Job Title: Human Resources Coordinator
Location: Chicagoland area (Wheeling, IL)
About Priester Aviation
Priester Aviation is a premier aviation services company providing comprehensive aircraft management, charter, maintenance, and flight operations solutions. With decades of experience supporting owner-managed and client-focused flight departments, we are known for our commitment to safety, professionalism, and white-glove service.
Our team operates in a dynamic Part 135 and Part 91 environment, supporting diverse aircraft types and mission profiles across the U.S. and internationally. At Priester Aviation, we value integrity, collaboration, and accountability and we take pride in building long-term careers within aviation.
Position Summary:
As our HR Coordinator, you’ll keep Priester’s people operations running smoothly. You’ll coordinate onboarding and offboarding, maintain HRIS records, support benefits and leave, coordinate recruiting logistics, and serve as the go-to contact for everyday employee questions. Working closely with the CTO, Talent Acquisition & Development Manager, and our managers, you’ll help make sure the HR tasks in your hands are handled accurately, confidentially, and on time.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Assist with HR projects, communications, and employee engagement initiatives as directed by the CTO.
- Support compliance activities including I-9 completion/recordkeeping, audit preparation, training tracking, and HR reporting as assigned.
- Serve as a first point of contact for employee questions; provide guidance on basic policies and procedures and route complex concerns appropriately.
- Prepare routine HR correspondence and templates (employment verifications, status change letters, policy acknowledgements) under CTO guidance.
- Coordinate recruiting logistics such as job posting support, interview scheduling, candidate communications, and reference/background check coordination.
- Support leave administration coordination (as applicable), tracking key dates and documentation and ensuring timely employee/manager communication.
- Assist with benefits administration (enrollments, qualifying life events, terminations) and support invoice/eligibility reconciliation; escalate discrepancies.
- Support offboarding workflows, including benefits terminations, exit documentation, and company property return tracking.
- Maintain personnel files and required documentation (electronic and/or paper) in accordance with records retention and confidentiality standards.
- Coordinate onboarding activities, including new hire paperwork, background checks, orientation scheduling, and first-day readiness.
Qualifications
Required or Preferred Qualifications:
- Working knowledge of employment documentation requirements (e.g., I-9) and general HR practices preferred.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel) and collaboration tools (Teams/SharePoint preferred).
- Demonstrated ability to handle confidential information with professionalism and discretion.
- Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills; customer-service mindset.
- Strong attention to detail, organization, and follow-through; able to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
- Experience working with an HRIS/ATS strongly preferred; ability to learn new systems quickly.
- 2+ years of experience in a HR coordination, HR administration, or similar role preferred.
- Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field preferred (or equivalent experience).
This is an exempt position which requires flexibility to meet the demands of business.
Compensation & Benefits
Priester Aviation offers a competitive total rewards package designed to support the health, financial security, and well-being of our team members, including:
Health & Wellness
- Medical coverage (PPO and High Deductible plans) through Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Dental and vision coverage
- Company-paid short-term and long-term disability insurance
- Company-paid basic life and AD&D insurance, with optional supplemental coverage
- Voluntary accident, critical illness, and hospital indemnity plans
Financial & Retirement
- 401(k) retirement plan with company match
- Annual company-funded profit-sharing contribution
- Health Savings Account (HSA), Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA), and Dependent Care FSA options
Time Off & Work-Life Balance
- Paid company holidays
- Unlimited Paid Time Off (PTO), subject to scheduling guidelines
- Sick leave in accordance with company policy
Additional Benefits
- Tuition reimbursement program
- Company-paid legal services and identity theft protection
- Company-paid pet insurance for dogs or cats
- Employee assistance and support resources
Benefits eligibility and offerings may vary based on role, employment type, and client program.
Work Environment
This position operates in a fast-paced aviation environment that may include travel, variable schedules, and close coordination with flight crews, maintenance teams, and client representatives.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Priester Aviation is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to fostering an inclusive workplace. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status.
How to Apply:
If you are ready to take your career to the next level and meet the qualifications for this role, we invite you to apply. Please submit your resume detailing your experience and why you are an excellent fit for this position.