TITLE: Chief People Officer
SALARY: $208,790.40 – $271,419.20; FLSA Exempt
OPENING DATE: 08/14/2026
CLOSING DATE: Open until filled
JOB TYPE: Regular, Full-Time
UNION: Non-Represented
OPENINGS: 1
LOCATION: On site
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.”
WHO YOU ARE
As our Chief People Officer, you will be successful in this role because you are:
- A visionary people leader who translates organizational goals into innovative workforce and culture strategies.
- An experienced employee and labor relations professional with a successful track record working in union and nonunion environments.
- A trusted executive advisor who builds credibility with employees, union leaders, senior leadership, and the Board of Directors.
- A collaborative and inclusive leader who champions employee engagement, belonging, equity, and organizational development.
- A strategic thinker who leverages data, analytics, and business insight to improve workforce performance and organizational effectiveness.
- Passionate about developing talent, strengthening leadership capability, and creating exceptional employee experiences.
YOUR PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Lead the development and execution of organization-wide people and culture strategies that bridge organizational goals with organizational capability.
- Partner with the CEO, executive leadership team, and Board of Directors to provide strategic guidance on organizational design, people strategies, etc.
- Foster a culture of inclusion, engagement, accountability, mission aligned productivity outcomes, and continuous improvement for both represented and non-represented employees.
- Direct labor relations strategy, including collective bargaining negotiations, grievance management, contract interpretation, and collaboration with union leadership.
- Oversee compensation, benefits, wellness programs, HR operations, compliance, HR technology, talent acquisition, learning and development, and leadership development initiatives.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience leading people and culture functions within a mission-driven, nonprofit, conservation, education, or public-serving organization.
- Advanced degree such as an MBA, Juris Doctor, or related graduate-level credential.
- Ability to speak a language in addition to English.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Law, or a related field. Advanced degree preferred.
- SHRM-SCP, SPHR, or equivalent senior-level Human Resources certification.
- Twelve (12) or more years of progressive Human Resources leadership experience, including at least five (5) years in a senior executive role such as CPO, CHRO, VP of HR, or equivalent.
- Demonstrated experience leading labor relations to maintain collaborative, productive partnerships with the unionized workforce and union representatives.
- Proven success scaling organizations while maintaining a strong focus on employee experience, engagement, and performance.
- Exceptional communication, relationship-building, and influencing skills, with the ability to engage stakeholders at all levels of the organization.
- Successful applicants must live and work in Washington State to perform this role.
BENEFITS
The Woodland Park Zoo offers a comprehensive benefits package for full-time staff including:
- Medical, dental, and vision: HMO and PPO plans for you and eligible dependents
- 11 paid holidays and 4 personal holidays
- Accrue 20 vacation days and another 12 days of sick leave your first year
- Life, death & dismemberment insurance, short and long-term disability, optional employee-paid voluntary life insurance
- Pet insurance for qualifying pets
- Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Tuition reimbursement
- Free zoo membership that includes zoo admission and discounts after 90 days
- 4 complimentary tickets per year plus other discounts and perks
- Free staff parking
- 403(b) Retirement Plan
SELECTION PROCESS
Application: Please include a resume and cover letter with your application through our Zoo Careers site at zoo.org/jobs.
This opportunity is open to all candidates that meet the qualifications. Woodland Park Zoo values diverse perspectives and life experiences. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity. The zoo encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, 2SLGBTQ, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experiences. Woodland Park Zoo is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in all its services. If you need accommodation in the application or interview process, please contact our recruiting team at Log in to view email. Please direct inquiries and questions regarding this career opportunity to: Diane St. John at Log in to view email
Screening: We will review applications and select candidates for screening calls. Final candidates will be invited for virtual or in-person interviews.
Offer: Job offers are contingent on verification of credentials and other information required by the employment process, including completion of a background check.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.
