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Posted June 04, 2026

Director of Human Resources

Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden
Cincinnati, Ohio, United States 45220 Full Time
Reference: 285036988
Director of Human Resources

Position Summary: The Director of Human Resources serves as the Zoo's senior people strategist, partnering with the leadership team to strengthen the organizational health, employee experience, and leadership practices that enable the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden to fulfill its vision and mission. This role connects people strategy to the Zoo's work by building inclusive, high-trust systems for talent attraction and management (hiring, onboarding, talent development) total rewards and well-being, and organizational excellence (employee engagement, labor and employee relations, and HR operations.) Leading the HR team, the Director ensures that policies, programs, and everyday management practices reinforce the core values, support a healthy culture, and advance the Zoo's long-term impact for wildlife, guests, employees, and the communities served by the Zoo.
Core Areas of Focus:
  • Oversee the Zoo's Talent Attraction strategy
    • Ensure recruitment & onboarding processes are engaging & consistent across the organization
    • Develop broad recruitment strategies to meet evolving talent needs and strategic goals
    • Track, analyze & share relevant metrics on applicants, interviews, hiring, turnover, promotions, etc.
  • Oversee and optimize the Zoo's Talent Management strategy
    • Develop, manage and facilitate the on-going talent development efforts of the organization
    • Identify and implement training to meet various professional development goals across the organization; Identify appropriate sources to meet training needs
    • Oversee the development of learning pathways and opportunities for employees at all levels of the organization
    • Manage the performance evaluation process for the organization. Ensure that the process and supporting products are flexible and continually updated to align with strategic organizational goals
    • Consult with managers on effective strategies to enhance individual & team performance
  • Oversee the Zoo's suite of Total Rewards & Total Well-Being programs
    • Develop and implement holistic health & wellness strategies to support strategic goals and foster a culture of employee “Total Well-Being”
    • Select and manage benefit plans (health & retirement) & vendor relationships (insurance brokers, benefits carriers and administrators) to control costs and maintain competitive benefits
    • Develop, implement and manage the organization's Total Rewards strategy to ensure pay equity and support talent strategies to attract, develop and retain top talent
    • Performs benchmarking salary surveys, recommends adjustments to pay ranges and consults with management team on compensation issues in respective areas, to ensure pay equity across the Zoo
  • Oversee and Support a Culture of Employee Engagement and Organizational Excellence
    • Create & drive initiatives to measure and enhance organization culture and employee engagement, well-being and belonging
    • Drive, support and enhance cultural inclusivity in line with organizational strategies
    • Empower the HR team to achieve strategic goals and deliverables and provide positive and proactive customer service to its customers
    • Represents management to the collective bargaining unit on contractual matters and serves as lead on joint labor/management committees. Facilitates the positive resolution of labor/management issues.
    • Oversees employment-related investigations relating to unfair labor practices, performance, discipline and complaints of harassment, violence & discrimination
Desired Qualifications:
Education & Experience
  • A Bachelor's degree in a related field
  • A minimum of 10 years of experience in a senior management position with similar responsibilities, or a history of progressive management experience in Human Resources
  • HR certification (SPHR, SHRM-SCP)
  • Labor relations experience a plus
  • Equivalent combinations of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job will be considered
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
  • Must possess and demonstrate a broad HR knowledge base including employment/staffing, benefits & compensation, organizational planning, employee/labor relations and talent development.
  • Demonstrated high emotional intelligence to help manage conflict, promote equity and inclusion, and develop talent
  • Demonstrated commitment to culturally inclusive practices
  • Demonstrate visionary leadership concepts and be able to communicate and/or execute those concepts to the leadership team and the organization
  • Excellent communication & analytical skills
  • Demonstrated alignment to the Core Values and Mission of the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden
  • Ability to effectively communicate with all staff levels, Board, senior and middle management, union, staff, donors and volunteers
  • Demonstrated knowledge of regulatory requirements (e.g., ACA, FLSA, FMLA, EEO/AA, ADEA) and ability to translate/interpret laws, rules, regulations and practices to convey an appropriate course of action
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office products
Working Conditions/Other Requirements: Employment is contingent upon passing a pre-employment, post-offer drug & nicotine screen, TB test, and background check. While performing the duties of the job, the incumbent is regularly required to stand, walk, bend, lift, carry, and utilize manual dexterity to use computer mouse and keyboard and other office equipment. Incumbent may be exposed to outside weather conditions and must be able to lift/move/carry up to 25 pounds without assistance. Requires a valid driver's license with an insurable driving record.
Key Position Details & Benefits: This position is full-time, salaried-exempt, and eligible for the Zoo's benefit programs for non-union employees at the first of the month following date of hire. We offer a comprehensive benefits package that supports employee “Total-Well-Being,” including affordable medical dental & vision coverage; free mental health counseling, 401(k) plan with company match; flexible spending accounts; company-paid disability & life insurance; generous paid time off (PTO), park discounts and free passes.
To Apply: Cover letter and resume should be attached to your online application.


Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/protected veterans



Equal employment opportunity, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.

PI285036988

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