Senior Human Resources Manager

Denver Zoo is a leader in animal care, wildlife conservation and education.  We are passionate about our commitment to excellence in support of our mission of Inspiring Communities to Save Wildlife for Future Generations.

Denver Zoo honors our animals, staff, and guests by conducting ourselves at the highest level of integrity through our Core Actions -- Inspire Awe: Safety, Care, Connect and by embracing our Core Values of: Welcoming, United, Curious, Courageous and Transformative in all that we do

The Senior Human Resources Manager reports to the Director of Human Resources at Denver Zoo and oversees the full spectrum of employee and labor processes, partnering with the Human Resources Manager and leadership across the organization to devise business-aligned strategies. Central duties encompass benefits and leave administration, leading employee relations and performance management initiatives while upholding our core values. This role prioritizes delivering top-tier HR service, offering counsel to management and staff on intricate matters, and optimizing performance by grasping the business model and organizational requisites. Collaborating closely with HR leadership, the manager provides policy interpretation and aid in talent management as needed. Operating autonomously, they pinpoint organizational challenges, devise pragmatic remedies, and stand in for the Director of Human Resources when necessary.

Our staff is a dedicated and diverse group of individuals committed to providing quality care to our animals while creating moments of awe for guests.  If you are a like-minded individual and thrive in a dynamic, fast paces and innovative culture, Denver Zoo is the place for you!  

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Key Responsibilities - 

• Strategic Leadership and Benefits Administration: Shape organizational change, promote fiscal responsibility, integrate core values, and manage benefits administration to achieve high reliability in meeting organizational objectives.
• HR Service Delivery: Ensure high-quality HR service delivery and act as a trusted advisor to leadership, providing solutions for complex issues.
• Business Integration and Process Improvement: Understand the business model, diagnose organizational needs, and consult with leadership to enhance performance through people and process optimization.
• Collaboration: Work in a matrixed environment supporting the Human Resources Manager with a direct line to the Director of Human Resources and Chief Human Resources Officer, collaborating strategically with leaders across the organization.
• Labor and Employee Relations: Provide expert guidance on performance management, investigations, discipline, grievances, mediating conflicts and supporting resolutions.
• Policy Interpretation: Offer accurate HR policy interpretation, balancing risk, and business needs in collaboration with HR leadership and legal counsel.
• Independent Effectiveness: Work independently with minimal guidance, maintaining a high level of HR service experience for the organization. Represent or serve on behalf of the Director of Human Resources when needed.

Key Priorities -  

Benefits and Leave Administration

• Manage employee benefits programs including open enrollment and provide support for benefits inquiries and issues.
• Evaluate and recommend competitive benefits packages.
• Collaborate with the leave administrator and aid staff during leave absences, including FAMLI, FMLA, and ADA support.
• Collaborate with the Director of Occupational Health and Safety on worker’s compensation claims.
• Work with the Belonging team to implement well-being initiatives, including mental health, work-life balance, and stress management programs.

Employee Relations

• Act as the main point of contact for employee relations, providing support to help employees succeed.
• Advise managers on disciplinary process.
• Promote open communication and maintain a positive working environment.
• Monitor employee engagement and proactively address concerns through appropriate communication.
• Handle unemployment claims and ensure appropriate responses.

Performance Management

• Train and guide managers and employees on performance and behavior expectations.
• Facilitate the performance management process and support managers in performance evaluations.
• Partner with leaders to monitor performance and develop improvement plans when necessary.

Strategic HR Leadership and Compliance 

• Collaborate with the Director of HR to develop robust learning and development initiat