Are you passionate about the environment, conservation, animals and our community? Are you a seasoned HR professional looking to put your skills to work in a mission driven environment? Do you want to join one of Chicago’s most iconic cultural institutions? Lincoln Park Zoo inspires communities to create environments where wildlife will thrive in our urbanizing world. The zoo is a leader in local and global conservation, animal care and welfare, learning, and science. A historic Chicago landmark founded in 1868, the not-for-profit Lincoln Park Zoo, is a privately-managed, member-supported organization and is free and open 365 days a year. Visit us at lpzoo.org.

GENERAL SUMMARY

Working closely with the VP of Human Resources, this position directs and oversees all human resource functions to attract, motivate and retain a workforce that is dedicated to the mission of Lincoln Park Zoo. This position actively collaborates with leaders across the organization to build and deliver programs, processes and initiatives for our people. This position is a key leader in driving, implementing and delivering programs focused on fostering an inclusive culture where employees can thrive. We are looking for a strong generalist who likes wearing many hats and can work effectively with both union and non-union staff.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Recommend new approaches, policies and procedures to effect continual improvements in efficiency of department and services performed.
• Implement and oversee use of various HR software packages including benefit administration, HRIS, applicant tracking and LMS.
• Oversees and conducts terminations and exit interviews when needed, ensuring legally-compliant procedures and documentation.
• Develops and implements effective rewards/appreciation programs to recognize employees’ achievements and contributions to the Zoo’s success.
• Participate in union negotiation process and monitor any contract changes.
• Ensure compliance with all federal, state and local employment laws.
• Serves as primary point of contact for employee complaints and conducts timely investigations into concerns of harassment, discrimination or other misconduct.
• Handle employee relations issues as needed. Provide sound counsel to managers and employees on all manner of employee relations issues.
• Develop, generate and analyze ongoing and ad hoc reports pertaining to staffing levels, turnover, applicant tracking, employee demographics, compensation, etc. Effectively use the reports to recommend policy and procedure improvements.
• Collaborates with department leadership to plan and implement hiring plans to meet the staffing needs of the Zoo, both long-term and seasonally. Leads the effort of hiring and attracting diverse candidates and supports the development of talent pipelines within higher education and community partnerships.
• Maintain and update employee handbook. Keep current on employee policy trends and recommend changes to handbook as needed.
• Assists senior management and the CFO in the annual review, preparation, and implementation of the Zoo’s compensation program.
• Handle employee relations issues as needed. Provide sound counsel to managers and employees on all manner of employee relations issues.
• In absence of VP, handle emergency employee health and safety issues.
• Oversees the regular review of job descriptions and conducts periodic review/updating of existing job descriptions to ensure accuracy and legal compliance.
• Serve as strategic HR thought partner to VP, HR and to other department heads.
• Train managers and employees across the organization in efficient use of HR tools.

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• May supervise administrative staff.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• May serve as departmental representative at zoo functions and on zoo committees.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Ability to handle and maintain confidential information at all times.
• Flexible work style, ability to adapt to quickly changing priorities as needed.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to interact courteously and respectfully with fellow employees, volunteers, zoo visitors and general public. Proven ability to maintain good working relationships with a variety of people and groups.
• Understanding and experience working with ERISA benefit programs.
• Thorough knowledge of PCs, using word processing, spreadsheet and database software, esp. Microsoft Office.
• Position requires extremely perceptive person who is capable of relating to individuals at all levels.
• Effective planning and organization skills.
• Knowledge and experience across several HR disciplines (e.g. benefits, employee relations, HR policy, compliance, performance management, compensation, recruitment).
• Considerable skill in interviewing and candidate selection.
• Thorough knowledge of HR tools.

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resources, Business or related field. Master’s Degree preferred. SHRM-SCP or SHRM-CP credential preferred.

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

At least 8 years related HR experience.

Experience in non-profit organization and/or union environment a plus.

Experience using HR tools such as applicant tracking software, benefit management systems, HRIS database systems, LMS etc.

Note: A comparable combination of education, experience or training that would provide the level of knowledge, skills and ability may qualify individual.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Ability to sit for long periods of time.

Ability to work in open office environment.

Ability to traverse zoo grounds to attend meetings and interact with employees.

Ability to periodically stand for long periods at recruitment fairs, special events.

Ability to work at computer for extended periods.

These are physical and mental requirements of the position as it is typically performed. Inability to meet one or more of these physical or mental requirements will not automatically disqualify a candidate or employee from the position. Upon request for a reasonable accommodation, the Zoo may be able to adjust or excuse one or more of these requirements, depending on the requirement, the essential functions to which it relates, and the proposed accommodation.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Available to work special events which may occur outside of regular work schedule as assigned Spanish language helpful but not required.

Be an enthusiastic supporter of the zoo’s mission and vision.

Must provide proof of Covid-19 vaccination

Lincoln Park Zoo is committed to an environment that is inclusive and welcoming. We celebrate the diverse qualities, perspectives, values and experiences of all people. For Wildlife. For All.