Human Resources Consultant

Lillstreet Art Center is searching for a Human Resources Consultant to join our team and aid in the continued fostering our larger community. The HR Consultant functions as critical support to the community culture of Lillstreet Art Center. This position manages and provides specialized guidance on essential aspects of employee recruitment and retention, DEI initiatives and accountability, and staff and student relations. With an emphasis on prioritizing diversity, equity, and inclusion both as a community center and workplace, the Human Resources Consultant ensures the consistent and conscious development of Lillstreet as a safe space for all participants.

About Lillstreet Art Center:

Lillstreet Art Center is an art school, art gallery, and artist studio space in Chicago. We offer classes and workshops covering topics in Ceramics, Metalsmithing & Jewelry, Textiles, Printmaking & Book Arts, and Drawing & Painting. Our Kidstreet program includes multimedia classes and summer camps for children and families.

As creative people who work for creative people, supporting artists is our priority. Through our annual Artist-in-Residence program, we offer career opportunities and workspace for emerging to mid-career artists. We remove barriers to art education through our growing Scholarship Programs and Free Visiting Artist Program. We are committed to giving back to the art community and beyond in Chicago, with a portion of our profits going to local organizations supporting humanitarian causes each month.

Essential Job Functions

Recruitment & Retention:

• Provide consultation for administrative team and department directors on hiring initiatives
• Develop and implement recruitment and retention strategies with an emphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion
• Work alongside Chief Executive Officer and Director of Finance to determine equitable compensation for new and existing employees and independent contractors
• Oversee Lillstreet benefit programs (health insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, 401K matching, etc.)
• Enroll and guide new and existing employees through various benefit programs
• Oversee exit process for departing employees (exit interviews, COBRA, severance, etc.)

DEI Initiatives & Accountability:

• Regularly review and revise Lillstreet’s DEI statement, zero tolerance policy, staff code of conduct, and student community guidelines; ensuring accountability is being taken within Lillstreet
• Organize multiple optional DEI trainings (led by partner organization) each year for teaching faculty/independent contractors
• Organize multiple mandatory DEI trainings (led by partner organization) each year for employees

Employee & Student Relations:

• Oversee incident report system (confidentially review, investigate, and ensure appropriate action is taken on reported violations of Lillstreet’s zero tolerance policy
• DEI statement, staff code of conduct, and student community guidelines, etc.)
• Mediate disputes between staff and/or students as needed

Additional Responsibilities:

• Support implementation of new/revised practices, policies or procedures (including developing supports, tools)
• Handle miscellaneous employment/labor situations (workman's compensation, updated labor laws, etc.)
• Manage additional HR events as needed

Qualifications

• Undergraduate and/or graduate degree in human resource management, or related field; or equivalent professional experience
• HRCI or SHRM certification
• 3+ years of general human resource experience
• Demonstrated dedication to ongoing education in current diversity, equity, and inclusion practices
• Experience in community-centered spaces/art centers preferred
• Excellent verbal and written communication & interpersonal skills
• Ability to work a flexible schedule as neededAbility to work as part of a team

Compensation:

This is a contract position with to be compensated commensurate with experience and contractor rates.

To Apply:

Interested candidates should email the following materials to hr@lillstreet.com with the subject line reading “‘Applicant Name’: Human Resources Consultant.”

• Resume
• Cover letter
• Three references