Human Resources Business Partner

About Our Organization

Youth Guidance creates and implements school-based programs that enable children to overcome obstacles, focus on their education, and ultimately, to succeed in school and in life.  We believe that no matter what challenges a young person faces, they are more likely to succeed when they have caring adults in their lives. Our highly trained staff guides kids to overcome the life and academic challenges facing the youth. We meet kids where they are — physically and emotionally — to help them focus on their education, make positive choices, and remain on the right path toward life success.

Founded in 1924 and celebrating 100 years of impact this year, Youth Guidance is a leading provider of outcomes-driven programs serving more than 18,000 youth around the country.  For more information, visit www.youth-guidance.org.  

Position Summary: The Human Resources Business Partner drives strategic recruitment, employee development, and retention efforts to attract and retain top talent. This role builds strong talent pipelines, supports managers in fostering a positive culture, and ensures HR processes align with organizational goals. Through data-driven insights and advance tools, the HRBP enhances HR practices and contributes to Youth Guidance success.

Essential Duties/Responsibilities: 

• Leads full-cycle recruitment efforts for designated Youth Guidance program vacancies, including sourcing candidates, conducting initial interviews, assessing candidates, scheduling next-level interviews, and verifying references with a focus on providing an exceptional candidate experience. 

• Collaborates with program teams and HR partners to identify vacancies, create and post job descriptions in BambooHR, and build a strong candidate pipeline through active outreach, strategic marketing, and innovative sourcing methods. 

• Oversees employee offboarding processes, ensuring smooth transitions, conducting exit interviews, managing final paperwork, and tracking trends to support retention efforts, continuous improvement and a positive offboarding experience that reflects the organization's values. 

• Evaluates the quality of the candidate pool and adjusts sourcing strategies as needed, leveraging data and feedback to analyze the effectiveness of sourcing initiatives. Delivers actionable insights and recommendations. 

• Prepares salary justifications, negotiates offers, and partners with program leaders to ensure exceptional onboarding and training, contributing to the overall success of retention and recognition initiatives. 

• Coach and support managers in effectively managing employee performance, fostering a positive culture, and driving employee retention through the development and implementation of performance management initiatives. 

• Interact with employees to respond to questions/concerns regarding HR policies and programs. 

• Ensure the proper maintenance of electronic and manual personnel files and related documents, ensuring compliance with Federal, State, and local regulatory agencies, as well as Funder requirements while maintaining an efficient and seamless HR process that supports organizational excellence. Conduct internal audits and support preparation for external audits as necessary.   

• Utilize HRIS and ATS systems to pull reports, analyze trends, and present data to leadership. Provide actionable recommendations based on data analysis to drive HR decision-making and improve organizational effectiveness. 

• Other duties as assigned. 

Minimum Qualifications 

Education/Experience 

• Bachelor's Degree and a minimum of 5 years progressively responsible experience in the delivery of HR programs 

• Experience in the use of HRIS and ATS for effective HR processes 

• Experience working in nonprofit sector preferred 

• SHRM/HRCI certification preferred 

 Skills/Abilities 

• Proven ability to effectively interact with all levels of staff within an organization 

• Proven track record managing medium - large scale projects/events 

• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with diverse audiences while maintaining a professional and customer-focused demeanor at all times. 

• Ability to work well both independently and as a member of a team 

• Possesses a strong ability to take the initiative in setting priorities, meeting deadlines and proactively problem solve 

• Ability to maintain professionalism and confidentiality in sensitive, difficult situations 

• Effective time management and prioritization skills 

• Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office products (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint) 

• Proficient in using HRIS and other tools to analyze data and provide insights on total rewards, employee engagement, and compliance trends, translating findings into actionable strategies. 

• Thorough understanding of federal, state, and local employment regulations, with the ability to interpret and apply laws to ensure organizational compliance and mitigate risk. 

 Core Competencies 

• 
   Communication: Uses effective written and oral communication with internal staff, teams, and community served; demonstrates empathy and listening 

• Client orientation: Recognizes needs of diverse stakeholders and approaches relationships with a service orientation, to ultimately maximize the impact 

• Equity mindset: Understands and is committed to goals of equity, consistently brings an equity mindset to the organization’s work and workplace 

• Growth mindset: Views growth as important for personal and professional development; seeks out opportunities to expand skills, even if the change is required, demonstrates curiosity and eagerness to learn 

• Ownership and quality of work: Effectively manages own work, and work of the team to ensure delivery of high-quality work 

• Supervisory skills: Effectively manages and develops others 

• Mission drive: Demonstrates commitment to the missing of the organization as a whole and alignment with organization values 

 Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions 

Work Environment 

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

• This job is hybrid and operates in a professional office environment. 

• Occasional local travel in the Chicago area.  

Compensation

$63,000 - $90,000

Pay is determined by your educational background and relevant professional experience. 

Our Values 

• At Youth Guidance, we believe that creating a welcoming and supportive environment where everyone feels valued and respected is fundamental to realizing our vision of bright and successful futures for all young people. We acknowledge that many systems and institutions intended to support youth do not provide fair treatment or access for everyone. We strive to celebrate the unique qualities of youth and recognize them as empowered leaders, problem-solvers, and experts of their own experiences.  
  
• Youth Guidance is an equal opportunity employer. Youth Guidance does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law and is committed to fostering a welcoming and supportive environment where everyone feels valued and respected. People of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.