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Manager of Human Resources

San Francisco Zoo & Gardens
San Francisco, United States Posted: March 23, 2025


The San Francisco Zoological Society (“Society”) is a non-profit institution that manages and raises funds for San Francisco Zoo and Gardens (“Zoo”).  The Society’s mission, supra, is summarized as the 3 c’s: to connect our visitors with wildlife so that they care about nature and ultimately conserve it.  The Society’s leadership team is comprised of a President & Executive Director as well as a professional team of Senior Managers. The Society endeavors to meet or exceed the standards of its industry peers, including those established by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (“AZA”). For over 25 years, the Society has been continuously accredited by the AZA.

SUMMARY:
  • This is a confidential Human Resources position and requires a high degree of discretion.   
  • Plans, develops, directs and administers a comprehensive program of human resources administration which includes recruitment and employment; compensation; benefits administration; training and development; labor/employee relations; insures the management of Zoo staff is in compliance with legal requirements and good personnel practices.
  • Regularly coordinates with legal counsel, employee relations, business representatives and senior management personnel as appropriate.
  • Upholds the Society’s mission and core values (Respect, Professionalism, Resiliency, Equality and Efficiency) and other policies/procedures outlined in the Employee Handbook and elsewhere.
SECTION A:  CORE EXPECTATIONS
  • Demonstrates a commitment to the Zoo’s mission statement and its’ values.
  • Performs duties in a service-oriented manner.
  • Recognizes the needs of others and treats others with respect and dignity.
  • Maintains good work habits and adheres to all policies and procedures.
  • Demonstrates a commitment to maintaining a work environment free from discrimination and sexual harassment and supports the Zoo’s commitment to equal employment opportunities.
SECTION B:
  •   ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES include the following.
  • Other duties may be assigned.
  • Supervises and directs the work of the HR Generalist and Support Staff.
  • Provides advice and guidance to management, supervisory staff, and employees on the interpretation and application of human resource policies and procedures, disciplinary matters and other staff management issues to ensure fair and consistent handling of such matters.
  • As requested or directed, represents management in labor negotiations.  Administers and interprets the Collective Bargaining Agreement.  Manages complaints and grievances that affect bargaining unit staff.  May represent the Society at personnel related hearings and investigations.  May represent the Society at EDD unemployment hearings. Provide document production, ensures all records are preserved and maintained.  Coordinates with legal counsel in addressing and meeting reporting and documentation requirements.
  • Directs and manages the employment functions which includes the development of recruitment and employment strategy, and the establishment of standards for recruitment and selection of all staff.
  • Advertise open positions on the Zoo web site and post on external resources as needed and appropriate.
  • Manage applicant tracking software, web site postings, and candidate referrals to hiring managers, send decline notices as appropriate.
  • Create and send offer letters. Process backgrounds check requests. Schedule interviews, perform phone screens of candidates. Respond to general employment inquiries
  • Provides general oversite of the employee benefit program. Coordinate with CFO, and benefits broker as appropriate.
  • Assists with reports required by law or governing bodies, unions, or other departments of the organization: assists with investigations as needed or directed.
  • Assists in the compensation program.  Conducts and participates in wage surveys within the labor market to determine competitive wages. Works with managers to develop appropriate compensation ranges.
  • Provide training and maintains the Performance Evaluation process and tools.  Assist managers as needed with challenging evaluations and Performance Improvement Plans (PIP).
  • Assists with the development job descriptions and assist managers with job development and promotions. 
  • Develops and maintains the human resource documents and reports and maintenance of personnel records, oversees the ADP HRIS and monitors and defines requirements to maximize its effectiveness.
  • Stays abreast of labor legislation and attends relevant conferences and training to ensure that the organization is in compliance with federal, state, and local laws.  Develops, as necessary, policies and procedures and communicates them to staff. 
  • Assists with AZA Accreditation with Senior Staff.
  • Manages and coordinates with external vendors, contract temporary staff, insurance providers, etc.
  • May prepare internal employee communications regarding compensation, benefits or company policies as directed and appropriate.
  • Provides miscellaneous reports as needed or directed.
  • Perform other related duties as requested and required as needed and directed.
  • Interacts with Zoo staff, guests and venders professionally, courteously and offers proper attention at all times.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Directly supervises Human Resources Generalist.
  • Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies, applicable laws, and relevant labor laws. 
  • Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employee; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employee; addressing complaints and resolving problems; ensuring compliance with collective bargaining agreements.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS: 
  • To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.
  • The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
  • Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
EDUCATION:
  • Bachelors degree with major coursework in Business, Human Resources, or related field.
EXPERIENCE:
  • Eight years of progressively responsible human resources experience, including supervisory and management experience.
CERTIFICATION:
  • PHR or SPHR preferred.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
  • The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
  • Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear.
  • The employee frequently is required to sit and use hands.
  • The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
  • Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
  • The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.
  • Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts and outside weather conditions. 
  • The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
  • Bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply. 
  • EOE.
  • Salary Range:
  • $80,000-$85,000

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