Vice President, People Operations

At the Monterey Bay Aquarium, we are passionate about creating an inclusive workplace that celebrates and values diversity. We firmly believe that having a team of diverse backgrounds and voices, working together, increases our capacity to serve our visitors and fulfill our mission. We welcome people from all walks of life into our team and strongly encourage people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, veterans, and people with disabilities to apply.

Job Summary:

Lead the compliance, service-delivery, and data infrastructure backbone of the People & Culture function, including Employee & Labor Relations, People Analytics, Talent Acquisition, and the Volunteer & Intern programs. Ensure every employee and volunteer has a consistent, equitable experience that holds up legally, and ground People & Culture strategy in real data. Lead the cross-functional design and rollout of People Operations offerings; provide leadership to functional teams; manage annual goals, workplans, and budgets; and stay ahead of risk and compliance issues. Partner closely with the VP, Talent Strategy and share indirect oversight of the organization's DEIA strategy so equity is built into both the operational and strategic sides of the work. Advise management, staff, and union programs/processes. Perform other duties as required.

Core Activities:

• Set the vision for People Operations work groups and across MBA in alignment and support of MBA long term strategic objectives. Contribute to MBA wide vision and long-term strategic objectives in collaboration with Senior Management.
• Develop long and short-term strategies to achieve MBA objectives and the People Operations vision.
• Define annual goals, workplans, and budgets for People Operations.
• Provide leadership to the People Operations team, assess performance, define resources, coach, mentor, and manage employee relations within the team.
• Oversee employee and labor relations casework, workplace investigations, grievance handling, and performance/conduct matters, ensuring consistent and legally sound resolution.
• Serve as the organization's primary point of accountability for labor relations, including union communication, contract administration, and collective bargaining support where applicable.
• Advise managers and executive leadership on employment law compliance, disciplinary action, and risk mitigation, partnering with outside/general counsel as needed. Maintain policies, employee handbooks, and leave/accommodation practices that meet regulatory requirements.
• Oversee processes workforce reporting (headcount, turnover, time-to-fill, pay equity, and compliance metrics) for the CPCO, executive team, and board; build and maintain HRIS reporting infrastructure and partner with Finance on workforce planning and budget forecasting.
• Lead the organization's recruiting strategy and hiring operations, including sourcing, interviewing workflow, offer management, and onboarding logistics; ensure hiring practices are equitable, consistent, and compliant.
• Set strategy and oversee operations for volunteer and internship programs, including recruitment, scheduling, training, recognition, compliance, and risk management practices (background checks, waivers, safety protocols).
• Share accountability with the VP, Talent Strategy for advancing DEIA strategy, with particular focus on equitable hiring, pay equity, and fair, consistent handling of employee relations matters.
• Lead cross functional design and implementation of new programs, processes, and systems; identify, select, and manage outside consultants to support People Operations work objectives.
• Participate in and support P&C strategies and activities.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA’s):

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education, training and experience
• Minimum 10 years senior leadership experience across multiple P&C disciplines
• Ability to lead change and manage conflict
• Technical knowledge of multiple P&C functional areas
• Strong commitment to developing team members
• Ability to drive to big picture and connect the dots and complexities of multiple outcomes
• Keen analytical skills and strategic interpretations
• Experience managing relationships, negotiation, and facilitation skills
• Strong organizational, time management, project management skills with emphasis on managing multiple time sensitive tasks within a fast paced high volume organization
• Collaborative approach to problem resolution
• Experience working collaboratively with Board Compensation Committee
• Experience leading in equitable P&C practices
• CCP/CBP/SHRM certification
• Ability to work within and maintain Monterey Bay MBA’s Core and Leadership Values

Physical Requirements to Perform Essential Job Functions:

• Typical office equipment
• Constant sitting, standing, walking, bending
• Occasional unassisted lifting up to 50 lbs
• Typical office environment, main aquarium and exhibits, occasional offsite events

Annual Compensation Range:

$220,000-$260,000 USD annually. Starting rate will vary based on previous experience and relevant skills/knowledge set.