The Chicago Council on Global Affairs is a community where people who care about global affairs can connect — in person or virtually — with each other and with global leaders, influencers, and experts to explore ideas that will shape our future.

If you are passionate about our work, bringing people together and our mission that drives our work, apply today.

THE CHICAGO COUNCIL ON GLOBAL AFFAIRS MISSION

The Chicago Council on Global Affairs is an independent, nonpartisan  organization  that provides insight on crucial global issues, advances policy solutions, and fosters dialogue about what is happening in the world and why it matters to the people in Chicago, the United States and around the globe.

THE OPPORTUNITY

Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer and the Vice President, Finance & Administration, the Director, Human Resources is responsible for directing the strategies and implementation of human resources initiatives and activities, which support the Council’s organizational goals. The Director drives and executes a diverse range of human resources efforts for 65+ employees including benefits, employee relations, new hire orientation/offboarding, payroll, training, compliance, talent acquisition, day-to-day human resources support, and manages and mentors Human Resources Generalist.

The Director is strategic, highly organized, and able to work effectively with staff at all levels. The ideal candidate is skilled in all areas of the human resources function and has experience and credibility in designing, implementing, and refining policies and procedures. The Director is a strong and dynamic communicator, and a confident, personable professional who can relate well to others, partner, coach, problem solve, empathize, and inspire. They bring a strong command and understanding of human resources best practices, keeping current via peer HR professionals and outside training, and makes recommendations accordingly.


RESPONSIBILITIES

Specific responsibilities of the Director include:

• Lead and execute on recruitment strategies and the selection of qualified and talented staff resulting in a highly skill and diverse workforce.
• Partner on (or lead) development and implementation of performance management and compensation strategies and systems; provide training and guidance on managing ongoing performance, conducting and participating in effective evaluations, and providing fruitful feedback; benchmark and analyze market competitiveness and ensure systems stay current.
• Spearhead and manage the design and implementation of the Council’s employee benefits plans and administer and communicate to staff accordingly during the employee life cycle, including the annual open enrollment period; benchmark, analyze, and make benefits recommendations based on market competitiveness and cost considerations.
• Develop/train/oversee/refine the organization’s policies, programs, and procedures in consultation with senior management.
• Facilitate employee relations matters, including coaching and problem solving; provide guidance and recommendations on conflict resolution strategies; consult with legal counsel, as appropriate.
• Ensure compliance with all federal, multiple state , and local regulatory requirements related to full-cycle employment, staying abreast of regulatory changes and practices; fulfill compliance reporting and disclosure distribution requirements.
• Contribute to the diversity, equity, and inclusion work at the Council including serving as a thought partner for our DEI committees focused on strategy building for recruitment and retention.
• Identify and recommend training and professional development opportunities; develop, implement, and conduct trainings and/or partner with outside trainers as needed.
• Manage/refine/facilitate new hire orientation/onboarding as well as offboarding, to include exit trend analysis and retention strategies.
• Review overall process for organization’s bi-monthly payroll, train on time entry and payroll portal, and audit/prepare year-end tax forms; oversee the maintenance of employee information in payroll database;
• Oversee/keep current/archive hard-copy employee files, job descriptions, employee handbook, and HR intranet resources; process and audit benefits bills.
• Lead and execute the Council’s internship program, and other human resources activities.

• 8-10 years of experience in human resources management; experience working for a not-for-profit organization is preferred; an interest in international affairs is a plus.

• A bachelor’s degree, preferably with PHR/SPHR certification and/or a master’s degree in human resources or equivalent experience

• Superior organizational skills and the ability to anticipate needs and be proactive, demonstrating composure and professional judgment in complex, sensitive situations in a dynamic environment.

• Ability to think strategically and execute with high degree of accuracy, attention to detail, discretion, and confidentiality.

• Demonstrated commitment to valuing diversity and contributing to an inclusive working environment.

• Ability to establish and nurture collaborative relationships at all levels, and identify needs and deliver solutions that achieve employee, team, and institutional goals and satisfaction.

• Superior verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to communicate intricate concepts and topics clearly, thoroughly, and succinctly.

• Ability to work effectively and efficiently as well as anticipate in a fast-paced, demanding environment with changing priorities under tight deadlines.

• Solid computer skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office; experience with payroll/HRIS system(s) (Paylocity preferred) and comfort in learning and leveraging new software and technology.

ABOUT THE COUNCIL

The Chicago Council on Global Affairs is an independent, nonpartisan organization that provides insight on crucial global issues, advances policy solutions, and fosters dialogue about what is happening in the world and why it matters to the people in Chicago, the United States and around the globe. As the premier, nonpartisan global affairs organization in America's heartland, we believe an informed, engaged public with access to fact-based and balanced views on global issues helps to ensure effective US engagement and supports a more inclusive, equitable, and secure world.