HR Coordinator in Chicago, Illinois at Cross Street Real Estate LLC

Title: HR Coordinator

Reports to: Human Resource Business Partner

Job Summary

We're looking for an HR Coordinator to help deliver a seamless employee experience while ensuring our people processes run smoothly and efficiently.

The right person is naturally curious, eager to learn, and excited to grow their career in Human Resources. We are looking for someone who doesn't wait to be told what to do, but instead asks questions, takes initiative, and looks for ways to improve the employee experience. You'll thrive here if you're energized by working with people, enjoy solving problems, and can adapt quickly in a fast-moving environment. This role is ideal for someone who wants exposure to all areas of HR and is excited to learn from experienced leaders while taking on increasing responsibility over time.

You'll serve as a trusted resource for employees and managers, helping answer questions, solve problems, and ensure HR processes are executed accurately and consistently. You'll also have opportunities to contribute to projects that improve our systems, strengthen our culture, and support the continued growth of the organization.

Responsibilities

• Manage employee records and process employee lifecycle changes including hires, promotions, transfers, compensation changes, leaves of absence, and terminations within the HRIS.
• Coordinate all onboarding activities, including welcome communications, HRIS setup, new hire paperwork, orientation scheduling, office tours, and ensuring completion of onboarding checklists.
• Administer employee benefits, including new hire enrollments, life event changes, COBRA administration, and assist with employee benefit education.
• Serve as a first point of contact for employee questions regarding benefits, payroll, policies, and HR processes, providing exceptional customer service and support.
• Support the HRBP by maintaining documentation, assisting with corrective actions, performance improvement plans (PIPs), separations, and other employee-related matters.
• Assist with unemployment claims administration, employment verifications, and other compliance-related HR processes.
• Maintain personnel files and HR records, ensuring accuracy, organization, and compliance with company policies and legal requirements.
• Assist with leave administration, including FMLA, workers' compensation, and other leave programs, while maintaining accurate tracking and reporting.
• Help plan and execute employee engagement initiatives, recognition programs, company events, volunteer opportunities, and culture-building activities.
• Build strong relationships across the organization and serve as a friendly, approachable resource for employees and managers.
• Demonstrate curiosity and a willingness to learn by gaining exposure to multiple areas of Human Resources, including recruiting, onboarding, employee relations, payroll, benefits, compliance, and employee engagement.
• Adapt quickly to changing priorities in a fast-paced environment and provide support wherever needed to ensure team success.
• Generate HR reports and assist with audits, reporting, and special projects.
• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.
• Maintain confidentiality and professionalism when handling sensitive employee information.

What Success Looks like (6-12 months)

• New hires consistently have a positive onboarding experience and are set up for success from day one.
• Employee records, HRIS data, and personnel files are organized, accurate, and audit-ready.
• Benefits processes are administered accurately and efficiently.
• Employees receive timely, professional support and view HR as a trusted resource.
• Managers receive reliable support with employee-related matters and HR processes.
• HR workflows become more streamlined and efficient through process improvements.
• Employee engagement initiatives are organized, well-executed, and positively received.
• Compliance requirements are consistently maintained and documentation is accurate.
• The HR team is viewed as a responsive, proactive partner to the business.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Psychology, or a related field preferred.
• 1-3 years of Human Resources experience preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to learn quickly, adapt to change, and take ownership of responsibilities.
• Strong interpersonal skills and confidence interacting with employees, managers, and candidates.
• A positive attitude, growth mindset, and willingness to take on new challenges.
• Strong organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience working with HRIS platforms and HR technology systems.
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to exercise sound judgment.
• Knowledge of employment laws, HR best practices, and compliance requirements.
• High level of professionalism and ability to handle confidential information.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace, and HR reporting tools.
• Experience supporting a multi-location or multi-entity organization is preferred.

Why Cross Street?

At Cross Street, you'll have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact while working alongside people who genuinely care about the work they do and the people they do it with. We believe great companies are built by great people. If you're looking for a role where you can grow your HR career, contribute to a strong culture, and help create an exceptional employee experience, we'd love to meet you.