The Director of Human Resources contributes to the success of the Chicago Zoological Society by working as an integral member of the Human Resources management team and as a right-hand to the Vice President, Human Resources to assist in planning, developing, and implementing workplace policies, practices, and programs to promote employee engagement, build and reinforce an inclusive workplace culture, and promote positive employee relations, morale, productivity, and retention. Assists with legal compliance and works to ensure equitable and fair treatment of staff. Oversees daily HR office administration, technology, and support, assures efficient and streamlined HR processes, and a high level of service to HR Department leaders.

Responsibilities include the following:

• Provide right hand management support to VP in implementing strategic HR initiatives and executing annual HR operating plans with other members of the HR leadership team. Assist with areas of HR as appropriate.
• Oversee day-to-day HR office administration, technology, and support assuring HR processes are efficient and/or create efficiencies; and transactions processed timely and accurately. Responsible for ongoing administration of HR computer systems and work with HR Analysts to assure data integrity.
• With VP and other HR Directors, promote positive organizational change, foster continuous improvement, and help to shape processes, practices, policies, HR programs, and a culture of employee engagement that improves the organization's ability and capacity to change and grow and achieve long-term goals and that reinforces employee accountability.
• Proactively identify, analyze, and facilitate resolution of employee relations issues and disputes. Supervise and conduct investigations of complaints and provide guidance and assistance to managers and staff on emergent employment issues. Work with HR leadership team to identify and implement integrated, collaborative solutions for workplace improvements and to further overall organizational development and Institution of Choice efforts. Works to resolve labor relations issues, responsible for daily administration of the collective bargaining agreement, and fosters positive union relations. Handle disciplinary actions and grievances, as assigned, and participates in or provides support for arbitration cases and union negotiations as requested.
• Working with other HR Directors as appropriate, serves as a business partner to managers throughout the organization providing guidance and consultation to supervisors and managers in conjunction with human capital needs and issues.
• Serve as an advocate for employees, communicating their concerns to management, while, at the same time, working to increase employees' contributions, commitment, and dedication to the organization and their ability to achieve goals and deliver results.
• With VP assure implementation of equal employment opportunity principles on a day-to-day basis and coordinate the Society's good faith efforts related to employment practices and employee relations. Work with VP to look at employment practices, AAP results and determine whether and where impediments to equal employment opportunity exist, and where further action and/or change is needed. Respond to EEOC, IDHR and other such charges and complaints as directed.
• Work with VP to draft new policies or revise existing policies to support the Society's interests, goals, objectives, and to promote and reinforce workplace values and desired culture.
• Oversee HR Department daily administrative operations and staff to assure efficient work flow, processing, quality, and responsive service. Assures a high level of internal and external customer service, timely and accurate updating of records, and works to assure seamless handling of transactions and ease of doing business with Human Resources.
• Handle or coordinate projects or activities on behalf of VP. Collect, document, and evaluate information both by telephone and in writing as requested. Prepare information or reports as requested. Report assigned metrics needed for planning, controlling, and evaluating employee relations activities. Oversee performance appraisal program. Keep abreast of current HR practices and trends and maintain a network of professional contacts and resources. Make appropriate recommendations for changes or improvements.
• Conduct separation meetings and exit interviews with exiting employees. Summarize, analyze and report results at least annually on turnover and identify problem areas affecting retention, and recommend solutions to address identified issues. Record exit interview results in HRIS system and track terminations on termination log. Respond to unemployment claims.
• Assume other responsibilities to assure successful achievement of department and institutional goals and objectives.

Position Requirements and Specifications
The requirements for this position include the following:

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources/Human Relations, Behavioral Science, Psychology, or directly related field or equivalent combination of training/experience required.
• Minimum six years broad, relevant HR generalist experience in an HR management position required, including strong employee relations background and experience and work with legal issues and formal charges and proceedings.
• Requires experience in a minimum of six major functional HR areas including: affirmative action, benefits, communications, compensation, discipline and terminations, diversity and inclusion, EEO/AAP, employee relations, organizational development/change management, recruitment, and/or training and staff development.
• Strategic thinker; team player.
• Teambuilding/facilitation skills essential. Highly flexible individual. Able to adapt easily to change.
• Must be assertive, supportive, proactive and helpful; able to facilitate difficult conversations and manage conflict. Must be able to able to deal tactfully and effectively with all levels of staff.
• Excellent organizational and follow-up skills. Strong customer service orientation.
• Strong verbal and written communications skills, excellent writing abilities and effective listening skills required.
• Strong presentation/platform skills, including some relevant training experience.
• Strong technology background/experience required, including HRIS/database experience.
• Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint experience required.
• Attention to detail, completeness, and accuracy.
• Ability to prioritize, handle multiple projects, work under pressure, meet critical deadlines, work independently, handle and adapt to shifting priorities and changed work situations.
• Sound, logical decision-making and problem-solving skills essential.
• Broad, solid working knowledge of pertinent employment law.
• Must be able to maintain strict confidentiality of information.
• Experience and/or ability to work and interact effectively with a diverse, multicultural audience.
• Valid driver's license required. Illinois residents must possess a valid Illinois license within 90 days of hire. Valid out-of-state license required for out-of-state residents.

The desirable/preferred qualifications:

• Master's degree in Human Resources/Human Relations, Behavioral Science, Psychology, or directly related field or equivalent combination of training/experience and/or coursework preferred. PHR/SPHR certification desirable, but not required.
• Labor relations experience strongly preferred, but not required. Labor experience preferably in a balanced union/non-union setting.
• Experience with non-HRIS software systems preferred (i.e., Learning Management System, Performance Management System, onboarding programs,
  benefits portals, etc. desirable.
• Multilingual ability, Spanish fluency a plus.

Additional Information
The Chicago Zoological Society is an Equal Opportunity Employer / Affirmative Action Employer - Minorities / Women / Veterans / Disabled.