Denver Zoo is a leader in animal care, wildlife conservation and education. We are passionate about our commitment to excellence in support of our mission of Inspiring Communities to Save Wildlife for Future Generations.

Denver Zoo honors our animals, staff, and guests by conducting ourselves at the highest level of integrity through our Core Actions -- Inspire Awe: Safety, Care, Connect and by embracing our Core Values of: Welcoming, United, Curious, Courageous and Transformative in all that we do

The Senior Human Resources Manager reports to the Director of Human Resources at Denver Zoo and oversees the full spectrum of employee and labor processes, partnering with the Human Resources Manager and leadership across the organization to devise business-aligned strategies. Central duties encompass benefits and leave administration, leading employee relations and performance management initiatives while upholding our core values. This role prioritizes delivering top-tier HR service, offering counsel to management and staff on intricate matters, and optimizing performance by grasping the business model and organizational requisites. Collaborating closely with HR leadership, the manager provides policy interpretation and aid in talent management as needed. Operating autonomously, they pinpoint organizational challenges, devise pragmatic remedies, and stand in for the Director of Human Resources when necessary.

Our staff is a dedicated and diverse group of individuals committed to providing quality care to our animals while creating moments of awe for guests. If you are a like-minded individual and thrive in a dynamic, fast paces and innovative culture, Denver Zoo is the place for you!

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Key Responsibilities - 

• Strategic Leadership and Benefits Administration: Shape organizational change, promote fiscal responsibility, integrate core values, and manage benefits administration to achieve high reliability in meeting organizational objectives.
• HR Service Delivery: Ensure high-quality HR service delivery and act as a trusted advisor to leadership, providing solutions for complex issues.
• Business Integration and Process Improvement: Understand the business model, diagnose organizational needs, and consult with leadership to enhance performance through people and process optimization.
• Collaboration: Work in a matrixed environment supporting the Human Resources Manager with a direct line to the Director of Human Resources and Chief Human Resources Officer, collaborating strategically with leaders across the organization.
• Labor and Employee Relations: Provide expert guidance on performance management, investigations, discipline, grievances, mediating conflicts and supporting resolutions.
• Policy Interpretation: Offer accurate HR policy interpretation, balancing risk, and business needs in collaboration with HR leadership and legal counsel.
• Independent Effectiveness: Work independently with minimal guidance, maintaining a high level of HR service experience for the organization. Represent or serve on behalf of the Director of Human Resources when needed.

Key Priorities - 

Benefits and Leave Administration

• Manage employee benefits programs including open enrollment and provide support for benefits inquiries and issues.
• Evaluate and recommend competitive benefits packages.
• Collaborate with the leave administrator and aid staff during leave absences, including FAMLI, FMLA, and ADA support.
• Collaborate with the Director of Occupational Health and Safety on worker’s compensation claims.
• Work with the Belonging team to implement well-being initiatives, including mental health, work-life balance, and stress management programs.

Employee Relations

• Act as the main point of contact for employee relations, providing support to help employees succeed.
• Advise managers on disciplinary process.
• Promote open communication and maintain a positive working environment.
• Monitor employee engagement and proactively address concerns through appropriate communication.
• Handle unemployment claims and ensure appropriate responses.

Performance Management

• Train and guide managers and employees on performance and behavior expectations.
• Facilitate the performance management process and support managers in performance evaluations.
• Partner with leaders to monitor performance and develop improvement plans when necessary.

Strategic HR Leadership and Compliance 

• Collaborate with the Director of HR to develop robust learning and development initiatives that ensure internal compliance and foster employee growth.
• Ensure strict adherence to federal, state, and local employment laws, regulations, and best practices to maintain compliance.
• Develop, review, and communicate HR processes, policies, and compliance measures consistently across the organization.
• Stay updated on industry trends, regulatory changes, and new technologies to inform HR strategies and practices.
• Partner with HR leadership to uphold performance and behavior expectations, ensuring integrity within the organization.
• Establish and monitor HR metrics to evaluate the effectiveness of programs and inform decision-making.
• Leverage HRIS and other technologies to streamline processes, manage data efficiently, and facilitate continuous improvement.
• Design and implement innovative strategies to enhance employee retention and bolster organizational success.

Other Responsibilities and Duties

• Other assistance, as designated by the Director of Human Resources, to support the overall goals of the department and organization. Denver Zoo retains the right to add or change duties and/or responsibilities at any time. Proficient in all HR functions.
• Acts as a good steward of Denver Zoo’s resources.
• The nature of this position requires safeguarding against the release of confidential and proprietary information of Denver Zoo.
• This position will interact with managers at all levels and staff members across the organization, in addition to members of external organizations and the public.

Technical / Professional Requirements & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in human resources or related field, or any equivalent combination of education and/or experience. Relevant work experience and HR certifications may be a substitute.
• Requires minimum of 6-years’ experience in HR or related field; supervisory experience; or any equivalent combination of experience, lived experience, and/or special skills.
• Demonstrated experience in strategic leadership roles within HR, showcasing the ability to drive organizational change and promote fiscal responsibility.
• Expertise in managing employee benefits programs, including evaluation and recommendation of competitive packages, and experience with FAMLI, FMLA, ADA, and worker’s compensation claims.
• Extensive experience in managing labor and employee relations, including performance management, investigations, discipline, and conflict resolution.
• Experience with human resources information system (HRIS). Experience with UKG is strongly preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Strong leadership skills with the ability to influence and drive strategic initiatives across the organization.
• High emotional intelligence with the ability to handle sensitive situations and maintain confidentiality.
• Proven computer skills including Microsoft Office Suite are necessary. 
• Requires excellent organizational skills, written and oral communication skills, attention to detail, and ability to prioritize work and tasks. Requires adaptability to produce and meet deadlines in a fast-paced, multi-task and changing environment, and the ability to work independently and as part of a team. Good negotiation skills and the ability to handle sensitive information with diplomacy are preferred. Must be an outstanding communicator and considered to be a developer of people who is comfortable motivating, coaching, collaborating, and working with a broad cross section of people in direct and matrixed relationships.
• Experience applying an equitable analysis to all duties to achieve organizational goals and demonstrate the Denver Zoo’s commitment to diversity, inclusion, equity, and anti-racism preferred.
• Licenses/Certifications: SHRM, PHR or equivalent HR Certifications highly preferred.

Position Conditions

• Ability to pass a background check and pre-employment drug and alcohol screen.
• Schedule Availability: Monday-Friday, occasional weekends as needed.
• Work Location: In office. On Campus.

Compensation

Range for this position is $5,994 - $7,493 (monthly).

Benefits

This is a full-time position with excellent benefits including medical, dental and vision benefits; life insurance; short term and long-term disability; 403(b) retirement plan; and vacation and sick leave. 

Application Process and Timelines

Application deadline: May 28th, 2024. Review of applications will begin immediately. Denver Zoo reserves the right to close the position prior to this date. 

Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) and others who identify as nonwhite, people with disabilities, members of the LGBTQIA community, and those with lived experience with racism and/or misogynoir are encouraged to apply for this role. 

Denver Zoo is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected status or any other characteristic protected by law.

www.denverzoo.org