ABOUT US:

Illinois Action for Children (“IAFC”), a local, state and national leader in the early childhood care and education sector for over 50 years. IAFC programs, services, and advocacy improve learning and life outcomes for children and families, including reducing the effects of poverty. IAFC works to ensure that every child in Illinois – particularly those in need – have access to the necessary resources to succeed in school and in life.

Along with our mission, IAFC is committed to building and maintaining a diverse, equitable, inclusive, and anti-racist culture. We are dedicated to this pledge through our hiring practices and our focus on creating a culture and environment where diverse perspectives, ideas, and identities are valued and integrated into our way of working and servicing our staff and clients. IAFC staff represent a wide diversity of racial, socio-economic, gender, religious, and national identities. We welcome all applicants who share our mission and vision to join us in our essential work.

SUMMARY:

Under the direction of the Vice President of Human Resources, the Employee and Labor Relations Manager is responsible for all aspects of employee and labor relations for the agency. The incumbent is responsible for counseling management on the performance improvement process, employee/management mediation, disciplinary actions, employee separations and administers IAFC’s employee recognition program.

This incumbent will be expected to promote and adhere to the workplace core capabilities of: accountability, customer focus, continuous quality improvement (CQI), communication, competent people and clear priorities. All work to be completed with minimum supervision and in accordance with organizational standards.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include but are not limited to the following. The company reserves the right to add to, delete, change, or modify the essential duties and responsibilities at any time.

1. Employee Relations/Client Relations: As an internal consultant, counsel employees and managers on a variety of issues including peer/manager work relationships, communication problems, personal problems, employee morale, work problems and concerns in general. In all interactions, is cognizant of maintaining the highest ethics and trust to ensure credibility of the position and Human Resources. Responsible for overseeing employee rewards and recognition programs and educating management on how to utilize program. Participate in the preparation, analysis and presentation of related reports as needed.
2. Labor Relations: Assist the Director of Human Resources and legal counsel in administering and interpreting collective bargaining agreements, conducting incident investigations, evaluating evidence and facts. Work with legal counsel as appropriate. Participate in negotiations and grievance settlement with Collective Bargaining Unit. Handle formal grievances by meeting with employees and the union representative, writing up responses.
3. Performance Management: Provide training and counsel to employees and management regarding performance management, performance improvement plans, and interpretations of employment law, and internal policies and procedures. Identify training and development needs for management staff in this area. Assist in the development of new employee engagement programs, policies, and procedures. Research and evaluate appraisal systems, making recommendations, and implementing revised systems which enhance the performance of the organization. In conjunction with the Training and Development Manager, coordinate annual review process and assure completion of reviews.
4. Communications: Assist HR Director with the communications and interpretation of Human Resource policies, procedures, and programs. Participate and assist in facilitating HR trainings and meetings, including full management meetings, management roundtables, and all other HR related events.
5. Execute our workplace core capabilities of: accountability, customer focus, continuous quality improvement (CQI), communication, competent people and clear priorities.
6. Other Functions: Perform other duties as assigned or as appropriate for this position. Backup to other HR positions in their absence.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Incumbent will supervise an HR Generalist or HR Coordinator position.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

Bachelor's degree required, and 5 - 7 years of human resources experience in employee relations, human resources management or HR generalist role. 2+ years of supervisory experience preferred. Previous experience in interpreting and administering collective bargaining agreements. Labor relations experience a preferred.

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Decision- making and problem-solving skills
• Excellent organizational and public speaking or training skills
• Detail-oriented
• Ability to use good judgment in handling difficult situations

Benefits of Working at IAFC:

• Working with passionate team members who are driven by our Mission: Illinois Action for Children is a catalyst for organizing, developing, and supporting strong families and powerful communities where children matter most.
• We strive to foster and implement a diversity, equity, and inclusion culture across our organization. We know it is not only critical to the success of diversity initiatives - but instrumental in creating an unbiased and inclusive workplace! It not only relates to the diverse clients we serve but also creates a positive employee experience.
• We offer an extensive benefits package that adds value to your total compensation. Our benefits include:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance plans with company contribution of 95% for single coverage
• 401k with company match
• Generous PTO – first year-23 days, the second year-28 days, the third year and on - 35 days
• 11 Paid Holidays and 1 Floating Holiday
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Flexible Spending Account
• STD & LTD insurance
• Company-paid Life Insurance

Salary begins at $70,500 (annualized) based on background and experience

Location: Chicago, IL

Illinois Action for Children is EEO/M/F/V/D employer

While we desire for this job posting to be comprehensive, all aspects of the position may be amended at any time at the discretion of IAFC including job duties, work location and/or work schedule.