Benefits:

Cafeteria Plan/Section 125
403(b) Retirement Plan
SEP Retirement Plan
Company parties
Employee discounts
Free food & snacks
Free uniforms
Health insurance
Paid time off
Training & development
Vision insurance
Wellness resources

Position Overview: We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Assistant Director of People & Culture to join our team at the Santa Barbara Zoo. Reporting directly to the Chief Operating Officer, this role plays a pivotal role in coordinating and overseeing the People and Culture functions for the Zoo. If you are passionate about fostering a positive workplace culture, supporting employee development, and driving organizational excellence, we want to hear from you!

Key Responsibilities:

Recruitment, Hiring, & Onboarding:

Develop and implement recruitment strategies to attract top talent.
Collaborate with hiring managers to align staffing needs with organizational goals.
Manage the full recruitment lifecycle, including job postings, candidate screening, and selection.
Design and execute comprehensive onboarding programs to facilitate new employees' integration into the zoo.

Training & Professional Development:

Identify training needs and develop programs to enhance employee skills.
Facilitate collaboration across teams to develop effective workforce training.
Evaluate the effectiveness of training programs and adjust as necessary.
Provide ongoing support to new hires to ensure a smooth transition into their roles.

Leadr Oversight & Analytics:

Oversee Leadr implementation and ensure data accuracy and security.
Lead system enhancements to streamline processes and improve user experience.
Develop talent assessment and succession planning strategies.
Analyze people metrics to inform decision-making and support strategic workforce planning.

Culture Building:

Plan and organize employee recognition events and team-building activities.
Foster a positive and inclusive workplace culture through appreciation initiatives.
Solicit feedback from employees to continuously improve celebration events.

Organization & Guest Relations:

Interact with department heads as a member of the Zoo’s management team.
Adhere to Zoo policies and procedures outlined in the Employee Policy Manual.
Participate in Zoo special events and assist with guest interactions as needed.

Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field.
Minimum of 5 years of experience in HR, with a focus on recruitment, training, and culture development.
Strong understanding of HRIS systems and analytics.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment and prioritize multiple tasks.

Why Join Us: At the beautiful Santa Barbara Zoo we are committed to creating a positive and inclusive workplace culture where employees can thrive and grow. As an Assistant Director of People & Culture, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on our organization and contribute to the success of our mission. Join us in our mission to inspire conservation and connect people with wildlife!

Apply now to join our team and be part of something extraordinary!

Position Status: Exempt, Full Time
Compensation: $75,296 - $87,152 per year, DOE
Schedule: Tuesday - Saturday

Compensation: $75,296.00 - $87,152.00 per year

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Do you love animals and working with people? Join the fun, caring, friendly, and energetic team at the Santa Barbara Zoo in our mission of preservation, conservation, and enhancement of the natural world and its living treasures through education, research, and recreation.

Once you apply, please make sure to check your spam folder if you do not see an email response from the Zoo.

The Santa Barbara Zoo is a private 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation and is a fully accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Known as one of the world’s most beautiful zoos, it is located on 30 acres of lush botanic gardens overlooking the Pacific Ocean. It is home to more than 146 animal species living in open, naturalistic habitats. Our wonderful collaborative team includes up to 220 employees and 50 volunteers.

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You Belong at the Zoo! Why?

It’s a great place to work!

We strive to: 1. Provide a learning environment with great benefits and advancement opportunities. 2. Work as a team. 3. Enjoy our work and have fun!

We are guest-oriented.

We strive to: 1. Be professional, engaged, warm, friendly, informed, and resourceful because we care about our guests’ experience. 2. Ensure safe, clean, and injury-free facilities. 3. Be a place of choice to visit in town.

We are goal-oriented.

We strive to: 1. Set competitive goals that involve our entire staff. 2. Focus on our mission and the best ways to deliver our care and services to our animals, our staff, and our guests. 3. Be the best place to visit in Santa Barbara!