Specialist or Senior Specialist, Employee Coaching & Support (People & Culture)

About the role

The Specialist or Senior Specialist, Employee Coaching & Support provides essential coaching, training and facilitation for staff throughout Oakland Zoo. They help staff and managers alike develop the tools to navigate conflict, work through challenging conversations, build trust, and foster an environment in which all staff feel supported and empowered to do their best work. They also oversee performance management, gather feedback on the employee experience and leverage trend analysis to develop enhanced training for staff across the organization. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis starting October 7, 2026.

Responsibilities

• Strategic People Coaching: Support the VP, P&C to develop and implement a forward-looking people strategy rooted in equity and aligned with the organization's goals and values. Provide thought partnership to managers and leaders on people-related matters. Proactively communicate with and provide training to staff related to HR matters in the institution.
• Employee Experience And Culture: Foster a positive and inclusive workplace culture that aligns with the organization's values. Lead initiatives to enhance the overall employee experience. Support VP, P&C in developing and implementing policies and programs that promote employee well-being and work-life balance. Serve as a member of employee engagement, event committees and working groups, such as All Staff Working Group, EOY Committee, and Internal Communications.
• Leadership Development And Succession Planning: Implement leadership development programs to cultivate a supported and diverse pipeline of future leaders. Support department leaders in implementing succession planning initiatives to ensure continuity in leadership roles. Identify needs and provide general and focused coaching and support to executives and managers.
• Performance Management: Manage the Performance Management processes for all staff. Provide input to VP, P&C around employee support and development systems. Provide guidance on goal setting, annual reviews, and development plans. Support VP and Director in reviewing and administering Performance Action Plans. Foster a culture of continuous feedback and improvement at all levels.
• Surveying: Conduct small- and large-scale surveys to assess employee sentiment, gather input and make recommendations to Senior Leadership around opportunities and challenges. Assess progress toward goals to create a welcoming and accessible environment for all.
• Learning And Development: With the support of the VP, P&C, develop and execute training programs to enhance employee interpersonal skills. Provide guidance to managers in supporting professional development and career growth opportunities for staff. Work with VP, P&C to identify and address interpersonal skills gaps, unconscious bias, and other needs within the organization. Serve as a certified trainer in one or more of the Crucial Conversations courses (training provided).

Requirements

• Minimum of 7 years of relevant experience (10 years for the Senior Specialist), or an equivalent combination of education and experience. A BA may be considered equivalent to up to 3 years of relevant experience, and an AA may be considered equivalent to up to 2 years.
• Foundational or conceptual knowledge required.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience in Human Resources.
• Proven experience in leadership roles with a strategic focus and skills in change management.
• Proven ability to facilitate constructive dialogues and navigate conflict with neutrality and a solution-focused approach.
• Strong understanding of California employment laws and regulations.
• Sophisticated understanding of power dynamics, implicit bias and systemic factors that influence employee performance, satisfaction and retention.
• Ability to align people initiatives with business goals.
• Proficient with Microsoft Suite, and Zoom, including a strong knowledge of Excel, Teams and Google documents/sheet.
• Technologically savvy and able to learn software quickly.
• Willingness to work on some weekends and holidays as needed.
• Bonus: Bachelor's or Master's Degree in a related field; Certification or equivalent background in Restorative Practices; Additional certifications related to coaching, training or conflict resolution; Demonstrated experience advising and presenting to senior leadership and Boards of Directors.

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Employee Assistance Program
• Zoo Membership options

Pay

$71,700 to $105,103.40 annually