Senior Director of Human Resources
Collaborate with a passionate Zoo Crew in San Antonio
Choosing where to grow your career has a major impact on your professional and personal life, so it’s equally important you know that the place you choose to work at will support and guide you. With a diversity of passionate people, San Antonio Zoo is a place where you can collaborate with others securing a future for wildlife.
The Impact You’ll Make in this Role
The Senior Director of Human Resources (HR) at the San Antonio Zoo is a senior leadership position responsible for overseeing all human resource functions to support the zoo's mission of inspiring the community to love, engage with, act for, and protect animals and the places they live. This role involves strategic planning, policy formulation, and the implementation of HR practices that foster a positive, inclusive, and productive work environment. The Senior Director of HR ensures compliance with employment laws, promotes employee engagement, and drives organizational growth through effective HR management.
As the Senior Director of HR, you will have the opportunity to tap into your curiosity and collaborate with some of the most innovative and diverse people in San Antonio. Here, you will make an impact by:
- Develop and implement HR strategies that align with the zoo’s mission and goals.
- Act as the primary liaison with employee union(s).
- Address employee concerns, grievances, and conflicts, facilitating resolution and maintaining morale.
- Manage EEOC claims, demand letters, union grievances, and legal suits relating to HR.
- Supervise the development and implementation of employee training and orientation programs.
- Ensure a smooth onboarding experience for new hires, setting the tone for their journey with the organization.
- Design and implement training programs to enhance employees’ skills and knowledge, ensuring they meet the zoo’s operational standards.
- Develop performance evaluation forms and succession planning models.
- Develop and manage performance appraisal systems to evaluate employee performance.
- Implement performance improvement plans when necessary.
- Support career development and succession planning.
- Conduct salary reviews and market comparisons to ensure competitive and fair compensation.
- Collaborates with the administration of payroll, benefits, and compensation programs.
- Maintain employee handbook, job descriptions, policies, and wage guidelines.
- Uphold compliance standards for posted materials, 403b plans, etc.
- Responsible for planning, coordination and creation of Employee Updates/Newsletter.
- Forecast HR needs to support future zoo projects and expansions.
- Ensure all HR policies and procedures comply with federal, state, and local laws and regulations.
- Keep up-to-date with changes in employment law and best practices.
- Prepare and manage the HR department’s budget.
- Lead initiatives to improve organizational effectiveness and employee engagement.
- Support change management processes and organizational restructuring as needed.
- Lead and participate in the Zoo Duty Manager Program, designed to immerse leaders in the core operations of the zoo, fostering a culture of exceptional guest service, meticulous attention to detail, and a deep connection to our mission.
- Constantly exhibit a guest service attitude, a smile, and an obvious interest in guest comfort and service.
- Communicate with the public in a courteous and tactful manner and assist guests with questions and directions to various areas of the Zoo. Address the guest - do not wait to be asked.
- Remove trash and debris from public areas; i.e. pick up litter whenever you see it.
- Any and all other duties as assigned.
Your Skills and Expertise
To set you up for success in this role from day one, the San Antonio Zoo recommends the following skills/qualifications:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resource Management.
- Five (5) years HR supervisory experience.
- Five (5) years experience in training and recruiting.
- Professional in Human Resources (PHR) certification preferred.
- Ability to work weekends, holidays and occasional after-hour assignments.
- Thorough understanding of federal, state, and local equal employment opportunity laws and regulations.
- Knowledge of payroll and time and attendance software.
- Possesses a personable nature that fosters positive relationships with colleagues, promoting a harmonious work environment.
- Exceptional communication skills to create rapport with company leaders and gain their support for process improvements.
- Project management and hospitality operations experience preferred.
- Experience with change management and change communications.
- Experience with executive presentations.
- Strong analytic interpretation, and implementation skills.
- Ability to prioritize tasks based on leadership and evaluation need.
- We enjoy year-round operation for all staff, must be available day, nights, weekends, and occasional special after-hour assignments.
San Antonio Zoo is an equal opportunity employer. San Antonio Zoo will not discriminate against any applicant for employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status.
