Director, Human Resources & Diversity

Association of Zoos and Aquariums; Silver Spring (MD); Hybrid; USD 69,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental & Life Insurance

401(k) retirement plan

Paid time off

Parental leave

Job summary

Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) seeks a Director, Human Resources & Diversity to develop and oversee HR programs, policies, and DEAI initiatives.

Based in Silver Spring, MD, this role reports to the Executive Vice President and offers a hybrid schedule with at least two in-office days per week. The position leads recruitment, onboarding, training, benefits, and policy compliance across the organization.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; major in business or HR-related field strongly preferred.
• 5+ years of HR experience required; experience in diversity-focused roles with DEAI initiatives preferred.
• 2+ years of leading projects, teams, or initiatives.
• SHRM or HRCI certifications a plus.
• Demonstrated leadership, collaboration, and ability to build and grow teams.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and oversee all HR programs, policies, and responsibilities.
• Serve as staff liaison to AZA Diversity and HR Committees.
• Lead recruitment, onboarding, and orientation for all positions.
• Oversee HR technology systems including HRIS, ATS, and performance management.
• Administer benefits programs and coordinate with providers.

Skills

DEAI principles

Leadership

Project management

Interpersonal communications

HR policy compliance

Attention to detail

Budgeting

Conflict resolution

Education

Bachelor’s degree in business or HR-related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

HRIS & ATS systems

Job description

The Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) is seeking a Director, Human Resources & Diversity. This role is responsible for developing, implementing and maintaining Human Resources programs, policies, and initiatives for the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Major areas of responsibility include employee relations, compensation, benefits administration, recruitment, onboarding, training and development, DEAI and compliance. The position also serves as the staff liaison for AZA’s Diversity and Human Resources Committees.

This position is based in our Silver Spring, MD headquarters and reports to the Executive Vice President. This position is eligible for a hybrid schedule with a minimum of 2 days per week in the office.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and oversee all Human Resources programs, policies, and responsibilities.

• Serve as the staff liaison to the AZA Diversity Committee and Human Resources Committee.

• Play a key role in implementing AZA’s Fifth Strategic Plan Promise and Diversity, Equity, Access, and Inclusion (DEAI) Plan.

• Take an active role as a liaison between management and staff.

• Responsible for regularly reviewing and revising the AZA employee handbook and benefits information.

• Responsible for monitoring and recommending new or revised policies and practices in all areas of human resource management and DEAI.

• Maintain current knowledge and ensure employment actions are in compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations.

• Identify potential liabilities and work with staff, management, and legal counsel in resolving sensitive employee relations issues.

• Establish and administer employee recognition programs.

• Manage HR and DEAI-related consultants.

• Lead and manage the recruitment and hiring process for all positions across the organization, including ensuring consistency in position requirements and identifying sources of qualified applicants.

• Facilitate and assure equitable and inclusive recruitment and hiring processes.

• Administer and optimize HR technology systems, including HRIS, ATS, performance management, and employee engagement platforms.

• Assure the timely processing of initial new hire documents, benefit premium deductions, and payroll adjustments.

• Administer benefit programs including medical, dental, life insurance, along with other voluntary programs. Act as an employee advocate with providers and resolve benefit-related issues.

• Develop, implement, and oversee, in coordination with other departments, the onboarding and orientation of new hires.

• Oversee and manage staff training and development initiatives.

• Manage the development of informational and training programs for employees to introduce new AZA policies and practices, DEAI understanding, and new governmental regulations which affect organizational operations.

• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree required; major in business or human resources-related field is strongly preferred

• 5+ years of recent human resources experience required; work experience in a diversity-related role, with focus on implementing successful DEAI strategies and programs preferred

• 2+ years of experience leading projects, teams, or key initiatives

• SHRM or HRCI certifications a plus

• Demonstrated increasing level of responsibility

• Demonstrated experience with building, growing, and leading a team

• Demonstrated skills in leadership, management, and collaboration

Skills and Abilities

• In-depth knowledge of DEAI principles, practices, and emerging trends

• Attention to detail, deadline-focused and able to prioritize and execute multiple tasks

• High degree of computer literacy, proficient in Microsoft Office suite, and other office management tools

• Working knowledge of accounting, budgeting

• Experience in and strong abilities related to conflict resolution, emotional intelligence, and interpersonal communications

• Able to interact effectively with various levels of management and other departments

• Strong project management skills to oversee the execution of initiatives, either independently or in conjunction with a team

• Able to identify and understand association needs and trends

• Must be self-directed and able to work independently

• Ability to travel required

The hiring target for this role is $77,064. AZA considers a candidate’s previous experience, skills, education, and relevant qualifications, as well as internal consistency with salaries of current employees when making employment offers.

AZA offers a comprehensive benefits package, including but not limited to health insurance options, life and disability insurance, and a 401(k) retirement plan. To encourage work/life balance, AZA also offers a variety of paid time off plans including vacation, sick, and personal time; holidays; and parental leave. AZA also offers hybrid work schedules and flexible work weeks for eligible positions. We regularly review our benefits to ensure they remain competitive and responsive to employee feedback.

AZA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected characteristic. We use E-Verify to confirm the identity and employment eligibility of all new hires.