Human Resources Generalist

Job Description

Job Description

Position: Human Resources Generalist

FLSA Status: Exempt

Department: Human Resources

Our Mission: Since the 1893 World Columbian Exposition, our organization has aimed to connect people to the natural environment and human history.

Join our team and enjoy a benefits package that truly supports your well-being and lifestyle:

• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Including medical, dental, vision plans, and even pet insurance.

• Financial Security: Life and disability benefits plus a 403(b) savings plan to help you plan for the future.

• Work-Life Balance: Generous paid time off, paid sick leave, and paid holidays to ensure you have time to recharge and spend with loved ones.

• Exclusive Perks: Enjoy great employee discounts and complimentary general admission to participating cultural institutions.

We're dedicated to enhancing your life both at work and beyond!

Essential Function and Responsibility:

The Human Resource Generalist works closely with all People and Culture team members, providing support and fostering a positive work environment. This role plays a key part in the employee lifecycle — from onboarding and integration to professional development, performance management, and employee relations. The HR Generalist will work collaboratively with staff, managers, and leaders to ensure consistent, equitable, and effective people practices across the Museum. The HR Generalist is responsible for performing HR generalist duties and serves as the backup for payroll processing.

This position is eligible for hybrid work.

Duties and Responsibilities:

New Employee Orientation and Onboarding

1. Coordinate and facilitate new employee orientation and onboarding programs to ensure a smooth and engaging introduction to the Field Museum’s culture, policies, and values.

2. Partner with hiring managers to develop onboarding plans that promote early engagement and long-term retention.

3. Manage the logistics of onboarding activities, including new employee orientations, new hire paperwork, and system access.

4. Collect and analyze onboarding feedback to continuously enhance the employee experience.

Professional Development

1. Support the design and implementation of staff learning and development programs aligned with organizational goals.

2. Collaborate with the Manager, Human Resources, and VP of People & Culture to identify professional growth opportunities for staff across departments.

3. Coordinate internal and external training, workshops, and career development initiatives.

4. Track participation and evaluate program effectiveness to inform future strategy.

Employee Relations

1. Serve as a trusted resource for employees and managers, providing guidance on workplace policies, performance issues, and interpersonal concerns.

2. Promote a culture of respect, inclusion, and collaboration consistent with the Museum’s values.

3. Assist with investigations and documentation related to employee relations matters, ensuring confidentiality and compliance with applicable laws.

4. Partner with People & Culture leadership to implement proactive employee engagement and retention strategies.

Performance Management

1. Support the administration of the performance review process, including goal-setting, mid-year check-ins, and annual evaluations.

2. Coach managers on effective feedback and performance conversations.

3. Help identify and address performance improvement opportunities in collaboration with People & Culture leadership.

4. Maintain accurate records and ensure consistency and equity in performance practices.

HR Operations and Compliance

1. Serves as a backup and support to payroll processing for the Museum.

2. Maintain employee records and ensure data integrity within HR systems.

3. Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and Museum policies.

4. Contribute to HR process improvements and special projects within the People & Culture team.

5. Serves as the backup for responding to the HR mailbox & main phone line, answering questions, and/or referring to the appropriate HR team member.

6. Completes exit paperwork for separating employees and conducts exit interviews in collaboration with the Manager, Human Resources.

7. Assist in annual compliance training administration.

8. Assist in event planning and administration for internal HR organized events.

Qualifications and Working Conditions

1. Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field required.

2. 3–5 years of progressive HR experience, preferably in a nonprofit, cultural, or academic institution.

3. Experience with spreadsheets (Excel and Google) and manipulating data is required.

4. Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software

5. Working knowledge of HRIS system required, experience with ADP is a plus

6. Working understanding of human resource principles, practices, and procedures

7. Strong verbal and written communication skills

8. Strong customer service skills

9. Strong organizational skills and attention to detail

10. Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines

11. Ability to function well in a high-paced and at times stressful environment

Supervision Received: Receives general supervision from the Manager of Human Resources.

Supervision Exercised: The position has no direct supervisory responsibilities.

Location:

1400 S. DuSable Lake Shore Dr. Chicago, IL 60605

Union Representation: Not Applicable.

Pay Range: $60,000 - $66,000

PLEASE READ: *When you apply for multiple positions, please make sure to delete your previous resume and cover letter and upload the latest version of your resume and cover letter that is relevant to the job you are applying for, every time you apply. This will help our hiring managers access the correct documents. Please note that removing the resume and cover letter will not delete any previously submitted resumes and cover letters.

The Field Museum is an equal-opportunity employer. We are committed to providing a workplace free from discrimination, embracing diversity, and fostering mutual respect. We value the unique perspectives each team member brings, which empowers our ability to innovate and overcome challenges.

At the Field Museum, we are dedicated to making our career website and recruitment process accessible to everyone. If you encounter any difficulty when using or accessing our online application, or if you need a reasonable accommodation for completing your application, participating in interviews, or any other part of the selection process, please reach out to us at recruitment@fieldmuseum.org.