Human Resources Generalist

Posted: 04/29/2024

Non-Profit and Social Services

Special Olympics Illinois is a not-for-profit sports organization offering year-round training and competition in 18 sports to a community of more than 55,000 traditional athletes, Young Athletes, Unified partners, coaches, volunteers, and more. It strives to be a global leader in shaping a culture where people with and without intellectual disabilities are fully integrated into the community by providing year-round opportunities in competitive sports, health education, leadership and personal development. As a part of the Special Olympics Illinois team, you’ll join an energetic and hard-working group of individuals committed to transforming the lives of those we serve.

Position Overview

Special Olympics Illinois is actively recruiting for the role of Human Resources Generalist. The Human Resources Generalist is an experienced HR professional responsible for developing and directing all of the personnel functions of Special Olympics Illinois in accordance with the policies and practices of the organization, the ethical and social best practices of businesses and society at large, and legal regulations and administrative rulings of governmental organizations and other regulatory and advisory authorities and organizations. A strong emphasis will be placed on strategic workforce development human resource planning; organizational change management; human resources administrative knowledge, adaptation, functionality, compliance, and oversight; organizational leadership; and morale-building organizational programs, processes, and activities to provide Special Olympics Illinois with the best talent available and to position the organization as the employer of choice by being aware of policies, practices and trends within the human resources field, other non-profits as well as for-profits, and all industry in general.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

Participate in the development of the organization's plans and programs as a strategic partner but particularly from the perspective of the impact on people
Ensure company compliance with local and federal laws
Works with DEIB committee to create a more diverse, equitable, inclusive and belonging work environment
Translate the strategic and tactical business plans into HR strategic and operational plans
Develop staffing strategies and implementation plans and programs to identify talent within and outside the organization for positions of responsibility
Oversee and lead all matters of employee conflicts, complaints, and Red Flag Reports, including investigation, documentation, and resolutions
Develop progressive and proactive compensation and benefits programs to provide motivation, incentives and rewards for effective performance
Develop programs to allow the organization to embrace applicants and team members of all backgrounds and to permit the full development and performance of all team members
Develop human resource planning models to identify competency, knowledge and talent gaps and develop specific programs for the filling of the gaps; areas of activity will include talent management through proper succession planning programs for key contributor and executive positions, training and development programs for preparing team members for more significant responsibilities and general business development programs to enhance knowledge and understanding of the organization
Develop, enhance, implement and enforce human resources policies and procedures of the organization by way of systems that will improve overall organizational operation; in particular, manage the human resource information systems database(s) and necessary reports for critical analyses of the HR function and the people resources of the organization

Preferred Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree required
5+ years’ professional experience in Human Resources as a generalist with demonstrated results; some corporate and/or for-profit Human Resources experience preferred
Knowledge and understanding of Federal, IL State and Chicago Labor Laws
Experience with updating and managing internal policies
Working experience with growing Diversity and Inclusion initiatives
Working experience managing Human Resources for small companies or non-profits
Demonstrated success developing and implementing innovative, adaptive HR processes or programs
Excellent, adaptive computer skills including proficiency with Microsoft Office products
Ability to work independently without close oversight, but also a team player who productively engages with others at varying levels of seniority within and outside Special Olympics Illinois
High energy and passion for Special Olympics mission
Meets all team deadlines and responsibilities, listens to others and values opinions, helps team to meet goals, welcomes newcomers and promotes a team atmosphere
Strong organizational and time management skills with exceptional attention to detail
Customer focus
Excellent communication skills, both written and oral as well as receptive (listening)
Ability to influence and engage a wide range of donors and build long-term relationships
Professional and resourceful style; the ability to take initiative and to manage multiple tasks and projects at a time

Work Schedule & Requirements

Based in Normal, IL at Special Olympics Illinois Headquarters office
Reports to Chief Financial and Diversity Officer
Monday through Friday with occasional evenings and weekends as position demands
1-2 event attendance is required annually
Independent in-state travel occasionally required, including some overnight and weekend travel as an essential function of position
Position is security-sensitive and requires the signature of a Confidential Information and Nondisclosure Agreement
Physical mobility required: must be able to climb stairs, assist in setup and breakdown at events, stand or sit for long periods of time, and load and unload vehicles
Medium work required, which involves lifting no more than 50 pounds at a time with frequent lifting or carrying of objects weighing up to 25 pounds; requires a good deal of walking, standing, and/or sitting with some pushing and pulling of arm or leg controls; includes sedentary work
Close visual acuity required to perform activities such as: preparing and analyzing data and figures; transcribing; viewing a computer terminal; extensive reading; visual inspection involving small defects, small parts, and/or operation of machines; operating motor vehicles
First Aid/CPR Training and Certification required or willing to obtain within the first six months; must be able and willing to effectively administer First Aid/CPR on-site during events
Valid driver’s license and proof of insurance is required
Offers of employment are contingent upon clear results of a background check

Benefits

This full-time position includes an excellent compensation and benefits package including health, dental, vision, life, voluntary disability insurance, a retirement savings plan with company match, generous paid time off benefits, and more.

Special Olympics Illinois is committed to building a diverse, creative, engaged, collaborative, and hard-working team that is dedicated to our athletes, our communities, and each other. Our employees are our most valuable asset, and we aim to create a positive atmosphere where employees feel valued and fulfilled. We truly want people to love working here, and we strive to create a culture that allows for growth, opportunity, and fun.

Special Olympics Illinois is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, creed, age, disability, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, familial status, pregnancy, predisposing genetic characteristics, military status, domestic violence victim status, criminal conviction, and all other protected classes under federal or state laws.