Human Resources Manager - Talent and Employee Experience

Human Resources Manager- Talent and Employee Experience General Description Reporting to the Director of Human Resources, the Human Resources Manager of Culture, Talent, and Development helps the Detroit Zoological Society (DZS) embed its culture and strategic priorities into how we recruit, hire, welcome, and develop our staff.

Working in partnership with leadership, this role translates people strategy into everyday practice, ensuring that every stage of the employee experience reflects who DZS is and where we are going, from the first look at a job posting through onboarding, performance conversations, recognition, and professional growth.

In addition, the Human Resources Manager of Culture, Talent, and Development serves as the HR Operations Business Partnership leader for DZS’s administrative and non-union functions. In this capacity, the role provides day-to-day HR guidance and support to various departments at both the Detroit Zoo and Belle Isle Nature Center.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities Provide strategic and day-to-day HR business partnership to administrative and non-union departments, advising leaders and employees on employee relations, performance management, succession planning, team development. policy interpretation, conflict resolution, and other HR matters to support effective people management and alignment with DZS policies and organizational goals.

Support the design, implementation, and administration of effective performance management and review processes, providing guidance to managers and employees to promote accountability, development, and continuous improvement. Develop and execute talent acquisition strategies in partnership with department leaders to address staffing needs, lead recruitment sourcing efforts, evaluate recruiting platforms and events, and strengthen DZS’s employer brand to attract and retain top talent.

Co-lead the Employee Engagement Committee, support the annual engagement survey, and advance initiatives that translate staff feedback into meaningful actions that strengthen employee morale and align with organizational values. Administer and continuously improve employee recognition programs and platforms, ensuring they reinforce DZS values and strategic goals and promote equitable participation across departments and employee groups.

Oversee the internship program, collaborating with departments to identify opportunities and managing intern recruitment, onboarding, and the overall participant experience. Develop and deliver training programs aligned with organizational development strategies, maintaining relevant materials and evaluating effectiveness to drive continuous improvement.

Lead the onboarding experience by ensuring new hires receive a welcoming, effective introduction to DZS, with programs, resources, and support that facilitate successful integration into the organization. Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

A bachelor’s degree is required with a concentration in a field related to Human Resources preferred. Five or more years of progressive human resources leadership experience, including full-cycle recruiting with responsibility for sourcing strategy, recruitment marketing, and evaluating the effectiveness of recruiting channels and events.

Demonstrated success designing, improving, and measuring employee experience programs such as onboarding, recognition, or engagement initiatives. Experience as an HR business partner, including coaching managers on performance management, employee relations, and people decisions, with working knowledge of federal and Michigan employment law.

Experience developing and facilitating training programs for different audiences. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication to effectively interact with employees, management, and external stakeholders. Problem Solving: Strong analytical skills to identify issues, evaluate options, and implement effective solutions.

Leadership: Proven ability to lead, motivate, and manage teams, fostering a collaborative and productive work environment. Adaptability: Flexibility to navigate changing circumstances and adjust approaches to meet evolving organizational needs. Conflict Resolution: Expertise in mediating disputes and resolving conflicts in a fair and constructive manner.

Organizational Skills: Ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities efficiently, ensuring smooth HR operations. Confidentiality: Commitment to maintaining the privacy and confidentiality of employee information. Physical Requirements The individual must have the ability to perform the essential functions of the job satisfactorily and must be physically present to do so.

Requires moderate physical effort daily such as walking, bending, stooping, lifting, sitting and standing for an extended period. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job. Working Conditions Regular work schedule may include weekends, evenings, and early mornings.

The work environment is generally comfortable and most work is indoors with exposure to computer monitors, air conditioning systems and fluorescent lighting. The position may require work outdoors with exposure to seasonal weather conditions. Just as we value and celebrate biodiversity, the DZS celebrates the diversity of our human community.

We are committed to ensuring that our programs and facilities are fully accessible to create a welcoming and inclusive workplace for all.