Chief People Officer

TITLE: Chief People Officer

SALARY: $208790.40 - $271419.20; 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 whats 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

• Bachelors 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 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 . Please direct inquiries and questions regarding this career opportunity to: Diane St. John at

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.

Required Experience:

Chief