Public Sector HR Generalist – Benefits & Onboarding

City of Highland Park; 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 impact the employee experience across the organization. This hands-on role supports employees throughout their careers, balancing people-focused work with day-to-day HR administration.

The position emphasizes benefits and leave administration, HRIS and records management, recruitment and onboarding, and employee engagement and wellness. Reports to the HR Manager and offers a competitive salary.

Qualifications

• Three to five years of professional HR experience, with two years in benefits or leave administration.
• Municipal or public sector experience strongly preferred.
• A valid driver’s license is required. SHRM-CP or PHR designation strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Benefits Administration: administer employee and retiree benefit programs, enrollments, eligibility changes and benefit terminations; reconcile insurance billings and coordinate with payroll.
• Leave Administration: manage FMLA and other leaves; track notices, deadlines and payroll impacts.
• HRIS Administration: maintain employee information in the City’s HRIS and ensure accurate payroll processing.
• Employee Onboarding & Offboarding: coordinate orientation and exit interviews for a consistent employee experience.
• HR Communications: respond to inquiries, manage communications, publish the Employee Newsletter, update benefits page.
• Engagement & Wellness: plan and evaluate engagement and wellness programs and complete annual IPBC reporting.
• Records Administration: maintain personnel files and assist with FOIA requests and records searches.
• Recruitment & Selection: support postings, screening, interviews and documentation for selection and pre-employment steps.
• Professional Development: participate in associations and trainings; stay current on HR trends.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Education

Associate’s degree in Human Resources Management, Business Administration or related field

Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources Management, Business Administration or related field

Job description

The City of Highland Park is seeking a dynamic HR professional to impact the employee experience across the organization. This hands-on role supports employees throughout their careers, balancing people-focused work with day-to-day HR administration.

The position emphasizes benefits and leave administration, HRIS and records management, recruitment and onboarding, and employee engagement and wellness. Reports to the HR Manager and offers a competitive salary.