schedules for smooth new-hire onboarding process, coordinating with cross-functional departments to deliver an exceptional first-day experience by:
  • Work with hiring managers to create job descriptions 
  • Assist in posting job descriptions 
  • Track applicants 
  • Collect resumes and cover letters for interviews 
  • Assist in scheduling interviews 
  • Assist with phone screens 
  • Main point of communications with candidates 
  • Write and send offer letters using offer letter templates 
  • Save interview notes from all interviews 
• Manage all administrative tasks for onboarding, new-hire orientations, and exit interviews, including data entry in Human Resources information systems (HRIS) and audits for accuracy and compliance
  • Complete New Employee Orientation Checklist with each new hire (including employment forms;  informative materials; and relevant office equipment) 
  • Review employee handbook with each new hire 
  • Schedule orientation and coordinate training on topics such as sexual harassment; diversity, equity &  inclusion; and history, philosophy, and mission of SE 
  • Help develop any training videos 
  • Identify areas of improvement in onboarding processes and make and implement recommendations for improvement
• Manage the HRIS data management system
• Provide a dedicated and effective HR advisory service to employees that covers absence and health issues, conduct and capability, grievances, organizational change, and all other employee-relations matters
• Be the primary backup for payroll processing, including biweekly and semimonthly updates to employee files, bonus/incentive pay, vacation/sick pay, expense reimbursements, hourly-employee validations, and benefits changes
• Assist in the communication, interpretation, and upkeep of employee handbook, employee directory, and organizational chart, and contribute to policy development
• Facilitate employee engagement programs in collaboration with leadership
• Handle employee relations 
  • Conduct Exit Interviews and prepare confidential summaries for management review.
  • Conduct investigative interviews and provide recommendations on employee relations issues and corrective action. 
  • Represent organization at HR-related hearings and investigations. 
  • Collaborate with outside Legal Counsel, when necessary, regarding employee issues.

Required skills and qualifications

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, ethics, and cultural awareness
• Aptitude for problem-solving and thorough knowledge of HR procedures and policies
• Advanced knowledge of HRIS and ability to learn new technical systems, when necessary
• Senior stakeholder management experience

Preferred skills and qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in Human Resources, business, or related field
• SHRM or PHR Certification