Job Description

Join to apply for the Director of People & Culture role at Zoo New England Zoo New England is seeking a dynamic, experienced, and strategic Director of People and Culture as we enter a new phase in our growth and strategic planning. This is an exciting opportunity for a candidate with strong leadership, vision, and a passion for nonprofits and mission-driven work. As a key member of our leadership team, you will be responsible for developing and implementing HR strategies that support our goals, foster a positive and inclusive workplace culture, and ensure compliance with relevant regulations. The successful candidate will demonstrate teamwork, innovation, resourcefulness, creativity, excellent communication skills, and positive leadership. This position will oversee the HR staff at Zoo New England. We seek an experienced, collaborative leader who will partner across all levels of the organization to build a strong culture aligned with our values and business objectives. Who We Are Zoo New England manages Franklin Park Zoo and Stone Zoo in Massachusetts, attracting over 1 million guests annually. We are in an exciting growth phase with large-scale events like Boston Lights, award-winning conservation projects, a recent strategic plan update, and interpretive master-plan initiatives. We are investing in multi-million-dollar capital improvements, including a new outdoor gorilla habitat, a Wildlife Health and Conservation Research Center, and a new African Experience complex with African penguins in 2026. Our institution is expanding, offering a great opportunity to impact wildlife care, welfare, and conservation. Who You Are Proven leader in HR: Ability to plan, direct, develop, and coordinate HR policies, activities, and staff at Zoo New England Empathic leader: Strong interpersonal skills to foster collaboration, build trust, and motivate diverse teams Adaptable and Organized: Resilient and agile, able to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and make educated decisions under pressure Open and Positive: Capable of evaluating and pivoting practices when appropriate, recognizing opportunities for improvement Excellent communicator: Effective oral and written communication for interaction with staff, guests, and stakeholders Proactive critical thinker: Strong problem-solving skills to analyze issues, forecast needs, mitigate risks, and plan ahead Primary Responsibilities Develop and implement HR strategies aligned with organizational goals Provide guidance to senior management on people-related matters Oversee HR functions: talent acquisition, employee relations, compensation, benefits, performance management, training Manage unemployment, MCAD, and workers' compensation claims Promote a positive, inclusive, engaging organizational culture Enhance employee engagement and retention initiatives Champion diversity and inclusion efforts Lead recruitment and hiring processes Develop employee growth programs Support performance reviews and coaching Ensure compliance with employment laws Handle employee relations issues and guide managers Develop policies promoting a safe, respectful work environment Other duties as assigned Requirements / Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in HR, Business Administration, or related field 5-7 years of HR or People & Culture experience preferred Experience developing HR strategies and initiatives Strong understanding of employment law and HR best practices Ability to build relationships at all organizational levels Critical thinking and time-management skills Exceptional leadership, communication, interpersonal skills Proficiency in Microsoft Office and BambooHR Experience in non-profit or zoo environment preferred HR certification (e.g., SHRM-CP, SHRMP-SCP) preferred Benefits Medical, dental, vision insurance plans Paid Time Off and holidays Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Free zoo membership after 90 days Discounts at ZNE and cultural organizations in MA Free staff parking 401k after 6 months Selection Process Apply via our website: or contact hr-staff@zoonewengland.org . Send a cover letter to the same email. Zoo New England values diversity and encourages applicants from all backgrounds, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, 2SLGBTQ individuals, people with disabilities, veterans, and others with diverse experiences. #J-18808-Ljbffr Zoo New England

Job Tags

Similar Jobs