Job Summary:
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 touchpoints 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. As a key member of the agency’s Human Resources team and active partner in delivering this mission, the Director of Human Resources oversees all aspects of the day-to-day Human Resources function. This role is pivotal in the development and oversight of programs related to total compensation, benefits, performance management, professional development, compliance, and labor relations.
Key areas of responsibility:
- Lead and direct the agency’s human resources department by developing, implementing, and evaluating employee relations and HR policies.
- Assist employees with problems, issues, or concerns. Serves as a liaison between employees and their department heads or supervisors.
- Counsel employees and managers regarding performance and behavior problems, terminations, demotions, work improvement and disciplinary actions, policy practice and interpretation. Assist in developing viable options and solutions.
- Support change management initiatives.
- Serve as the relationship manager to Local 73 union leadership; maintaining year-round communication and engagement with the union and play a key role in JCC’s bargaining unit contract negotiations (approximately every three years).
- Serve as an ambassador on behalf of the agency with key stakeholders such as the agency management team and employees, union leaders and rank-and-file members, and Jewish Federation partner agencies.
- Support JCC Chicago’s diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives to foster a culture of safety, respect, and equity throughout the agency. Serve as a champion for inclusive personnel practices.
- Provide day-to-day leadership and mentorship to the full Human Resources team.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support HR initiatives and projects.
- Oversee the ongoing execution of an agency-wide, formalized volunteer and intern initiative managed under a direct report at the Coordinator level. Offering direction and specialized knowledge on adopting leading practices and expanding the scope of this program.
- Oversee all agency-wide employee recognition programs, all-in staff days, activities, and employee communications.
- Assist the Leadership Team with special projects and other matters as assigned.
- Other duties as assigned.
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.
Direct Reports (titles and FTE%):
Assistant Director, HR Operations (1 FTE)
Manager, Human Resources & Labor Relations (1 FTE)
Manager, Recruiting (1 FTE)
Coordinator, Volunteer & Intern Programs
HR Generalist (1 FTE)
Indirect Reports (titles and FTE%):
Senior HR Generalist (1 FTE)
Job Category:
Management
Education Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration or Human Resources.
- SHRM-SCP/SPHR certification preferred.
Previous Experience:
- 10 or more years of progressive responsibilities in HR,
- Successful track record in leading change management and organizational design.
- Proven strategist in identify, developing and retaining talent.
- Experience working with union leadership or in a collective-bargaining environment a plus.
- Problem-solving mindset with ability to balance legal risk and business impact
Other Requirements:
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Demonstrated creativity and flexibility
- Effective listener and eager problem solver
- Excellent interpersonal and conflict resolution skills
- Self-starter and visionary leader
- Clear commitment to 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.
Job Type: Full-time
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Employee discount
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Northbrook, IL 60062