HR Generalist: Benefits, Leave & Engagement

City of Highland Park, IL; Highland Park (IL); On-site; USD 70,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Highland Park is seeking a dynamic HR professional to support a broad range of employee experience initiatives, with emphasis on benefits, leave administration and HRIS. This hands-on role collaborates with departments to maintain compliant, efficient HR programs and accurate records.

Expected hiring range: $70,000 - $80,000 DOQ; Grade 10 Full Range: $62,588.70 min - $93,883.05 max. SHRM-CP or PHR preferred; 3–5 years HR experience with public-sector preference.

Qualifications

• Associate degree in HRM, Business Administration or related field required; Bachelor’s preferred.
• Three to five years of professional HR experience, with two years in benefits or leave administration.
• SHRM-CP or PHR designation strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Administer benefits programs, enrollments, and leave processes.
• Oversee HRIS data integrity and payroll-related HR actions.
• Coordinate onboarding, interviews, and pre-employment steps.
• Develop and distribute HR communications; maintain employee newsletters and benefits webpage.
• Plan and evaluate employee engagement and wellness initiatives.
• Maintain employee records in compliance with retention requirements; assist with FOIA requests.

Skills

HR principles

Employment law

Benefits administration

Leave management

HRIS

Microsoft Office

Communication

Confidentiality

Analytical skills

Education

Associate degree

Bachelor’s degree preferred

Tools

HRIS systems

Microsoft Office

Job description

The City of Highland Park is seeking a dynamic HR professional to support a broad range of employee experience initiatives, with emphasis on benefits, leave administration and HRIS. This hands-on role collaborates with departments to maintain compliant, efficient HR programs and accurate records.

Expected hiring range: $70,000 - $80,000 DOQ; Grade 10 Full Range: $62,588.70 min - $93,883.05 max. SHRM-CP or PHR preferred; 3–5 years HR experience with public-sector preference.