Senior Director - Human Resources

The Senior Director of Human Resources is responsible for leading the operations of the human resources function for the Aquarium. The Senior Director is responsible for overseeing hiring & recruiting, talent management, staffing forecasting, compensation, and employee relations. Additionally, the Senior Director leads the diversity recruiting program, and the Volunteer Services Team. This important position will ensure that all employees have the support and consistency necessary to excel, and in turn help maintain our culture as a source of pride for the organization.

This is a unique opportunity to join a forward-thinking, hands-on, results-driven, and highly collaborative team. This individual will serve as an advisor on complex and strategic issues and provides day-to-day leadership to the HR team. This role will require strong teamwork with colleagues across multiple departments and teams, including Animal Care, Science and Conservation Research, Conservation Programs and Partnerships, Learning and Community, Public Relations, Marketing, Design and Exhibits, Finance, Legal, and Development.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

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.

• Demonstrate commitment to Shedd’s vision, mission, and values
• Lead and execute innovative strategic human resource initiatives including performance management, compensation planning, diversity, equity, accessibility & inclusion, and employee onboarding and retention.
• Provide leadership, expertise, and coaching to managers and employees in employee relations, engagement, retention, performance management, compensation, and career development & talent assessment.
• Contribute to annual departmental planning and budget process and works closely with the Senior Vice President along with other leaders in setting strategic direction for the Aquarium’s employee programs.
• Direct all organizational recruiting; Lead diversity recruiting program, including managing community partnerships collaborating with leadership to source and recruit talent.
• Manage and coach staff for performance. Develop and monitor professional growth opportunities and training plans.
• Represent the department on cross-departmental teams, task forces and strategic initiatives.
• Provide advice and counsel to managers and employees to ensure consistent application and integration of policies, procedures and practices.
• Build credible and trusting relationships with employee populations to help facilitate effective employee communications and relations.
• Provide strategic oversight of the Volunteer/Intern Services (VIS) Department
• Participate in Chicagoland Metropolitan HR Cultural Group (CMHRCG) and on other Aquarium-wide teams.

Qualifications and Education

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business, HR Management, Liberal Arts or a related field preferred

Experience and Skills

• A minimum of 10 years of relevant HR experience, with at least 5 of those years being in an HR Leadership role
• Proven ability to quickly build trusting and collaborative relationships with all levels of the organization.
• Collaborative work style with ability to identify opportunities for improvement, develop strategies, influence decision-makers and implement solutions.
• Strong knowledge of human resources best practices (e.g., recruitment, development and training; engagement; resolving employee relations; performance management) and strong ability to assess the skills, abilities, knowledge, performance and potential of employees
• Knowledge of relevant human resources-related laws and regulations and the ability to conduct or assist with investigations, maintain confidentiality, and appropriately handle sensitive information
• Ability to have a broad view of the Aquarium and connect Aquarium and human resources goals to help drive best-in-class human resources function
• Excellent team player with experience working in multi-disciplinary groups, using influence and interpersonal skills, listening, diplomacy and tact to build strong relationships with all levels of staff
• Strong project management experience – working with colleagues across different disciplines to drive activity to completion, delivering against deadlines, and reporting on progress
• Strong communication skills including the ability to write for different audiences; be a highly competent and effective public speaker; and can work effectively with people who have different views.
• Ability to assess a situation and adapt communication appropriately to ensure effective delivery to employees at all levels
• Ability to utilize strategic thinking and past learnings to anticipate potential issues and the ripple effect of decisions, determine reasonable solutions to problems, and build flexible and realistic action plans to drive improvement
• Ability to be an agent of change to influence teams to shift quickly as the Aquarium evolves
• Ability to take initiative, manage and execute multiple projects simultaneously, prioritize as needed, and act with urgency, agility, efficiency, and effectiveness in total work approach
• Evidence of excellent communication – both written and verbal, with the ability to relate to employees and management at all levels

We strongly encourage people of color, LGBTQ+ community, veterans and active duty military, parents, individuals with disabilities, and individuals from all cultural backgrounds to apply. Shedd Aquarium is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes everyone to our team. If you need a reasonable accommodation at any point in the application or interview process, please let us know. In your application, please feel free to select which pronouns you use (For example – she/her/hers, he/him/his, they/them/theirs).