POSITION: Chief Operating & Human Resources Officer
ORGANIZATION: CuriOdyssey
LOCATION: San Mateo, California
WEBSITE: www.curiodyssey.org
ORGANIZATION The mission of CuriOdyssey is to inspire a love for science and curiosity about the world, creating a brighter future. Located in Coyote Point Park in San Mateo County, CuriOdyssey has recently undergone strategic planning, resulting in transformational change. This major reinvention focuses on creating a vital, family-centric interactive science center and AZA-accredited zoo that provides upclose and personal experiences with the natural world. DEI has been a focus of the organization both at the staff and Board levels since 2021. All Board committees set and drive towards DEI goals annually, and their staff work to ensure they consider DEI in all their decisions. The organization comprises a strategic and engaged Board of Trustees, visionary executive leadership, and a talented, energetic, and entrepreneurial staff.
CuriOdyssey is supported by 45 staff and 75+ volunteers. They welcome over 180,000 visitors annually and have an annual operating budget of approximately $7 million.
REPORTING RELATIONSHIP The Chief Operating & Human Resources Officer reports directly to the Executive Director, Aragon Burlingham.
POSITION SUMMARY CuriOdyssey is seeking a Chief Operating & Human Resources Officer (CO&HRO) who is excited to inherit a robust and thriving organization recognized in the community as a leader in early science education. The ideal candidate will be a highly collaborative thinker with experience in managing similar nonprofit entities, such as museums, educational organizations, and science organizations. Prior deep experience as a Director of Human Resources and Operations is required.
CuriOdyssey is at an exciting juncture in its 70-year history as it completes a significant capital campaign to replace its current 40-year-old facility with a new, eight-phase campus concept.
Construction was recently completed on a fully accessible ADA playground, which opened in November 2021. CuriOdyssey also completed a second construction project on the campus, called the Bay Gallery & Labs, which opened in June 2023. They are currently working on their third project, an Otter Habitat.
The CO&HRO oversees these internal functions:
Breadth of Responsibilities The role encompasses key operational areas, including HR, facilities, safety, IT, and programs (Exhibits, Education, Wildlife, Volunteers, and Conservation).
? Manage and develop a staff team (currently eight positions) across the following departments:
Operations Facilities, Safety and Visitor Engagement.
Programs Exhibits, Education, Wildlife, Volunteers and Conservation.
SCOPE AND RESPONSIBILITIES Key responsibilities for the CO&HRO include:
Leadership & Organization Management
? Focus on strategic oversight and delegation of operational details in safety, compliance, IT and legal matters.
? Manage organizational, administrative and operational functions.
? Lead efforts to create a workplace that promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and ensure DEI remains a priority.
? Collaborate with the Executive Director in setting and driving organizational vision, operations strategy, and long-term plans for growth and evolution.
? Contributes to the senior leadership team's cultivation and maintenance of a highly inclusive culture that ensures team members can thrive and organizational goals are met.
? Serve as a member of the senior management team, collaborating with all department heads.
? Co-lead strategic planning with the Executive Director, including implementation and annual updates.
? Work effectively with internal stakeholders (staff, volunteers) and external stakeholders (Board members, advisory committees).
? Collaborate with the Board of Trustees and Board Committees on planning, implementation, and evaluation of strategic initiatives.
Operations and Facilities
? Oversee effective operations with the support of the site-based operations manager, facilities team and vendors.
? Direct personnel responsible for the overall facility maintenance of the museum and zoo.
? Oversee construction projects related to facility maintenance or upgrades.
? Develop policies and protocols for the safe and sustainable visitors, clients, and program participants' use of facilities.
? Works with Finance and Development Departments on capital and operating funding.
? Reviews and approves cost-control reports, cost estimates, and staffing requirements for operations-related projects and initiatives.
? Manage the relationship with the IT support vendor and provide leadership for the IT function, with support from the operations manager.
Human Resources, Legal, Talent & Equity
? Provide strategic leadership for HR, talent management, and equity initiatives.
? Guides management on addressing employee concerns, disciplinary actions, performance management, and potential conflict situations. Collaborates with the senior management team to continually enhance morale and culture.
? Oversee human resources policies, including:
? Programs, payroll, compensation planning, benefits (eg, 403(b) plan), and employee relations.
? Support from an external HR vendor.
? Manage organizational compliance, legal matters, contracts, intellectual property, and risk management (including insurance coverage and statutory requirements).
? Collaborate with senior leadership and the Board to champion equity and foster an inclusive organizational culture.
? Deploy and maintain processes and systems for annual employee engagement and satisfaction.
Safety
? Serve as the organization's Safety Officer, responsible for:
? Compliance, training, and fire code regulations.
? Managing fire and burglar alarms, pump tests, AED maintenance, and emergency evacuations.
? Directing personnel in maintaining safety and emergency protocols, along with staff training throughout the year.
? Serve as the primary point of contact with Coyote Point Park Rangers to ensure robust communication with the park.
Compliance and Risk Management
? Ensure compliance with all relevant laws, regulations, and industry standards.
? Develop and implement policies to mitigate operational risks and maintain a safe and healthy work environment.
? Oversee the Injury and Illness Prevention Program (IIPP).
Cross-Department Collaboration, Communication, and Fidelity
? Evaluate current practices for all-staff and team meetings to develop responsive and appropriate norms and standards.
? Partner with senior management to ensure the development of effective decision-making frameworks.
? Work with the Leadership Team to:
? Clarify decisions.
? Maintain expectations for consistency across all departments, ensuring fidelity to organizational values and norms.
? Review and optimize communication tools and technologies (eg, document sharing, online chat, project management tools, and video conferencing software).
? Recommend changes or introduce new tools as appropriate, with oversight for implementation.
Other Responsibilities
? Perform other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
Core Values and Commitment
? Deeply committed to all CuriOdyssey Core Values.
? Eager to be part of an organization combating systemic racism and injustice.
Leadership and Management
? 10+ years in a management role operating a facility (museum, zoo, or school preferred).
? Experience building, motivating, and developing staff as an effective leader within a cross-functional team setting.
? Skilled in developing and growing team members and managing to high levels of performance.
? A positive role model and effective coach for other managers.
Human Resources and Equity
? Energized and motivated by the opportunity to provide leadership with a significant focus on aligning HR strategies with their mission and values, including anticipating future workforce needs, identifying skills gaps, and executing plans to attract, retain, and develop talent.
? Prior experience in fostering a positive, diverse, and equitable workplace with high levels of employee engagement and developed management skills.
? Strong HR policy development and enforcement are essential.
? Has a comprehensive understanding of current and applicable employment laws and compliance requirements.
? Must have demonstrated ability to work compassionately and respectfully with people from all backgrounds and cultures.
Operational Expertise
? Background in supervising IT, facilities, and/or legal.
? Prior success in nonprofit financial management is highly valued for this role.
Skills and Competencies
? Excellent communication skills, both oral and written, supported by the ability to use technological tools.
? Proven organizational skills, including the ability to manage multiple tasks and projects simultaneously and produce high-quality results quickly and on time.
? Critical thinking, problem-solving, accuracy, and attention to detail.
? Strong facility with Microsoft Office and Google Suite.
Additional Qualifications
? Self-motivated with the ability to work independently and as part of a team with great energy and persistence.
? Experience working with diverse constituencies.
? Familiarity with a science-based organization is a plus.
? Previous experience working with the Board of Directors is a plus.
? Access to own transportation (mileage is reimbursable).
? Available for occasional work events on weekends and evenings.
EDUCATION A bachelor's degree is required.
For the full position description, please visit:
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/w1lo3mr8qfmtj44k9z1d7/CuriOdyssey-CO-HRO-position-description-final.pdf?rlkey=mabejhbrlciuermappg5ohl4i&dl=0