Vice President of People and Culture

Empowering People. Saving Wildlife.
Join a mission-driven team supporting the Columbus Zoo Family of Parks—including the Columbus Zoo, The Wilds, Columbus Center for Wildlife Conservation, Zoombezi Bay, and Safari Golf Club. This leadership role will shape the future of our people and culture strategy across all parks.

Provides strategic leadership over all human capital functions, including HR and DEI, ensuring alignment with organizational goals

Strategic Leadership & Culture Development

• Under the direction of the Chief Administrative Officer, oversees all facets of human resources and DEIAB departments for the Columbus Zoo Family of Parks
• Define, champion, and continuously strengthen the organization’s culture, values, and behaviors to ensure alignment with mission and strategic goals
• Develops and executes engagement strategies that enhance employee experience, motivation, and retention
• Oversees Culture Committee and Emerging Leaders programs for the family of parks
• Constantly strives to further the mission of the organization and avidly supports the Columbus Zoo Family of Parks

Human Resources Operations

• Develops and administers human resource policies and procedures for the organization ensuring legal compliance and alignment with strategic and operational goals
• Develops and administers staffing plans and recruitment/selection processes for full-time, part-time and seasonal positions
• Manages the Zoo's classification and compensation program (organizational charts, job descriptions, compensation studies) and makes recommendations as appropriate
• Manages the Zoo's benefit programs and makes recommendations as appropriate
• Administers the Zoo's employee performance evaluation and pay-for-performance programs
• Oversees employee communications, incentives and special programs

Labor Relations & Compliance

• Advises management staff concerning policy and procedures, collective bargaining contract, state and national employment laws and assists in the resolution of matters
• Plans, develops and implements effective labor relations strategies and leads collective bargaining
• Conducts investigations and recommends resolution to human resources matters as it relates to the grievances and alleged violations of policy and employment laws
• Reviews and recommends action as it relates to workers' compensation and unemployment compensation filings and facilitates communication between Zoo and third party administrators
• Acts as the Privacy Officer for Zoo’s HIPPA compliance activities
• Acts as Guest Experience Director (GED) as assigned by the CEO

Training & Development

• Design and oversee leadership development frameworks that build capability at all levels, with a focus on preparing emerging leaders for future roles
• Identifies staff training needs, makes recommendations for action and facilitates the delivery of training courses/programs
• Prepares administrative and confidential reports, forms and correspondence (e.g. salary data, equal employment opportunity materials, and collective bargaining materials)
• Facilitates diversity & inclusion efforts in partnership with senior leadership and guest engagement departments
• Implements sustainable practices in daily tasks whenever possible

Education & Certification

• B.S. Labor and Human Resources or other related degree in personnel management or business administration or equivalent experience required
• Advance Certification in HR preferred (SPHR, SHRM-SCP). Ability to obtain within 1 year of employment required

Experience & Expertise

• 10 yrs. experience in Human Resources leadership/labor relations or related experience preferred
• Proven experience in personnel management required. Collective bargaining experience required
• Proven experience in working with insurance brokers to determine benefit programs for our various entities
• Knowledge of current state and national employment laws and ability to write policies and procedures consistent with laws required

Communication & Leadership

• Ability to conduct training sessions, board presentations and external presentations as necessary
• Proven ability to manage projects and lead people
• Ability to communicate well both verbally and in writing required
• Ability to develop and maintain cooperative working relationships with all Columbus Zoo Family of Parks team members and contacts regarding company business required

Technical & Operational Skills

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and HRIS preferred
• Ability to plan and organize work in an efficient and cost-effective manner and without direct supervision required
• Ability to adhere to standard operating procedures including but not limited to safety protocols required
• Ability to provide excellent guest service by positively interacting with guests and upholding guest service standards required

Other Requirements

• Ability to work a flexible schedule including evenings, weekends and holidays required
• Possession of a valid state issued motor vehicle operator’s license and a good driving record required
• Ability to adhere to the Columbus Zoo Family of Parks drug-free workplace policy including but not limited to pre-employment, random, post-accident, reasonable suspicion and follow-up treatment required
• Ability to successfully complete a criminal history background check annually required