Denver Zoo is a leader in animal care, wildlife conservation and education. We are passionate about our commitment to excellence in support of our mission of Inspiring Communities to Save Wildlife for Future Generations.

Denver Zoo honors our animals, staff, and guests by conducting ourselves at the highest level of integrity through our Core Actions -- Inspire Awe: Safety, Care, Connect and by embracing our Core Values of: Welcoming, Curious, Courageous, Transformative and United in all that we do

The Director of Career Pathways is responsible for overseeing the design and implementation of a comprehensive career pathways program, including a robust internship framework. This role will collaborate with leadership and the community to create, expand, and evaluate high-quality work-based learning opportunities supported by Denver Zoo. This involves developing mentorship programs, internship initiatives, and upskilling/reskilling activities designed to enhance career readiness levels. The successful candidate will partner with school districts, college, and career counselors along with key personnel within the business community in creating effective pathways aligned with organizational needs and individual goals. The successful candidate will foster educational and professional growth within the zoo's unique environment with a focus on ensuring inclusive access to individuals from all backgrounds.

Our staff is a dedicated and diverse group of individuals committed to providing quality care to our animals while creating moments of awe for guests. If you are a like-minded individual and thrive in a dynamic, fast paced and innovative culture, Denver Zoo is the place for you!

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Priority 1 – Strategic Planning

• Develop and implement a strategic vision for career pathways that aligns with organizational goals and industry trends.
• Conduct research to identify emerging careers and skills requirements.
• Integrate DEIB principles into pipeline and career development programs and services to ensure equitable access to opportunities for all employees and promote a diverse and inclusive workplace culture.
• Create and sustain partnerships with business and industry, higher education, workforce development, and community organizations that develop and sustain work-based learning opportunities from youth to career.
• Connect the community with work-based learning experiences, internships, youth apprenticeships, mentorships, etc., that connect and align to their career interests using pathways or aligned career goals.
• Maintain a database to track work-based learning experiences and transition, post-secondary training, and employment opportunities.
• Monitor participants in work-based learning experiences to evaluate their skill development, provide support, and track appropriateness of the workplace experience using training plans, visits, and meetings with supervisors.
• Stay current on trends, best practices, and innovations in career development, adult learning, and talent management through continuous learning, participation in professional associations, and networking with peers in the field.
• Collaborate with leadership to understand their workforce needs and integrate those needs into career pathway programs.

Priority 2 – Internship Framework Development and Management

• Lead the implementation of evidence-based and promising practices in our early talent entry programs and workforce upskilling and reskilling initiatives.
• Responsible for oversight of organizational framework for intern and young adults' experiences
• Create guidelines and standards for the internship program, ensuring a positive and enriching experience for both interns and the organization.
• Collecting and analyzing data to identify patterns and trends and utilizing data to establish results-oriented learning initiatives.
• Developing and managing the budget for career development programs, including allocating resources effectively and seeking funding opportunities as needed.

Priority 3 – Design Upskilling and Reskilling Initiatives

• Design and oversee the development of career pathways programs, including curriculum development, training modules, and career coaching.
• Collaborate with educational institutions, vocational training providers, and employers to create seamless pathways from education to employment.
• Identify skills gaps within the workforce and develop targeted upskilling and reskilling programs to address evolving industry needs.
• Collaborate with subject matter experts to create learning experiences that align with organizational goals and objectives.
• Partner with Training and Compliance Coordinator and Director of Leadership and Belonging to ensure a robust, integrated learning experience for staff.
• Collaborating with the HR team, managers, and other stakeholders to ensure alignment between recruitment, career development initiatives, and broader organizational goals, as well as communicating effectively with employees about available resources and opportunities.
• Oversee DZ mentorship initiatives and programs.

Priority 4 – Team Leadership

• Lead a team of professionals involved in program delivery, coordination, and support.
• Provide guidance, mentorship, and professional development opportunities to team members.
• Be consistent in providing feedback, offering regular updates and check-ins to track progress and address any emerging issues. Fosters a team culture that sees feedback as a gift.
• Foster a culture of leadership excellence by promoting collaboration, accountability, and continuous learning among team members.

Other Duties and Responsibilities

• Establish and foster strong working relationships with various human resources personnel and internal stakeholders, ensuring that programs foster an inclusive environment that leads to a highly engaged workforce. Prioritizes the operationalization of organizational core values (Welcoming, United, Curious, Courageous and Transformative). Other assistance, as designated by the Chief Belonging Officer, to support the overall goals of the department and organization. Denver Zoo retains the right to add or change duties and/or responsibilities at any time.
• Establish a structured framework and provide guidance for the management of internship and talent development records, along with budgetary oversight and expense management. Acts a good steward of Denver Zoo’s resources.
• The nature of this position requires safeguarding against the release of confidential and proprietary information of Denver Zoo.
• This position will interact with managers at all levels and staff members across the organization, in addition to members of external organizations and the public.

Technical / Professional Requirements & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in a related field (Psychology, Education, Instructional Design); master’s degree preferred or any equivalent combination of education and/or experience
• Bilingual/Biliterate: English & Spanish highly preferred.
• Requires minimum of 6-years’ experience developing and managing talent development programs such as internships, upskilling, and reskilling programs; working in a nonprofit are preferred, or any equivalent combination of experience, lived experience, and/or special skills.
• Proven computer skills including Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, SharePoint, and Teams) are necessary.
• Proven experience in program development, strategic planning, and stakeholder engagement. Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Strong project management skills with the ability to plan, execute, and evaluate programs.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for building relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Familiarity with internship program development and management.
• Knowledge of current trends in education, industry, and workforce development.
• Ability to collaborate with different departments and stakeholders to achieve common goals.
• Skill in evaluating and assessing training effectiveness and making data-driven improvements.
• Financial acumen to manage budgets effectively.
• Creativity and innovation in designing training programs that engage and inspire learners.
• Experience applying an equitable analysis to all duties to achieve organizational goals and demonstrate the Denver Zoo’s commitment to diversity, inclusion, equity, accessibility, and anti-racism preferred.

Position Conditions

• Ability to pass a background check and pre-employment drug and alcohol screen.
• Schedule Availability: Monday-Friday, occasional weekends.
• Licenses/Certifications: Instructional Design a plus.
• Work Location: Hybrid.

Compensation

Range for this position is $8,330 - $10,621 (monthly).

Benefits

This is a full-time position with excellent benefits including medical, dental and vision benefits; life insurance; short term and long-term disability; 403(b) retirement plan; and vacation and sick leave.

Application Process and Timelines

Resumes / Completed applications must be submitted by March 27th, 2024 . Review of applications will begin immediately. Denver Zoo reserves the right to close the position prior to this date.

Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) and others who identify as nonwhite, people with disabilities, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, and those with lived experience with racism and/or misogynoir are encouraged to apply for this role.

Denver Zoo is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected status or any other characteristic protected by law.

www.denverzoo.org