Human Resources Generalist

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.

• 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.

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.

• 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.
• Partner with hiring managers to develop onboarding plans that promote early engagement and long‑term retention.
• Manage the logistics of onboarding activities, including new employee orientations, new hire paperwork, and system access.
• Collect and analyze onboarding feedback to continuously enhance the employee experience.

• Support the design and implementation of staff learning and development programs aligned with organizational goals.
• Collaborate with the Manager, Human Resources, and VP of People & Culture to identify professional growth opportunities for staff across departments.
• Coordinate internal and external training, workshops, and career development initiatives.
• Track participation and evaluate program effectiveness to inform future strategy.

• Serve as a trusted resource for employees and managers, providing guidance on workplace policies, performance issues, and interpersonal concerns.
• Promote a culture of respect, inclusion, and collaboration consistent with the Museum’s values.
• Assist with investigations and documentation related to employee relations matters, ensuring confidentiality and compliance with applicable laws.
• Partner with People & Culture leadership to implement proactive employee engagement and retention strategies.

• Support the administration of the performance review process, including goal‑setting, mid‑year check‑ins, and annual evaluations.
• Coach managers on effective feedback and performance conversations.
• Help identify and address performance improvement opportunities in collaboration with People & Culture leadership.
• Maintain accurate records and ensure consistency and equity in performance practices.

• Serves as a backup and support to payroll processing for the Museum.
• Maintain employee records and ensure data integrity within HR systems.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and Museum policies.
• Contribute to HR process improvements and special projects within the People & Culture team.
• Serve as the backup for responding to the HR mailbox & main phone line, answering questions, and/or referring to the appropriate HR team member.
• Complete exit paperwork for separating employees and conduct exit interviews in collaboration with the Manager, Human Resources.
• Assist in annual compliance training administration.
• Assist in event planning and administration for internal HR‑organised events.

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration,…