Human Resources Generalist

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 looking to make a meaningful impact across the employee experience. This broad, hands-on role provides the opportunity to support employees throughout their careers with the City. The ideal candidate is approachable, detail-oriented and enjoys balancing people-focused work with the day-to-day administration of Human Resources.

Primary Purpose

Provides professional support across a broad range of Human Resources functions, with emphasis on benefits and leave administration, HRIS and records management, recruitment and selection, employee onboarding and employee engagement and wellness. Serves as a resource to employees and departments and supports the day-to-day administration of HR programs, processes and communications. Ensures compliance with applicable employment laws, regulations and City policies within assigned areas of responsibility.

Supervision Received

Works under the direct supervision of the Human Resources Manager.

Expected hiring range: $70,000 - $80,000 DOQ
2026 Grade 10 Full Range: $62,588.70 min - $93,883.05 max
Salary Exempt; IMRF Pension Eligible Role

• Benefits Administration: Administer employee and retiree benefit programs, including enrollments, qualifying life events, eligibility changes and benefit terminations. Reconcile monthly insurance billings, coordinate benefit deductions with payroll and resolve employee, vendor and carrier issues. Coordinate open enrollment, prepare and distribute materials and assist with evaluating and implementing plan design changes in consultation with insurance pool representatives and benefit consultants.
• Leave Administration: Administer employee leave programs, including FMLA and other applicable leaves. Coordinate required notices and documentation, track leave usage and deadlines, communicate with employees and departments and coordinate benefit and payroll impacts associated with leaves of absence.
• HRIS Administration: Maintain employee information and process personnel actions within the City's HRIS. Audit employee data and partner with departments and payroll to ensure timely and accurate personnel, pay and benefit processing for each payroll cycle.
• Employee Onboarding & Offboarding: Coordinate employee onboarding, new hire orientation and exit interviews, ensuring a timely and consistent experience for employees and departments.
• HR Communications: Serve as the primary point of contact for the Human Resources Division, responding to inquiries from employees and the public, managing HR-related communications, producing the Employee Newsletter, and updating City staff benefits webpage.
• Engagement & Wellness: Plan, administer and evaluate the City’s employee engagement, recognition and wellness programs, including committee meetings, activities, communications and educational initiatives. Maintain wellness records and complete required annual reporting to IPBC.
• Records Administration: Compile, maintain and update employee personnel files, HR records and division data in compliance with applicable retention requirements. Assist with HR-related FOIA requests, records searches and responses.
• Recruitment & Selection: Support recruitment and selection processes, including reviewing and screening applications, conducting initial candidate interviews, coordinating interview processes, communicating with candidates, maintaining applicant records and assisting departments throughout the selection and pre-employment process.
• Professional Development: Participate in professional associations and training; remain current on HR trends and recommend policy or procedural improvements.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Required Minimum Qualifications

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education

Associate’s degree in Human Resources Management, Business Administration or related field or equivalent coursework required. Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources Management, Business Administration or related field preferred.

Experience

Three to five of professional HR experience, with two years in benefits or leave administration. Municipal or public sector experience strongly preferred. Equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

Certification or License

A valid driver’s license is required. SHRM-CP or PHR designation strongly preferred.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Proficiencies

• Knowledge of HR principles, employment law, benefits administration, and leave management.
• Understanding of workers’ compensation practices and recordkeeping requirements.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, HRIS systems, and related software.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to build trust and maintain confidentiality.
• Analytical skills to identify problems and recommend solutions.
• Skill in working collaboratively with colleagues, vendors, applicants, and the public.