Senior People & Culture Generalist

Westside Justice Center

. Foster an inclusive, values-driven, and mission-aligned workplace .

Posted 10/6/2026full-timeChicago • Illinois • United StatesSenior💰 $75,000 - $90,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in employee relations, performance management, and compliance within nonprofit environments, while fostering a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Proficient in managing the full employee life cycle and implementing effective HR practices aligned with organizational values.

Highest-signal resume keywords

5+ Years HR ExperienceEmployee Relations ManagementPerformance Management PracticesHRIS Experience (BambooHR Preferred)HR Certification (SHRM-CP, PHR Preferred)

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Employee RelationsPerformance ManagementCompliance ManagementRecruitment and OnboardingWorkforce Data AnalysisPolicy DevelopmentConflict ResolutionOrganizational SkillsHRIS ProficiencyMicrosoft Office Suite

Soft Skills

Interpersonal SkillsCommunication SkillsEmotional IntelligenceCollaborationIntegrity

Certifications & Qualifications

SHRM-CPPHR

Industry Keywords

Nonprofit Employment StructuresEmployment Laws and RegulationsDiversity, Equity, and InclusionPeople and Culture PlanTotal Rewards

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Foster an inclusive, values-driven, and mission-aligned workplace
Support the full employee life cycle from recruitment and onboarding to engagement, development, and retention
Champion a culture rooted in belonging, collaboration, and respect
Coordinate new hire onboarding and orientation
Serve as a trusted resource for employee inquiries and concerns
Provide guidance and resolution for poor performance, employee conflicts, and manager-employee disputes
Draft and implement the annual People & Culture Plan, including employee recognition, wellness, engagement surveys and action plans, culture- and spirit-building activities, and learning opportunities
Oversee employee benefits offerings and services by liaising with benefit service providers, meeting with employees to track benefits, and reporting on Total Rewards
Partner with supervisors to implement equitable performance management practices
Coach supervisors on feedback, communication, and employee development
Support learning and development programs aligned with mission and values
Lead recruitment and ensure relevant candidate pools and fair hiring practices
Manage job postings, candidate communications, interview logistics, and support leadership in determining salary bands
Screen candidates and make hiring recommendations
Maintain compliance with federal, state, and local employment regulations
Create and communicate People and Culture policies and procedures
Consult external counsel regarding legal compliance
Maintain accurate and confidential personnel files
Review employee timesheets and supervisor payroll approvals
Operationalize equitable practices across HR functions
Support culture-building activities and community learning opportunities
Collect and analyze workforce data for continuous improvement and accountability
Make occasional local work-related trips

Requirements

What you’ll need

5+ years of progressively responsible HR or people operations experience, including demonstrated experience independently handling employee relations, performance management, employment compliance, and supervisor coaching
Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Nonprofit Management, or related field (or equivalent experience)
Thorough knowledge of nonprofit employment structures, employment-related laws and regulations, compliance, and best practices
Deep alignment with WJC’s mission and values
Excellent interpersonal, communication, and conflict resolution skills
Intercultural competence and emotional intelligence
Collaborative spirit and relationship-building skills
Ability to manage multiple priorities with care and professionalism
Integrity, discretion, and empathy in handling confidential matters
Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
HRIS experience; BambooHR preferred
Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software
Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion within the workplace
HR certification (SHRM-CP, PHR, or similar) preferred but not required
Ability to communicate verbally
Ability to spend extended time working on a computer
Ability to go up and down stairs

Benefits

Comp & perks

Community Impact
Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
Paid Time Off
401(k) retirement plan
Reasonable accommodation(s) may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions
Occasional local travel for work-related reasons