Senior HR Operations Leader: Talent, Systems & Rewards

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Job summary

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is seeking a Director of Human Resources Operations to provide strategic and operational leadership for HR functions supporting over 3,000 team members. You will lead a team of more than 15 professionals and translate complex HR requirements into clear, practical guidance across HRIS, recruiting, compensation, benefits, and leave programs.

Reporting to the CHRO, you will develop people, improve processes, and support organizational goals while ensuring compliant,

Qualifications

• Requires 8+ years of progressively responsible HR experience across multiple disciplines.
• Experience leading and developing teams in a large, complex, nonprofit environment is valued.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of 15+ HR professionals across HRIS, Recruiting, Total Rewards, and Work & Family Programs.
• Oversee HRIS center of excellence, data integrity, reporting, and processes; optimize system capabilities.
• Oversee Talent acquisition and recruiting operations to support workforce needs with data-driven improvements.
• Oversee Total Rewards including compensation, benefits, and annual planning; ensure equitable, compliant practices.
• Oversee Work & Family Programs including leave administration and workers’ compensation practices.
• Maintain awareness of evolving employment laws; ensure compliant HR practices across the organization.
• Use metrics and analysis to identify trends, risks, and opportunities for process improvement.

Skills

Leadership

Coaching & development

HR operations

People analytics

Project management

Communication & presentation

Education

Bachelor’s degree in HR/Business

Master’s degree preferred

SHRM-CP/SHRM-SCP/PHR/SPHR preferred

Tools

Dayforce

HRIS platforms

Job description

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is seeking a Director of Human Resources Operations to provide strategic and operational leadership for HR functions supporting over 3,000 team members. You will lead a team of more than 15 professionals and translate complex HR requirements into clear, practical guidance across HRIS, recruiting, compensation, benefits, and leave programs.

Reporting to the CHRO, you will develop people, improve processes, and support organizational goals while ensuring compliant,