Director, Human Resources

JCC Chicago provides a life-affirming journey that builds on the richness and power of Jewish values. The agency was founded more than 120 years ago and, as it did from inception, serves as a vibrant, forward-thinking, world-class organization providing innovative and engaging opportunities across Chicagoland and beyond. JCC Chicago programming maintains the vitality of the community and advances the needs of participants of all ages, from young children to teens to older adults. JCC Chicago is proud to welcome people of all ages, faiths, backgrounds, and abilities, providing educational, recreational, social, and cultural programming designed to strengthen and enrich communities.

Along with the Chief HR Officer (CHRO) and HR team, the Human Resources Director will plan, direct, develop, and coordinate the policies, activities, and projects to meet the employee needs of the Agency. Additionally, they will ensure legal compliance and implementation of the organization’s talent strategy.

JCC Chicago is an equal opportunity agency that offers career opportunities, internships, and volunteer roles for all. We are guided by Jewish values – Tikkun Olam (Repairing the World), Kavod HaBriyot (Respect for All Human Beings), Gemilut Chasadim (Acts of Lovingkindness), Learning, and Innovation. Join us as we build community, support individuals and families, and grow hope through Jewish connections for everyone.

Key areas of responsibility:

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Supervises and coaches the Recruitment Manager as well as the Human Resources and Labor Relations Manager. Support these staff to achieve their goals.
• Works with the Assistant Director HR Operations to support the CHRO in leading the HR team in meeting agency objectives.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Create and implement HR policies and programs which enhance the work environment for agency staff.
• Collaborates with senior leadership to understand the organization’s goals and strategy related to staffing, retention, employee relations, union support, culture, training, and development.
• Works with the Recruiting Manager to identify innovative, effective recruitment strategies that deliver excellent candidates at all levels within the organization and support meaningful onboarding of new staff. Assists with streamlining processes.
• Works with Human Resources and Labor Relations Manager and indirectly with the Sr HR Generalist to support departments with employee relations and other HR issues. Works with departments to be proactive in HR support. Is a secondary resource for Union issues.
• Supports JCC Chicago’s diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives to foster a culture of safety, respect, and equity throughout the agency.
• Supports the HR team in maintaining an efficient and effective talent management system for both formal and informal employee feedback, skill development, professional growth, and rewards and recognition.
• Works with employee committees to create successful employee recognition programs, training opportunities, and culture-building activities to support a healthy and attractive work environment.
• Takes a leadership role in participating in agency programs and events to build relationships and garner trust and confidence across internal and external constituencies.
• Assists with the development and administration of human resource programs including, but not limited to, disciplinary matters; disputes and investigations; performance and talent management; productivity, recognition, and morale; occupational health and safety; and training and development.
• Provides support for the Camp Chi staff in Lake Delton, WI, for all HR employee relations and training needs, especially during the camp season in summer. This work may require occasional trips to the camp throughout the summer.
• Monitors and ensures the organization’s compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations, and recommended best practices; reviews and modifies policies and practices to maintain compliance.
• Maintains knowledge of trends, best practices, regulatory changes, and new technologies in human resources, talent management, and employment law; applies this knowledge to communicate changes in policy, practice, and resources to upper management.
• Works with the HR team to determine solutions to agency employee needs in support of the overall goals of the agency.
• Proficiency with or the ability to quickly learn the organization’s HRIS and talent management systems.
• Performs other duties as required.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in human resources, business administration, or related field required, or four to eight years of professional-level work experience in Human Resources.
• At least five years of human resource management experience required, including experience managing professional staff.

Other Requirements:

• Expert knowledge of HR laws, practices, and policies.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated creativity and flexibility.
• Effective listener and eager problem solver.
• Self-starter and visionary leader.
• Clear commitment to the Jewish community and embodiment of JCC Chicago’s core values of Self-Leadership & Accountability, Customer Service, Teamwork & Collaboration, and Creativity & Innovation.
• Knowledge of Jewish history, culture, and practice preferred.

Key Essential Job Duties/Physical Requirements:

• Repetitive movement of arms and hands to operate computer, keyboard, and mouse.
• Ability to stand; walk and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
• Ability to operate equipment such as phone, computer keyboard, calculator, and standard office equipment.
• Vision: close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
• React with physical and mental alertness in emergency situations and assist in evacuation of building.

Days/Hours/%Travel:

• Full time with extensive travel throughout JCC Chicagoland locations and periodic travel to Lake Delton, WI.
• This role is a hybrid position, with the flexibility to work 3 days onsite and 2 days remote

Direct Reports (titles and FTE%):

• Manager, Human Resources & Labor Relations (1 FTE)
• Manager, Recruiting (1 FTE)

Job Category:

Management

Salary:

$90,000 - $115,000, commensurate with experience