Manager, Special Initiatives (MF)

MacArthur Foundation; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

MacArthur Foundation in Chicago seeks a Manager of Special Initiatives within the People and Culture team. This role designs, develops, and manages strategic HR programs to attract, develop, engage, and retain a diverse staff in a culture of continuous learning.

You will lead research and oversee a portfolio of initiatives, coordinate with employees and managers, draft communications, and monitor program effectiveness to inform improvements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree, HR certifications and/or equivalent working experience valued.
• Eight or more years of relevant work experience including five years of strategic human resources and/or project management experience.
• Track record of developing and executing programs in a complex, multi‑location environment.
• Hands-on advocate who can build trust across employee groups.
• Strategic and creative thinker able to manage multiple demands under pressure.
• Strong researcher and communicator with superb organizational skills.
• Highly agile, self-motivated team player.
• Well-versed in a broad range of HR-related functions.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate development, delivery, and evaluation of special projects and programs, including well-being and engagement initiatives.
• Research and monitor programs to promote well-being and an engaged culture.
• Work with employees and managers to maintain an open, collegial team environment.
• Engage with employees to address well-being initiatives.
• Perform research and analysis in support of People and Culture, e.g., diversity, learning and development, onboarding.
• Draft, review, and refine People and Culture communications.
• Stay current on trends in well-being and engagement and in People and Culture.

Education

Bachelor's degree

Advanced degree / HR certifications

Job description

The People and Culture team is responsible for the Foundation's strategic efforts to design, implement and manage innovative human resources practices and initiatives that attract, develop, engage, support and retain an energized, high‑performing, diverse staff in a culture of continuous learning and improvement.

The Manager, Special Initiatives is responsible for researching, proposing, developing, and/or managing a wide range of strategies, projects, and initiatives to help ensure the continuation of a positive, engaging culture and workplace at the Foundation. He/She is expected to recommend and/or carry out initiatives that facilitate personal and professional development and employee well‑being, as well as conduct research on a wide variety of People and Culture initiatives. This person is both a strategic leader and a detailed hands‑on project management specialist, and is responsible for evaluating the strategies and programs undertaken to determine their effectiveness, and using that information to modify them as needed. In addition, the Manager, Special Initiatives will be a critical voice for communications about People and Culture matters, helping the team create communications goals and strategies, and with drafting and refining Foundation‑wide messages. He/She will also be expected to create and manage an annual special initiatives plan and budget.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Coordinate the development, delivery, and evaluation of an array of special projects and programs, including ongoing employee well‑being and workplace engagement initiatives
• Research and monitor a wide variety of programs and processes to promote overall well‑being and an engaged, challenged culture
• Work with employees and managers to maintain an open, collegial and effective team environment
• Engage with employees to discuss and proactively address well‑being initiatives
• Perform research and analysis as needed (diversity, learning and development, recruitment and onboarding, policies and procedures, etc.) in support of the People and Culture team
• Draft, review, and revise People and Culture‑related and Foundation‑wide communications
• Keep abreast of current trends and developments in well‑being and engagement, and in People and Culture in general
• Perform other duties as assigned

The position is based in Chicago, Illinois.

Physical Requirements and Work Environment

The work environment is an office setting. Intermittent physical activities will include bending, reaching, sitting, and walking during working hours. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable a person with physical disabilities to perform the job.

Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree; advanced degree, human resources certifications and/or equivalent working experience valued
• Eight or more years of relevant work experienceincluding five years of strategic human resources and/or project management experience
• A track record of success in developing and executing programs in a complex, multi‑layered, multi‑location, intellectually‑charged work environment
• A hands‑on advocate who can build trust and credibility with all employee groups to contribute to a safe, supportive, and open environment
• A strategic and creative thinker who can execute multiple, competing demands under pressure
• An experienced and effective researcher and communicator (oral and written) with superb organizational and interpersonal skills
• A highly agile, self‑motivated team player
• Well‑versed in a broad range of HR‑related functions and a desire to contribute broadly to the People and Culture team