People & Culture - Senior Vice President

Join the PRIDE!

Brookfield Zoo Chicago seeks a collaborative, innovative, and people-centered executive to serve as its Senior Vice President for People and Culture (SVP) to craft and execute a strategic vision that amplifies the Zoo's capacity to attract and retain exceptional talent. This is a unique opportunity for an accomplished human resources leader to contribute to the advancement of a world-class institution, ensuring that Brookfield Zoo remains a dynamic and inspiring place to work. The SVP will foster a thriving workplace culture and strengthen the organization's capacity for change, playing a key role in the delivery of the Zoo's mission to "inspire conservation leadership by connecting people to wildlife and nature."

Since its founding in 1934, Brookfield Zoo has been a pioneer in zoological care, known for its groundbreaking naturalistic exhibits and commitment to wildlife conservation. Managed by the Chicago Zoological Society, the Zoo continues to shape the future of animal care, conservation research, and environmental education. As it approaches its centennial celebration in 2034, Brookfield Zoo remains at the forefront of global efforts to inspire conservation leadership through immersive experiences and community engagement.

The Senior Vice President for People and Culture will be a key member of the Executive Leadership Team, reporting directly to the President & CEO. In this role, the SVP will oversee all facets of the Zoo's human capital strategy with a focus on employee engagement, workforce development, and satisfaction with oversight of multiple core functional areas, including talent acquisition, compensation, benefits, labor relations, compliance, training, and professional development. This leader will play a pivotal role in ensuring that Brookfield Zoo Chicago (BZC) remains an employer of choice, attracting and retaining top talent while fostering a culture that reflects the institution's core values: Connect. Care. Conserve.

This is a particularly exciting time to join the Brookfield Zoo Chicago with the launch of its Next Century Plan, a transformational strategy to advance BZC as a beacon of conservation and education, blending its storied legacy with innovative advancement as it prepares for its 100^th anniversary in 2034. The SVP will drive key workforce initiatives that support the Zoo's mission, such as enhancing diversity and inclusion efforts, strengthening employee relations, and implementing forward-thinking employee engagement strategies that align with the organization's long-term goals. This individual will be responsible for developing and executing a comprehensive people strategy that promotes employee engagement, leadership development, and a strong organizational culture that supports a diverse and deeply committed employee base of approximately 365 staff and, approximately 400 volunteers, and 500 seasonal employees. The SVP will oversee a dedicated People & Culture team, ensuring that HR operations, policies, and programs effectively support the organization's evolving needs and its workforce, including full-time employees, volunteers, and seasonal staff.

The SVP will be expected to build and sustain a workplace culture that emphasizes transparency, trust, and inclusivity while ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal employment regulations. The leader will also lead efforts to refine and communicate an employee value proposition that positions Brookfield Zoo as a premier employer in the community, continuously evaluating and improving compensation structures, benefits, and professional growth opportunities to enhance employee satisfaction and retention.

The ideal candidate will be a visionary and adaptable leader who brings a strong combination of strategic insight, people-centered leadership, and operational acumen. They will possess a deep understanding of human resources best practices, with at least ten years of progressive leadership experience in human resources, overseeing traditional HR disciplines at a senior level in a unionized environment. The SVP will be proactive, persistent, and service oriented, cultivating a culture of care and compassion. They must demonstrate expertise in labor relations, workforce planning, talent management, and organizational culture transformation, along with a proven ability to align human capital strategy with business objectives while championing employee engagement and inclusion. The candidate must also have a strong record of leading through change, driving efficiencies and innovation in human resources business practices, and fostering collaboration across all levels of an organization. A bachelor's degree in human resources, psychology, behavioral sciences, or another relevant field or equivalent combination of eight years of training and human resources experience is required. A master's degree in human resources or other relevant field and HR certification (e.g., PHR, SPHR, SHRM-SCP) are highly desirable. Prior experience in a non-profit cultural organization is preferred.

All applications, nominations, and inquiries are invited. Applications should include, as two separate documents, a CV or resume and a letter of interest addressing the themes in the leadership profile available at www.wittkieffer.com. Professional references are not requested at this time. WittKieffer is assisting the Brookfield Zoo Chicago in this search. For fullest consideration, candidate materials should be received by May 9, 2025.

Application materials, nominations, and inquiries can be directed to: Sarah Palmer, Luis Bertot, and Mercedes Chacon Vance at BrookfieldZooSVPPC@wittkieffer.com.

Projected Salary Range: $189,320 - $212,985

Benefits: Brookfield Zoo Chicago Benefits Information (please refer to the non-union, fulltime employee section and other benefits)

The Brookfield Zoo Chicago is an Equal Opportunity Employer and considers all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital or veteran status, sexual orientation, mental or physical disability that does not preclude performance of essential job duties, or any other status protected by law. BZC supports and promotes workforce diversity and strives to foster a work environment of respect and inclusiveness where the contributions of all workers are valued and recognized.