Human Resources Professional Job at Association Of Zoos & Aquariums in Topeka

Overview

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Topeka Zoo & Conservation Center – Human Resources Professional

The Human Resources Professional at the Topeka Zoo & Conservation Center is an experienced, dynamic, and mission-driven leader that manages all aspects of human resources strategy and operations. They will serve as a strategic partner to executive leadership, shaping a people-first culture that supports the Zoo’s mission of conservation, education, and community engagement. This is a key leadership role responsible for developing and implementing HR policies and programs related to recruitment, onboarding, compensation and benefits administration, employee relations, performance management, and ensuring compliance with Zoo policies and legal regulations.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership: Develop and execute HR strategies aligned with the Zoo’s strategic goals and values; serve as a trusted advisor to senior leadership on all people-related matters; lead workforce planning initiatives to support organizational growth and succession.
• Talent Management & Development: Oversee recruitment, onboarding, and retention strategies; design and implement employee training, professional development, and leadership programs; foster a high-performance, inclusive, and collaborative workplace culture.
• Compliance & Risk Management: Ensure compliance with employment laws and regulations; develop and update HR policies, procedures, and employee handbook; manage workplace investigations and employee relations with fairness and confidentiality; oversee compensation, benefits, and performance evaluation systems; benchmark compensation and benefits programs.
• HR Operations & Systems: Optimize data management and technologies for efficiency; oversee accurate and confidential recordkeeping and reporting functions.

Qualifications

• Required:
  • Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field.
  • Minimum of 5-7 years of progressive HR leadership experience.
  • Demonstrated success in developing HR strategy and managing HR operations.
  • Strong knowledge of employment laws and HR best practices.
• Preferred:
  • HR Certification (e.g., SHRM-SCP, SPHR).
  • Experience in a nonprofit, zoo, museum, or cultural institution setting.

Skills

• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills.
• Proven ability to manage sensitive and confidential issues with integrity.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse teams and individuals.
• Proficiency in data management systems and Microsoft Office Suite.

Key Performance Measures

• Talent Acquisition & Retention: time-to-fill, turnover rate, retention of high performers.
• Employee Engagement & Satisfaction: employee engagement score, survey participation, internal promotions, actionable improvements from feedback.
• Compliance & Risk Management: zero legal/regulatory violations, completion rate of mandatory training, timeliness in resolving HR issues.
• Training & Development: training hours per employee, participation in development programs, effectiveness of training.
• Compensation & Benefits Management: market competitiveness of pay structures, benefits utilization, cost-effectiveness of HR programs.
• HR Operations & Strategic Leadership: data accuracy, reporting timeliness, budget adherence, delivery of strategic HR initiatives.

Physical, Mobility & Sensory Requirements

Physical Demands: General: frequent sitting, standing, walking; occasional bending, reaching, stooping, kneeling; ability to lift up to 20 lbs.

Mobility & Environmental Conditions: ability to traverse zoo grounds; exposure to variable outdoor conditions; occasional after-hours events.

Sensory Requirements: clear vision and hearing; effective verbal communication in various settings.

Salary & Benefits

This is a full-time, exempt position with title and salary commensurate with proven skills and experience. The Topeka Zoo and Conservation Center offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Health and dental coverage
• Paid time off and holidays
• Retirement plan with employer contributions
• Opportunities for training and career advancement

401k with match, affordable family health/vision/dental plans, zoo discounts, zoo membership.

How to Apply

Please submit resume and cover letter to Christina Castellano (CEO) via email: ccastellano@topekazoo.org

Topeka Zoo & Conservation Center, 635 SW Gage Blvd, Topeka, KS 66606

Phone: 785-368-9180