DIRECTOR OF PEOPLE AND CULTURE  

JOB ANNOUNCEMENT AND POSITION DESCRIPTION   

The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk, Inc. (the Aquarium) seeks a Director of People and Culture during a uniquely important time in its history. This position will lead the strategic direction, management and execution of staff hiring, training, development, engagement, compensation and benefits, and satisfaction. The ideal candidate will be a thoughtful, creative, motivated, ambitious and strategic thinker and leader who can effectively and efficiently meet the needs of a dynamic and growing staff, and work closely and collaboratively with a strong senior management team.   

ORGANIZATION BACKGROUND  

The mission of The Maritime Aquarium is to inspire people of all ages to appreciate and protect the Long Island Sound ecosystem and the global environment through living exhibits, marine science and environmental education. For nearly 35 years, the Aquarium has played a significant role in shaping the landscape of Norwalk and the region. The second largest family attraction in Connecticut, and 50 miles from New York City, the Aquarium historically hosts nearly 400,000 guests annually. Its primary exhibits take guests on a voyage from the shallow salt marshes and estuaries to the depths of the Long Island Sound and the ocean beyond, culminating with habitats for sharks and harbor seals. Altogether, the Aquarium is home to nearly 7,000 animals and over 360 species in 75 exhibits. A new 4D Theater offers a unique sensory film experience for guests. Its education programs introduce approximately 80,000 students, campers and scouts to marine and STEM education. The Aquarium is recognized as a top aquarium in the nation, and is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. It is an active participant in the local and regional community. The strength of the Aquarium is its 60 full-time staff, and as many as 80 part-time and seasonal staff during the summer months, in addition to nearly 300 volunteers, which contribute 28,000 hours annually. While the pandemic challenged the Aquarium in profound ways, the team’s resilience and creativity led to new ways to connect with the community, and renewed optimism for the future.   

POSITION SUMMARY  

The Director of People and Culture will play a central role in the overall success of the Aquarium, by leading the strategic direction, management and execution of staff hiring, training, development, engagement, compensation and benefits, and staff satisfaction.  In addition, this position will shape and lead the implementation of the Aquarium’s commitment to Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Inclusion (DEAI).   

This position is critical to the Aquarium’s ability to successfully fulfill its ambitious mission, conduct the activities and programs hosted by the Aquarium, and achieve plans for future growth and expansion. More importantly, this position is critical to maintaining and strengthening the positive organizational culture of a growing, dynamic, respected and beloved institution in the community.  

The Director of People and Culture will report directly to the President and CEO, will work closely with the Board of Trustees and will be part of the Aquarium’s senior management team, alongside the Chief Operating Officer, the Vice President of Education, the Vice President of Philanthropy and Engagement, and the Directors of Animal Husbandry, Exhibits, Finance, Guest Operations, Marketing and Communications, and Conservation and Policy.  The position has one direct report, a part-time Associate Director of Human Resources.       

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES 

Team Leadership, Representation & Vision 

• Serve as a strategic thought leader with regard to, and oversees, every aspect of the employee experience at the Aquarium. 
• Establish and implement the vision for the Human Resources function at the Aquarium. 
• Lead team to ensure a culture of high performance and positive attitude, providing excellent staff support, with performance metrics, evaluations and systems to continually improve the overall productivity, efficiency and quality of the staff experience at the Aquarium.  
• Serve as a senior representative of the Aquarium, in particular to prospective recruits, recruiters, and stakeholder organizations. 
• Expand on the foundation of work already put into place in the areas of diversity, equity, accessibility and inclusion (DEAI), and continue to expand and improve the initiatives and strategies addressing DEAI.  
• Actively engage with employees across the organization to promote a culture of positive organizational cohesion and constructive employee relations, including employee events, activities, communications, and recognition. 
• Oversee all professional development and organizational training initiatives.  
• Lead reviews, revisions and documentation of relevant policies in the Aquarium’s Human Resources Manual on a regular basis. 

Staff Hiring, Onboarding and Development 

• Develop and refine talent acquisition strategy at the Aquarium ensuring organization is attracting and retaining top personnel. 
• Oversee all recruitment, onboarding, retention, and professional and leadership development, in coordination with respective department leads and senior management.
• Guide policies and practices to ensure external competitiveness and internal equity regarding compensation, and to review and recommend strategic employee benefits to remain competitive, especially through familiarity and comparison with other members of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).
• Ensure comprehensive onboarding with new hire trainings on key safety and workplace protocols and requirements, background investigations, uniforms, etc.   
• Manage and oversee, in coordination with other departments, the annual evaluation process, personnel changes, performance plans, and succession planning.
• Manage and oversee, in coordination with relevant departments, specialized recruitment for fellowships, internships, DEAI initiatives, court-appointed community services volunteer programs, etc.   
• Create seamless operations that ensure programs, policies, and services meet the needs of staff and are in compliance with all legal, government, and benefits reporting requirements.  

Compensation, Benefits and Leave Administration 

• Develop and implement a comprehensive compensation strategy for the organization. 
• Oversee administration and compliance of Aquarium’s health and welfare benefits.  
• Negotiate contracts with carriers and vendors, and manage the collaborative, productive relationship(s) with benefits brokers.  
• Oversee administration and compliance of leaves of absences and Workers’ Compensation.  
• Design and implement systems to ensure proper administration of all leaves of absence including FMLA, disability, and unpaid leave.

Operations & Compliance 

• Ensure the Aquarium is in compliance with federal/state labor laws, training, health clearance, various reporting requirements, including those necessary for animal husbandry and for U.S. Coast Guard requirements for crew members of the R/V Spirit of the Sound. 
• Partner with the Finance Department to ensure timely and accurate implementation of payroll, retirement plans and benefits administration.  
• Serve as a member of the Aquarium’s Safety Committee.  

QUALIFICATIONS AND CHARACTERISTICS  

• Minimum of ten years of relevant and progressive HR oversight and leadership experience, including five years of supervisory experience.    
• Progressive experience in Human Resource management in a non-profit organization is preferable, and thorough knowledge of best practices, relevant benefits programs, federal and state laws and regulations.
• Strong leadership ability with proven management skills in leading and developing a staff, and working within a highly motivated team.    
• Service oriented, with skills and talents in addressing the needs of staff and colleagues, being responsive to such needs, listening with compassion and openness.  
• Strong attention to details, with advanced problem-solving skills, sound judgment and excellent interpersonal skills. 
• Ability to maintain discretion with confidential and sensitive information.    
• Commitment to the Aquarium’s mission, with an appreciation for the important role that the Aquarium plays in conservation, education and the life of a vibrant community.    
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.        
• SPHR or SHRM-SCP certification is required.
• Versatility with relevant computer systems, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and relevant payroll systems (preferably ADP).  

TO APPLY  

Please send a cover letter, resume and salary requirements to Rosemarie Lombardi at [email protected].  Please include Director of People and Culture in the subject line.  

The Maritime Aquarium is an equal opportunity employer with a commitment to diversity.  All individuals are encouraged to apply.