Director of Human Resources

San Antonio, TX, United States

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Open year-round, securing a future for wildlife!

Director of Human Resources 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 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 Director of HR ensures compliance with employment laws, promotes employee engagement, and drives organizational growth through effective HR management.

As a Director of Human Resources, 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.

Establish and maintain positive, cooperative, and effective working relations with fellow employees.

Ensure a smooth onboarding experience for new hires, including orientation and enrollment procedures, setting the tone for their journey with the organization.

Uphold compliance standards for posted materials, 403b plans, etc. Update and maintain employee records accurately, ensuring data integrity.

Maintain positive working relations between employees, the union, and management.

Act as the primary liaison with employee union(s).

Manage TWC and EEOC claims, demand letters, union grievances, and legal suits relating to HR.

Supervise the development and implementation of employee training and orientation programs.

Develop performance evaluation forms and succession planning models.

Maintain employee handbook, job descriptions, policies, and wage guidelines.

Responsible for planning, coordination and creation of Employee Updates/Newsletter.

Forecast HR needs to support future zoo projects and expansions.

Foster a positive work environment and culture.

Address employee concerns, grievances, and conflicts, facilitating resolution and maintaining morale.

Design and implement training programs to enhance employees’ skills and knowledge, ensuring they meet the zoo’s operational standards.

Support career development and succession planning.

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.

Develop and manage performance appraisal systems to evaluate employee performance.

Implement performance improvement plans when necessary.

Oversee the administration of payroll, benefits, and compensation programs.

Conduct salary reviews and market comparisons to ensure competitive and fair compensation.

Promote workplace safety and ensure compliance with health and safety regulations.

Coordinate training on safety procedures and emergency response.

Prepare and manage the HR department’s budget.

Monitor expenditures and ensure cost-effective HR operations.

Lead initiatives to improve organizational effectiveness and employee engagement.

Support change management processes and organizational restructuring as needed.

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 Microsoft Windows, Excel, PowerPoint and Word.

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 navigate conversations professionally, especially in tense moments.

Ability to work independently and collaboratively at times with ambiguity.

Ability to prioritize tasks based on leadership and evaluated need.

Responsible for completing all online training courses by assigned deadlines.

Successful candidates must complete a pre-employment drug screening and background check.

We enjoy year-round operation for all staff, must be available day, nights, weekends, and occasional special after-hour assignments.

The 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.

We offer robust benefits including medical, dental, vision and 403B. As well as Zoo memberships and Zoo discounts throughout the park.

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