16-Jun-2023

2531BR

Regular Full Time

Job Function and Responsibilities

The Director of Human Resources contributes to the success of the Chicago Zoological Society by working as the right-hand to the Senior Vice President, Human Resources ("SVP"), assisting in planning, developing, and implementing workplace policies, practices, and programs to promote employee engagement and productivity. Oversees and handles day-to-day employee and labor relations matters and administrative operations of the HR Department. Assists in building and reinforcing an inclusive workplace culture and promoting positive employee relations, morale, productivity, and retention.

1. Provides right-hand leadership support to SVP in implementing strategic Human Resources ("HR") initiatives and executing annual HR operating plan, working collaboratively with other members of the HR team. Assists with legal compliance and works to ensure equitable and fair treatment of staff. Manages daily HR office functions, HR technology and support, assures efficient and streamlined HR processes, and a high level of internal service. Keep abreast of current and pending employment regulations affecting the Society. Responds to EEOC, IDHR and other charges and complaints as directed. Serve as HR representative on ad hoc or standing committees and/or teams as assigned. Represents the SVP and HR Department in a professional and knowledgeable manner both internally and externally.
2. Oversees day-to-day HR technology, office administration, and support, including, but not limited to: internal and government reporting, recordkeeping, file maintenance, transaction processing, front-desk reception, office space, purchasing, HR records, office security, etc. Assures HR processes are efficient and streamlined and transactions are processed timely and accurately. Works with SVP to increase efficiencies through automation and works to improve and document processes, systems, and procedures. Oversees HR department daily administrative operations and staff to assure efficient workflows and a high level of customer service.
3. Oversees performance appraisals/performance management. Serves as trusted advisor to supervisors and managers and facilitates resolution of employee relations issues and disputes. Supervises and conducts investigations of complaints and provides guidance and assistance to managers and staff on emergent employment issues. Works to resolve labor relations issues, responsible for daily administration of the collective bargaining agreement, represents the organization in Labor-Management meetings, participates in collective bargaining, and fosters positive union relations. Handles disciplinary actions and grievances and participates in or provides support for arbitration cases and union negotiations as requested.
4. Serves as point person for the Americans with Disability Act ("ADA"), handles accessibility issues and reasonable accommodations for employees, applicants and guests. Keeps abreast of current and pending ADA and disability-related regulations and assure compliance. Resolves complaints from applicants or employees alleging disability discrimination working closely with the SVP and outside legal counsel.
5. Oversees the employee Occupational Health Program for pre-employment and employee physicals. Serves as Chair of the Occupational Health Committee. Coordinates Committee annual review meetings, as needed, to review covered positions, medical protocols, and evaluate overall program.
6. With SVP, assures implementation of equal employment opportunity and diversity and inclusion practices and principles on a daily basis. Reviews employment practices to determine whether impediments to equal employment opportunity and workforce diversity exist and where further action and/or change is needed.
7. Oversees all staff training and development efforts and administration of employee training records. Coordinates and/or provides training and makes recommendations for needed change.
8. With SVP, drafts and/or edits new policies and reviews/revises existing policies to support the Society's interests, goals, objectives, and to promote and reinforce workplace values and desired culture. Coordinates needed training related to new policies with SVP.
9. Oversees new hire orientations. Summarizes, analyzes, and reports results at least annually on turnover and trends, areas affecting retention, and makes recommendations. Oversees exit interviews, assures property is collected and all appropriate closeout activities are completed.
10. Oversees employee recognition programs and events. Make recommendations for change as appropriate. Oversees or handles special projects, assignments, or activities on behalf of SVP. Prepares information or reports as requested.
11. Develops and implements actions to improve workplace culture with an emphasis on driving results and fostering inclusion and employee engagement. Actively leads employee engagement, talent development, and retention initiatives for assigned area.
12. Assumes other responsibilities to assure successful achievement of department and institutional goals and objectives.

Position Requirements and Specifications

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources/Human Relations, Behavioral Science, Psychology, or directly related field or equivalent combination of 8 years combination of relevant training/experience required. High school diploma or (GED) equivalent required.
• Six years' relevant HR management experience required, including supervision of HR staff and HR operations. Requires deep experience in employee relations and handling of legal matters and a thorough knowledge of employment law. Requires deep experience in a minimum of four other major functional HR areas including: recruitment, orientation/onboarding, training and staff development, compensation, benefits, communications, discipline and terminations, and performance management.
• Minimum three years' experience working with an HCM/HRIS system. Microsoft Excel, Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint proficiency required.
• Strategic thinker; team player. Teambuilding/facilitation skills essential. Highly flexible and proactive individual. Ability to adapt easily to change.
• Must be assertive, supportive, and helpful.
• Ability to facilitate difficult conversations and effectively manage conflict. Ability to build strong working relationships and deal tactfully and effectively with all levels of staff.
• Excellent organizational, time management, and follow-up skills.
• Strong customer service orientation.
• Strong verbal and written communications skills, excellent writing abilities and effective listening skills required. Strong presentation/platform skills, including some relevant training experience. English fluency at a full professional proficiency required.
• Good figure aptitude or budget experience required.
• Attention to detail, completeness, and accuracy.
• Ability to work independently, prioritize, handle multiple projects, work under pressure, meet critical deadlines, and adapt to shifting priorities and changed work situations.
• Sound, logical decision-making and problem-solving skills essential.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality of information.
• Cultural competency; experience and/or ability to work and interact effectively with a diverse, multicultural audience.

• Master's degree in Human Resources/Human Relations, Behavioral Science, Psychology, or directly related field or equivalent combination of training/experience and/or coursework preferred.
• Experience with Ceridian Dayforce HCM system a definite plus.
• Experience with diversity and inclusion programs and/or organizational development/change management preferred.
• SHRM-CP/SHRM- SCP certification desirable, but not required.
• Labor/union relations experience and/or training strongly preferred, but not required. Labor experience preferably in a balanced union/non-union setting.
• Experience with non-HRM software systems preferred (i.e., Learning Management System, Performance Management System, DocuWare, SharePoint, onboarding programs, benefits portals, employee self-service, etc. desirable.
• Multilingual ability, Spanish fluency a plus.
• Valid driver's license desirable at time of hire for golf cart use within the park.

Additional Information

This position description summarizes the primary duties and functions of this position, but should not be considered a complete listing of every duty the incumbent may ever be called upon to perform. This is a visible management position and a key member of the HR leadership team. Requires an experienced HR leader with diverse HR management experience, strengths in employee relations, and who is both very strategic as well as a strong tactical manager. Incumbent must be confident and able to build credibility and rapport with all levels of staff. Incumbent is required to gain an in-depth understanding of the organization, its mission, vision, values, and operating philosophies and how HR activities impact the operation of the Society and its mission. Requires a bright, intelligent, sensitive, but assertive individual, who is highly professional, both in appearance and demeanor, and extremely customer and results focused. Position is busy and fast paced with shifting priorities. Incumbent should be passionate about HR and have a commitment to excellence and continuous improvement. Workweeks of 45 hours+ are not unusual, so individual must be willing to make a significant commitment to the organization, including being present at events, meetings, or other organization functions. Some occasional travel may be required for training or professional/business meetings.


The Chicago Zoological Society is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Schedule Details

Work weeks of 45 hours+ are not unusual so individual must be willing to make a significant commitment to the organization, including being present at events, meetings, or other functions.

Job Location

Chicago Zoological Society-Brookfield Zoo

Zip Code

60513

Department

Human Resources

Group

Human Resources

Union Status

Non-Union

Work Shift

Monday thru Friday