Chief People & Culture Officer
Apply NowCompany: Sea Research Foundation
Location: Mystic, CT 06355
Description:
The Aquarium is seeking a Chief People & Culture Officer who will:
Provide strategic leadership and vision in managing talent and organizational development and enhancing employee engagement.
Provide consultative guidance, support and direction to leaders in all human resources processes including employee relations, compensation, and employee development.
Build and implement the human resource systems and processes needed for a premier nonprofit organization in the community.
Foster an inclusive and accountable culture and be part of building a collaborative and engaged team who are working to make a real difference to global wildlife preservation and research.
Work with a committed and passionate CEO, a strong leadership team, and an engaged board in a welcoming and supportive environment.
The CPCO will have a strategic focus on the future and maintain a deep understanding and awareness of employee needs and morale. They will help support organizational shifts that align with the Aquarium's new strategic plan and help deliver on achieving the overarching goals of the organization. As a member of the leadership team and reporting to the CEO, the CPCO will contribute their human resources expertise and serve as the senior HR advisor in the organization, providing valuable insights and ideas that maximize operational effectiveness and realize long-term strategy.
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR:
A strategic thinker with a track record of developing and implementing complex human resource systems and policies.
An HR expert who has the foresight and ability to be proactive and mitigate risk for the organization
A hands-on professional eager to interact with all leaders and staff members.
A leader who who can, working with the team, help create a cohesive and vibrant organizational culture and a team engaged with the Aquarium's mission.
An individual with high emotional intelligence, who can navigate complex organizational dynamics.
A leader who further develops the HR team to provide outstanding transactional, consultative, and strategic services to the organization and staff members.
Someone with adaptability and flexibility to manage the fast-paced changes within the Aquarium and the broader employment landscape.
A passionate individual who has the confidence to use independent judgment and to make and follow through on difficult decisions.
A skilled communicator with executive presence, who can effectively deliver key and critical information across all levels of the organization.
A relationship-builder who is a good listener and works to promote success across the organization.
A team player who is dedicated to fostering growth with a focus on developing talent.
A down-to-earth and service-oriented executive who demonstrates respect and sensitivity in interactions with others.
An accessible and visible, professional who is an active and positive presence in the daily life of the Aquarium.
A leader who can recognize and work with different personality styles
Key Responsibilities:
1. Strategic Leadership: o Develop and implement a comprehensive people strategy that aligns with the Aquarium's mission, values, and business objectives. o Provide executive leadership and guidance to senior management, ensuring a high-performance culture that supports organizational goals. o Partner with the CEO and other senior leaders to define organizational priorities and help drive cultural change initiatives. o Recommend organizational structure and staffing levels to accomplish the Aquarium's mission and goals.
2. Operational Expertise: o Advise and guide leaders in effectively addressing employee relations issues consistent with organizational philosophy. o Lead HR staff in further efficiency in transactional services.
3. Human Resources Policies, Procedures, and Systems: o Build HR processes to reflect enhanced organizational culture and excellent decision making in all people related processes. o Maintain up-to-date knowledge of employment law. o Manage reporting to appropriate employment agencies. o Recommend policy and procedure revisions and modifications to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local requirements as well as adapt to changing environmental dynamics. o Ensure positive, productive relationships with any potential vendors that oversee outsourced functions of the people and culture team. o Oversee the human resources department budget.
4. Organizational Development: o Lead talent management and development programs, including recruitment, training, succession planning, and leadership development. o Foster an inclusive and diverse workplace that reflects the communities we serve and supports employee engagement and retention. o Oversee performance management processes, ensuring clarity in goals, regular feedback, and professional development opportunities for all staff
5. Culture & Employee Engagement: o Champion and strengthen the Aquarium's culture, creating an environment where employees feel valued, inspired, and aligned with the mission. o Design and lead initiatives to enhance employee engagement, well-being, and work-life balance, including recognition programs, wellness initiatives, and community-building activities. o Act as a trusted advisor to leadership on matters of organizational culture, employee morale, and conflict resolution.
6. Diversity & Inclusion (DI): o Develop and implement DI strategies to ensure that diversity is not only valued but embedded in the fabric of the Aquarium's operations and culture. o Lead efforts to promote equitable opportunities for all employees, ensuring a culture of respect, belonging, and fairness. o Drive appropriate training and awareness programs related to cultural competency across all levels of the organization.
7. Talent Acquisition & Retention: o Oversee the recruitment process to attract top-tier talent for all departments, ensuring the Aquarium is staffed with individuals who share the mission and values of the organization. o Provide expertise, advice, and insight throughout the hiring process and advise teams on best practices o Work closely with managers to create and sustain an employee-focused retention strategy, addressing career development, growth opportunities, and compensation packages. o Leverage data and industry best practices to optimize hiring, onboarding, and retention processes.
8. Compensation & Benefits: o Ensure that compensation and benefits strategies are competitive, equitable, and aligned with industry standards and are designed to enhance recruitment and retention o Regularly assess and adjust benefit offerings to support the needs and well-being of employees. o Provide direction on compensation decisions, ensuring compliance with legal requirements and fairness across the organization.
9. Compliance & Risk Management: o Ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal labor laws, regulations, and industry best practices. o Manage HR-related risk, providing guidance on employee relations, conflict resolution, and compliance-related issues. o Continuously evaluate and improve policies, procedures, and practices to mitigate legal and organizational risks.
10. Communication & Advocacy: o Serve as the primary spokesperson for people and culture initiatives, advocating for employees at all levels of the organization. o Develop clear and consistent communication strategies related to HR policies, programs, and initiatives. o Promote the Aquarium as an employer of choice in the community and across the industry.
Qualifications:
Proven experience (10+ years) in senior human resources or organizational development roles, preferably in mission-driven organizations or those with a focus on conservation, education, or public service.
At least three (3) years of executive experience advising C-suite and employee leaders
Extensive knowledge of HR practices, including talent management, employee engagement, performance management, and DEI initiatives.
Experience in driving cultural change and leading diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.
Demonstrated ability to build strong relationships and influence senior leadership in a collaborative environment.
Excellent organizational skills and the ability to respond to multiple, competing demands.
Extensive knowledge of local, state, and federal employment laws and regulations.
Excellent coaching and conflict resolution abilities.
A passion for environmental conservation and the Aquarium's mission to inspire and educate the public about marine life. Strong strategic thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
Excellent communication, interpersonal, and conflict resolution skills.
Ability to navigate ambiguity and adapt to a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
A Master's degree in Human Resources, Organizational Development, Business Administration, or related field and advanced certifications, (e.g., SPHR) preferred
Provide strategic leadership and vision in managing talent and organizational development and enhancing employee engagement.
Provide consultative guidance, support and direction to leaders in all human resources processes including employee relations, compensation, and employee development.
Build and implement the human resource systems and processes needed for a premier nonprofit organization in the community.
Foster an inclusive and accountable culture and be part of building a collaborative and engaged team who are working to make a real difference to global wildlife preservation and research.
Work with a committed and passionate CEO, a strong leadership team, and an engaged board in a welcoming and supportive environment.
The CPCO will have a strategic focus on the future and maintain a deep understanding and awareness of employee needs and morale. They will help support organizational shifts that align with the Aquarium's new strategic plan and help deliver on achieving the overarching goals of the organization. As a member of the leadership team and reporting to the CEO, the CPCO will contribute their human resources expertise and serve as the senior HR advisor in the organization, providing valuable insights and ideas that maximize operational effectiveness and realize long-term strategy.
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR:
A strategic thinker with a track record of developing and implementing complex human resource systems and policies.
An HR expert who has the foresight and ability to be proactive and mitigate risk for the organization
A hands-on professional eager to interact with all leaders and staff members.
A leader who who can, working with the team, help create a cohesive and vibrant organizational culture and a team engaged with the Aquarium's mission.
An individual with high emotional intelligence, who can navigate complex organizational dynamics.
A leader who further develops the HR team to provide outstanding transactional, consultative, and strategic services to the organization and staff members.
Someone with adaptability and flexibility to manage the fast-paced changes within the Aquarium and the broader employment landscape.
A passionate individual who has the confidence to use independent judgment and to make and follow through on difficult decisions.
A skilled communicator with executive presence, who can effectively deliver key and critical information across all levels of the organization.
A relationship-builder who is a good listener and works to promote success across the organization.
A team player who is dedicated to fostering growth with a focus on developing talent.
A down-to-earth and service-oriented executive who demonstrates respect and sensitivity in interactions with others.
An accessible and visible, professional who is an active and positive presence in the daily life of the Aquarium.
A leader who can recognize and work with different personality styles
Key Responsibilities:
1. Strategic Leadership: o Develop and implement a comprehensive people strategy that aligns with the Aquarium's mission, values, and business objectives. o Provide executive leadership and guidance to senior management, ensuring a high-performance culture that supports organizational goals. o Partner with the CEO and other senior leaders to define organizational priorities and help drive cultural change initiatives. o Recommend organizational structure and staffing levels to accomplish the Aquarium's mission and goals.
2. Operational Expertise: o Advise and guide leaders in effectively addressing employee relations issues consistent with organizational philosophy. o Lead HR staff in further efficiency in transactional services.
3. Human Resources Policies, Procedures, and Systems: o Build HR processes to reflect enhanced organizational culture and excellent decision making in all people related processes. o Maintain up-to-date knowledge of employment law. o Manage reporting to appropriate employment agencies. o Recommend policy and procedure revisions and modifications to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local requirements as well as adapt to changing environmental dynamics. o Ensure positive, productive relationships with any potential vendors that oversee outsourced functions of the people and culture team. o Oversee the human resources department budget.
4. Organizational Development: o Lead talent management and development programs, including recruitment, training, succession planning, and leadership development. o Foster an inclusive and diverse workplace that reflects the communities we serve and supports employee engagement and retention. o Oversee performance management processes, ensuring clarity in goals, regular feedback, and professional development opportunities for all staff
5. Culture & Employee Engagement: o Champion and strengthen the Aquarium's culture, creating an environment where employees feel valued, inspired, and aligned with the mission. o Design and lead initiatives to enhance employee engagement, well-being, and work-life balance, including recognition programs, wellness initiatives, and community-building activities. o Act as a trusted advisor to leadership on matters of organizational culture, employee morale, and conflict resolution.
6. Diversity & Inclusion (DI): o Develop and implement DI strategies to ensure that diversity is not only valued but embedded in the fabric of the Aquarium's operations and culture. o Lead efforts to promote equitable opportunities for all employees, ensuring a culture of respect, belonging, and fairness. o Drive appropriate training and awareness programs related to cultural competency across all levels of the organization.
7. Talent Acquisition & Retention: o Oversee the recruitment process to attract top-tier talent for all departments, ensuring the Aquarium is staffed with individuals who share the mission and values of the organization. o Provide expertise, advice, and insight throughout the hiring process and advise teams on best practices o Work closely with managers to create and sustain an employee-focused retention strategy, addressing career development, growth opportunities, and compensation packages. o Leverage data and industry best practices to optimize hiring, onboarding, and retention processes.
8. Compensation & Benefits: o Ensure that compensation and benefits strategies are competitive, equitable, and aligned with industry standards and are designed to enhance recruitment and retention o Regularly assess and adjust benefit offerings to support the needs and well-being of employees. o Provide direction on compensation decisions, ensuring compliance with legal requirements and fairness across the organization.
9. Compliance & Risk Management: o Ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal labor laws, regulations, and industry best practices. o Manage HR-related risk, providing guidance on employee relations, conflict resolution, and compliance-related issues. o Continuously evaluate and improve policies, procedures, and practices to mitigate legal and organizational risks.
10. Communication & Advocacy: o Serve as the primary spokesperson for people and culture initiatives, advocating for employees at all levels of the organization. o Develop clear and consistent communication strategies related to HR policies, programs, and initiatives. o Promote the Aquarium as an employer of choice in the community and across the industry.
Qualifications:
Proven experience (10+ years) in senior human resources or organizational development roles, preferably in mission-driven organizations or those with a focus on conservation, education, or public service.
At least three (3) years of executive experience advising C-suite and employee leaders
Extensive knowledge of HR practices, including talent management, employee engagement, performance management, and DEI initiatives.
Experience in driving cultural change and leading diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.
Demonstrated ability to build strong relationships and influence senior leadership in a collaborative environment.
Excellent organizational skills and the ability to respond to multiple, competing demands.
Extensive knowledge of local, state, and federal employment laws and regulations.
Excellent coaching and conflict resolution abilities.
A passion for environmental conservation and the Aquarium's mission to inspire and educate the public about marine life. Strong strategic thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
Excellent communication, interpersonal, and conflict resolution skills.
Ability to navigate ambiguity and adapt to a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
A Master's degree in Human Resources, Organizational Development, Business Administration, or related field and advanced certifications, (e.g., SPHR) preferred