Description
Job Summary:
The Human Resources Director is a strategic leadership role responsible for overseeing all aspects of human resources operations, including talent management, benefits administration, and organizational culture. This role also plays a key part in fostering collaboration with the City of Norfolk to support shared initiatives and promote a unified “One Zoo” mentality.
Duties/Responsibilities
- Develop and execute HR strategies that align with organizational goals and promote a high-performance culture.
- Oversee recruitment, onboarding, employee relations, performance management, and compliance with all applicable employment laws and regulations.
- Serve as a trusted advisor to leadership on organizational development, workforce planning, and change management.
- Work in close partnership with the Executive Director to align human resources strategies with organizational priorities, provide high-level counsel on workforce and culture and ensure HR initiatives effectively support the zoo’s strategic direction.
- Champion diversity, equity, inclusion, and employee engagement initiatives.
- Design, implement, and manage comprehensive employee benefits programs, including health, retirement, wellness, and leave policies.
- Serve as the primary point of contact for benefits vendors and ensure competitive, cost-effective offerings.
- Educate employees on benefits options and ensure smooth enrollment and administration processes.
- Monitor trends and recommend enhancements to support employee well-being and retention.
- Collaborate closely with the City of Norfolk departments, including Human Resources, to support joint initiatives, policies, and strategic priorities.
- Lead and support programs that promote a cohesive “One Zoo” culture, integrating city and organizational efforts.
- Represent the organization in cross-functional committees, working groups, and community engagements.
- Promote a unified, mission-driven culture that emphasizes collaboration, transparency, and shared purpose.
- Lead initiatives that enhance employee engagement and reinforce the “One Zoo” mentality.
- Performs other duties as required.
Requirements
Required Skills/Abilities:
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Excellent interpersonal, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills.
- Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
- Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Strong supervisory and leadership skills.
- Ability to adapt to the needs of the organization and employees.
- Ability to prioritize tasks and to delegate them when appropriate.
- Ability to act with integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality.
- Thorough knowledge of employment-related laws and regulations.
- Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.
- Proficiency with or the ability to quickly learn the organization’s HRIS and talent management systems.
Education And Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field (Master's preferred).
- A minimum of 7-10 years of progressive HR leadership experience.
- Experience managing benefits programs and vendor relationships.
- Demonstrated experience working with government or municipal partners preferred.
- Strong leadership, communication, and relationship-building skills.
- Professional HR certification (SHRM-SCP, SPHR) preferred.
Physical Requirements
- Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
- Must be able to lift 15 pounds at times.
