Senior Human Resources Business Partner

TITLE: Senior Human Resources Business Partner
SALARY & FLSA: $92,081.60 - $138,132.80 per year; FLSA Exempt

The annual starting pay is structured to be competitive and may extend up to the midpoint of the salary range, reflecting our commitment to offering competitive compensation to qualified candidates.

OPENING DATE: 10/22/26
CLOSING DATE: 11/5/26 - This position may close early if a sufficient number of qualified applications are received.

JOB TYPE: Regular, Full-Time
UNION: Non-Represented
OPENINGS: 1
LOCATION: Hybrid (on-site at least 3 days per week and remote 2 days)
DEPARTMENT: People & Culture

HOW DO YOU ZOO?

More than 1.3 million people visit Woodland Park Zoo each year. We connect people with wildlife and remind them of what's at stake in our changing world. Our job is to motivate people to take action and provide them with the tools needed to join us in saving endangered species. Working for the zoo means upholding our mission, "To save wildlife and inspire everyone to make conservation a priority in their lives." Apply today and show us how you zoo.

WHO YOU ARE

As our new Senior Human Resources Business Partner, we know you will be successful in this role because you are:

Trusted Advisor: Builds strong partnerships with leaders and employees, guiding decisions that advance business priorities while supporting a positive and equitable employee experience.
Employee Relations Expert: Navigates complex workplace issues, investigations, union grievances, performance concerns, and conflict resolution with fairness, empathy, sound judgment, and organizational needs in mind.
Collaborative Consultant: Partners with leaders and employees on workforce planning, organizational design, and change initiatives that strengthen business outcomes and help people succeed through change.
Balanced Partner: Weighs organizational goals, operational realities, and employee perspectives to develop practical solutions while maintaining confidentiality, professionalism, and compliance.
Data-Informed Strategist: Uses workforce metrics and employee insights to recommend actions that improve engagement, retention, organizational performance, and the overall employee experience.
Culture Champion: Fosters an inclusive, equitable, and respectful workplace where employees can thrive and contribute their best toward the zoo’s mission and business priorities.

YOUR PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Serve as a strategic People & Culture partner to managers and department leaders, providing consultation on workforce planning, organizational design, succession planning, and talent development.
Lead complex employee and labor relations matters, including investigations, grievances, corrective actions, conflict resolution, and policy interpretation.
Coach and develop employees and managers on performance management, accountability, communication, leadership effectiveness, and employee engagement strategies.
Drive organizational effectiveness and change initiatives, supporting restructures, department transitions, workforce planning, and culture-enhancing programs.
Ensure compliance and support continuous improvement through employment law guidance, workforce analytics, policy development, and cross-functional People & Culture projects.

QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Organizational Development, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Minimum of six (6) years of progressively responsible human resources experience.
Minimum of three (3) years supporting employee relations, manager consultation, and workplace investigations.
Demonstrated experience partnering directly with leaders on strategic workforce and organizational initiatives.
Experience supporting organizational change, workforce planning, and talent management efforts.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to adapt communication based on audience and situation.
Strong consultation, coaching, influencing, problem-solving, and conflict-resolution skills.
Ability to build trusted relationships across all levels of an organization and maintain discretion with sensitive matters.
Successful applicants must live and work in Washington State to perform this role.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

SHRM-SCP, SHRM-CP, SPHR, PHR, or equivalent professional certification.
Experience supporting collective bargaining and labor relations activities.
Professional coaching certification or leadership development experience.
Experience in a nonprofit, zoological, museum, conservation, educational, or other mission-driven organization.
Ability to speak a language in addition to English.

BENEFITS

The Woodland Park Zoo offers a comprehensive benefits package for full-time staff including:

Medical, dental, and vision HMO and PPO plans for employees and eligible dependents
11 paid holidays and 4 personal holidays
Vacation and sick leave accrual
Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Tuition reimbursement
Free zoo membership after 90 days
Complimentary zoo tickets and employee discounts
Free staff parking
403(b) Retirement Plan

SELECTION PROCESS

Application: The zoo may review existing application pools to fill this position or use this pool to fill future vacancies.

Screening: Applications will be reviewed and selected candidates will be invited to participate in interviews.

Offer: Job offers are contingent on verification of credentials and other information required by the employment process, including the completion of a background check.

Woodland Park Zoo values diverse perspectives and life experiences and encourages applicants from all backgrounds to apply.

Woodland Park Zoo

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Senior Human Resources Business Partner