Chief People and Culture Executive

Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer of the Detroit Zoological Society (DZS) the Chief People and Culture Executive (CPCE) will provide leadership in all areas of human resources for the organization.

• The incumbent will be responsible for developing and implementing the people strategy for driving organizational change and for managing the delivery of people and culture services to all employees.
• This individual will be a key member of the executive team and will work collaboratively with the other team members regarding strategic and operational people issues.
• As DZS’s people and culture leader, the CPCE will assess the organization’s culture, leadership, people practices and systems, and recommend and implement changes that will enhance the organization’s ability to attract, retain, engage and develop exceptional talent.
• The incumbent will lead DZS in all areas of people and culture services, including recruitment and retention, organization planning, management development, compensation, employee, labor, and union relations, succession planning, training, and legal compliance.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

• Direct DZS people policies and practices.
• Develop and implement people strategies in partnership with organizational leadership to improve organizational performance and achieve DZS strategic objectives.
• Participate in the formulation of the DZS’s strategy, operational policies, practices, decisions, process improvements, systems and priorities.
• Advise DZS leadership on people procedures, programs and priorities, including change leadership.
• Champion service excellence in the delivery of people and culture services.
• Develop and administer people policies, practices, procedures and programs.
• In collaboration with the Chief Diversity Officer, ensure compliance with affirmative action and diversity, inclusion and accessibility strategies and policies.
• Plan and supervise the budget preparation and administration for DZS people and culture services.
• Direct the labor and union relations strategy for DZS and provide leadership for union relationships and negotiation with the bargaining units representing DZS workforce members.
• Select, develop and evaluate supporting directors, managers and staff.
• Provide decision support for DZS leadership that balances financial and human capital priorities and strategies.
• Serve as an internal coach and consultant.
• Provide the people and culture services team with direction, stability and confidence.
• Evaluate people processes and capabilities, versus the needs of the business and current resources within the function.
• Regularly educate top leadership on the “state of people and culture services” and gain buy-in for plans to continuously improve the capability of the people and culture services organization.
• Long-Term Objectives
• Establish a robust human capital strategy and workforce plan.
• Educate stakeholders, including departmental and board leadership, on the evolving role of people and culture services, and establish a true partnership with the executive team.
• Serve as a strategic partner in DZS’s future partnerships and collaborative endeavors.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

• A bachelor's degree in business, human resources or a related field, and the knowledge normally acquired through relevant experience.
• At least ten (10) years of human resources leadership experience including demonstrated effectiveness in a senior human resources management role.
• Experience leading negotiations in a collective bargaining environment.
• Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
• Strong knowledge of employment laws and regulations.
• Highly effective interpersonal and communication skills to effectively represent the organization to internal and outside constituencies and to discuss and resolve complex issues among all levels of system employees, both represented and non-represented.
• Advanced business, analytical and project management skills to develop and implement new philosophies and strategies, determine contemporary people policies and programs, and prepare complex special reports and analyses.
• Demonstrated knowledge of organization development techniques and the use of process improvement techniques that promote team-based solutions, employee development and empowerment.
• Ability to operate effectively in a collaborative environment.
• Personal presence, which is characterized by a sense of honesty, integrity and caring, with the ability to inspire and motivate others to promote the philosophy, mission, vision, goals and values of DZS.
• Demonstrated ability to adapt to frequently changing work priorities and to prioritize and balance the requirements of a dynamic environment.
• Preferred
• A master’s degree in a relevant discipline is preferred.
• Experience working within non-profit industries, especially the zoo and aquarium industry, is a plus.

Working Conditions

• The regular work schedule requires flexibility, which could include weekend and evening responsibilities. 
• The work environment is generally comfortable, and much work is inside in an office environment, but may require work outdoors with exposure to seasonal weather conditions for special events, tours, and openings. 
• The position may require occasional travel to other locations and will be exposed to computer monitors, as well as the output from heating and cooling systems and fluorescent lighting.

Physical Requirements

• This position may require the individual to sit for long periods and perform physical effort on a daily basis such as walking, bending, stooping, and standing for an extended period. 
• This role must also be able to use the telephone and computer and must be able to lift and move 20 pounds.
• The individual must be able to perform the job's essential functions satisfactorily with or without accommodations. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the role.
• Just as we value and celebrate biodiversity, the DZS celebrates the diversity of our human community.
• We are committed to ensuring that our programs and facilities are fully accessible to create a welcoming and inclusive workplace for all.

Experience Required

• At least ten (10) years of human resources leadership experience including demonstrated effectiveness in a senior human resources management role.
• Experience leading negotiations in a collective bargaining environment.