Full-Time
Senior Manager
Labor & Employee Relations
California Academy of Sciences
501-1,000 employees
Science museum with aquarium and planetarium
Compensation Overview
$135k - $145k/yr
San Francisco, CA, USA
Hybrid
Three days on-site per week required.
Bachelor's
 People & HR (1) |
|---|
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- A bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Labor Relations, Industrial/Organizational Psychology, Business Administration, or a closely related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- A minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in labor and employee relations, including collective bargaining agreement bargaining and administration, union grievance management, Title VII mandatory workplace investigations, human resources policy audits, workplace harmony and conflict resolution, and labor and employee relations analytics.
- Working knowledge of relevant federal and California employment law, including FEHA, NLRA, Title VII, FMLA/CFRA, ADA/FEHA disability, FLSA, and applicable California Labor Code provisions.
- Experience supervising, mentoring, or formally leading at least one direct report.
- Ability to prepare clear, thorough investigation reports and present complex information to varied audiences.
- Ability to manage high-volume caseloads, prioritize competing demands, and keep stakeholders consistently informed without prompting.
- A proactive work style with strong initiative, including anticipating issues, identifying solutions, and moving work forward independently.
- Lead and co-lead collective bargaining agreement negotiations, including preparation of management proposals, costing analyses, and strategy development.
- Oversee collective bargaining agreement operationalization by training managers and human resources partners on contract administration, tracking compliance, and resolving interpretive disputes.
- Manage the union grievance process end-to-end, including Step hearings, mediation, and arbitration preparation, and advise on response strategy.
- Maintain constructive, professional relationships with union representatives and serve as a primary point of contact during the contract term.
- Direct and personally conduct complex, sensitive, and high-risk employee relations investigations, including Title VII mandatory investigations involving harassment, discrimination, retaliation, and workplace violence or threats of violence.
- Ensure investigations comply with EEOC guidelines, California DFEH/CRD requirements, and organizational policy, and produce written findings and recommendations.
- Review and resolve escalated workplace harmony complaints and interpersonal conflict matters using root cause analysis and restorative practices.
- Partner with legal counsel on litigation-risk matters, administrative charges involving DFEH, NLRB, and EEOC, and response strategies.
- Lead human resources policy audits against current federal and California law, identify gaps, and drive remediation.
- Draft, revise, and implement human resources policies and standard operating procedures, and coordinate approval and communication workflows.
- Monitor California and federal legislative developments, assess organizational impact, and advise leadership proactively.
- Design and maintain labor and employee relations dashboards and metrics covering grievance trends, investigation cycle times, case outcomes, policy exception rates, and training compliance.
- Conduct root cause analysis on recurring employee relations themes and develop proactive interventions, including training, manager coaching, and process changes.
- Present findings and recommendations to human resources leadership and senior stakeholders in clear, accessible formats.
- Directly supervise the Labor & Employee Relations Senior Coordinator/Manager by setting performance expectations, providing coaching and development, managing workload allocation, and conducting performance reviews.
- Serve as a trusted advisor to human resources business partners, department leaders, and frontline managers on employee relations matters and best practices.
- Design and facilitate training programs on supervisor employee relations skills, union awareness, investigation protocols, and workplace respect.
- Communicate proactively with stakeholders on case status, timelines, and outcomes, and manage expectations in high-volume or high-urgency situations.
- SHRM-SCP, PHR/SPHR, or CLRP certification.
- Experience in a unionized environment with multiple collective bargaining agreements across different bargaining units.
- Experience at an organization with California operations, including PAGA exposure.
- Proficiency with human resources information systems such as Workday or SAP and employee relations case management tools.
The California Academy of Sciences operates a science campus in San Francisco that combines an aquarium, a planetarium, and a natural history museum under one roof. It conducts biodiversity research and shares findings through exhibits, live displays, digital content, and educational programs. Visitors experience hands-on exhibits, tours, planetarium shows, and live webcams while researchers maintain extensive collections and citizen-science programs. Its goal is to explain and sustain life on Earth by advancing science, educating the public, and promoting conservation.
Company Size
501-1,000
Company Stage
N/A
Total Funding
N/A
Headquarters
San Francisco, California
Founded
1853
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Simplify's Take
What believers are saying
- California granted $10 million in 2025 for natural science collection digitization.
- Amber Mace's interim leadership starts May 29, 2026, potentially stabilizing operations.
- BioGraphic, NightLife, and live webcams sustain brand reach despite attendance pressure.
What critics are saying
- May 29, 2026 leadership exit follows 53 layoffs and an $8 million deficit.
- June 2026 union audit push targets city funding, contractor replacements, and AI job cuts.
- Planetarium and creative-studio layoffs threaten core programming and admissions by summer 2026.
What makes California Academy of Sciences unique
- Golden Gate Park's aquarium, planetarium, and museum create one integrated visitor experience.
- Forty-six million specimens and biodiversity research give the Academy rare scientific depth.
- Its city-funded, public mission differentiates it from for-profit entertainment venues.
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Benefits
Hybrid Work Options
Company News
Cook Silverman Search retained by the California Academy of Sciences. June 9, 2026 - Greenbrae, CA-based Cook Silverman Search was recently retained by the California Academy of Sciences to lead in its search for a director of leadership philanthropy. is a pivotal leadership role within the Advancement Department at the California Academy of Sciences. Reporting directly to the chief advancement officer and working closely with the executive director and board of trustees, this individual will serve as the lead architect of the Academy's individual giving strategy. The director is responsible for securing transformational philanthropic support that fuels the Academy's scientific and educational mission. This role carries both frontline fundraising and team leadership responsibilities. The director will personally steward a portfolio of 75-100 major and leadership donors while managing a team of four, with the goal of achieving $10 million-$12 million in annual fundraising from the leadership gifts program. With a future capital campaign on the horizon and a supportive infrastructure that includes a dedicated prospect research team and an incoming coordinator, this is an exceptional opportunity for a seasoned development professional to make lasting impact. The organization is seeking a seasoned major gifts fundraiser with 10+ years of non-profit development experience, including a strong track record in large, complex institutional environments such as universities or science and cultural institutions. They are looking for a confident and inspiring leader who builds high-performing teams and fosters a culture of collaboration, professional growth, and accountability. With the help of Cook Silverman, the Academy is hoping to find a strategic thinker who can design and execute sophisticated donor engagement strategies, including planned and legacy giving, while managing a portfolio of 75-100 high-capacity donors. They are seeking a skilled communicator who can translate complex scientific concepts - including climate resilience, regeneration, and sustainability - into compelling philanthropic narratives. The California Academy of Sciences is a non-profit scientific and educational institution located in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park. Founded in 1853, it is one of the world's largest natural history museums and research organizations, encompassing an aquarium, planetarium, natural history museum, and living rainforest under one roof. The Academy is dedicated to advancing scientific research, environmental conservation, and public education through its exhibits, field studies, collections, and educational programs. Its scientists conduct research across a wide range of disciplines, including biodiversity, marine biology, anthropology, geology, and climate science, while the institution serves millions of visitors annually through exhibitions, community outreach, and educational initiatives. Cook Silverman Search focuses on many senior positions include but not limited to: development, CEO/COO/executive director and CFO's for non-profit organizations, predominantly in Northern California. Its client base represents a broad span of organizations, including social service, museums, science. independent schools, universities, conservation, health care, and culture. The firm has placed advancement executives for Lucile Packard Foundation for Children's Health, Children's Council of San Francisco, Eviction Defense Collaborative, The Unity Council, Earth Island Institute, among others. Victoria L. Silverman is managing founder of the search firm. She has more than 30 years of experience in the philanthropic sector. Throughout her career, Ms. Silverman has worked in senior fundraising, advancement, and management positions at Stanford University, Washington University in St. Louis, the University of California, the American Film Institute, and the Buck Institute for Age Research, among others. Her search work focuses on higher education, the arts, biotech and environment sectors. She has been speaker for the Council for Advancement and Support of Education and has served on fundraising advisory committees for several non-profit organizations. Common Sense Media Search Cook Silverman Search was recently retained by Common Sense Media to lead in its search for a chief development officer. This executive provides strategic leadership and guidance for the development department, while supporting the president and board chair. As the executive search industry faces mounting pressure to improve performance and consistency, firms are increasingly reevaluating how recruiters are trained and developed. Hunt Scanlon and HSiQ are launching a new Recruiter Performance Training Program designed to bring greater structure, commercial rigor, and scalability to recruiter development in an industry long driven by apprenticeship-style learning. The initiative aims to help search consultants evolve from transactional recruiters into strategic advisors equipped to compete in a market shaped by AI, data, speed, and rising client expectations. They are responsible for building a multi-year sustainability strategy to deepen, diversify, and support the organization's $35 million annual budget. This executive-level role involves managing and motivating a team of skilled fundraising staff, developing both existing and new relationships and strategic partnerships, and ensuring the achievement of Common Sense Media's mission and goals. Common Sense Media is the leading non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of kids and families by providing the research-backed information, education, and independent voice they need to thrive in the age of apps, algorithms, and AI. They rate, educate, and advocate for policies to protect and prepare kids online. Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief and Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor - Hunt Scanlon Media
Informational notice - Learning Pathways. Posted: May 20, 2026 As part of the CA Office of Data & Innovation (ODI), CalAcademy, is partnering with InnovateUS to pilot Learning Pathways. This AI-powered tool is designed to give employees a personalized learning plan based on their learning goals. After answering a few questions about their goals, Learning Pathways will recommend at-your-own-pace courses and workshops delivered by expert faculty for them. If they don't have a specific goal in mind, they can also explore popular pathways for public servants. Popular learning paths include topics on: * Responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI) * Upskill for leadership roles * Specific challenges in the public sector ODI will be launching a pilot of this initiative with a group of users statewide. After the pilot phase is complete, a secondary notice will be provided to labor partners regarding the official launch of the initiative. ODI welcomes your engagement and dialogue as they move forward with this initiative. If you have any questions or would like to schedule a meeting to discuss this further, please feel free to contact Jeff Keil, CalHR Labor Relations Officer, at [email protected] or call (916) 796-5889. No comments.
California Academy of Sciences chief Scott Sampson abruptly resigns. The departure follows layoffs of 53 workers earlier this year at the Golden Gate Park museum. Updated May 14, 2026 - 7:41pm Published May 14, 2026 - 6:47pm Scott Sampson, the paleontologist turned museum leader who has been in charge of the California Academy of Sciences since 2019, is stepping down as executive director, the institution announced Wednesday. Sampson's resignation comes at a time of unprecedented crisis for the academy. In the last two years, the museum has lost around 100 roles due to resignations, layoffs, and voluntary buyouts. "It has been a privilege to serve the academy and work alongside such talented staff, scientists, and educators," Sampson said in a statement. "I've decided that it is the right time to step aside. I plan to spend the next several months completing my new book, 'Superbloom,' before considering what comes next. I remain very grateful for my time here and optimistic about the institution's bright future." Sampson will step down as executive director May 29 but will remain in an advisory capacity until June 30. The academy's board of trustees has appointed Amber Mace, the museum's inaugural managing director and chief strategy officer, as interim executive director. Mace, who joined in 2023, was previously CEO of the California Council on Science and Technology, a nonpartisan body that advises state lawmakers on scientific matters. Have thoughts on this story? Sampson, much like his predecessor, Jonathan Foley, was hired by the board of trustees in part to boost the academy's international profile, according to former employees who served in leadership roles. His priorities included an initiative to boost the study and conservation of island ecosystems and global reefs. But his tenure came at a difficult time for the academy, and his leadership has faced questions. In 2024, 38 employees took voluntary buyouts, while a handful of others resigned, and last month, 53 workers were laid off. The academy has spent several years in a budget deficit, while attendance - in line with museums nationwide - has dropped dramatically since the pandemic. Declines in annual revenue have led to historic programs such as the planetarium and the Bayview Science Institute teacher training program being paused or cut back significantly. "Scott guided the academy through a turbulent and pivotal period, and we are deeply grateful for his leadership, vision, and many contributions to the academy and its mission," board of trustees Chair John C. Dwyer said in a statement. Sampson helped establish several major partnerships for the institution, such as Reimagining San Francisco, a coalition of more than 60 organizations collaborating on urban people-and-nature issues, and One Galápagos, a cross-organizational effort aimed at restoring ecological health throughout the Galápagos Islands.
California Academy of Sciences announces new Chief People Officer. Tami Fountain brings more than two decades of experience leading people strategy across biotech, global manufacturing, and technology. SAN FRANCISCO, CA (Mar. 11, 2026) - The California Academy of Sciences is pleased to announce the appointment of Tamara (Tami) Fountain to the role of Chief People Officer. Fountain brings more than 20 years of experience as an attorney, employee relations practitioner, and senior HR executive across some of the world's most complex and dynamic organizations. She has built and led people functions at the intersection of law, culture, and strategy - advising C-suite leaders and boards on organizational design, talent management, and large-scale change. Her career spans global pharmaceutical and biotech companies, Fortune 500 manufacturing, and Big Tech, giving her a breadth of perspective on what it takes to evolve high-performing, people-centered cultures. "At the Academy, our people are the heart of this institution and essential partners in advancing our mission to regenerate the natural world," said Scott Sampson, PhD, Executive Director of the California Academy of Sciences. "Tami understands that when you invest in people and support their growth, well-being, and success, you strengthen the entire organization. Her experience building thoughtful, people-first systems will help foster strong culture, create meaningful opportunities for growth, drive innovation, and ensure our teams continue to thrive." Prior to joining the Academy, Fountain served as Vice President and Head of People & Culture at Sonoma Biotherapeutics, where she architected and led the People function during a pivotal stage of clinical and organizational advancement. She developed workforce planning frameworks, performance management systems, total rewards strategy, and leadership development initiatives that positioned the organization for sustained growth. Previously, she was Global Head of Employee Relations at Gilead Sciences, overseeing employee relations strategy for a workforce of more than 12,000 employees worldwide spanning research, manufacturing, commercial, and corporate functions. She led a global team responsible for complex organizational change, M&A integration, compliance, and risk management, and modernized processes using data-informed approaches to strengthen decision-making and reduce business disruption. Fountain's career foundation includes senior employment counsel and investigative leadership roles at Whirlpool Corporation, Microsoft, and the law firm Lane Powell, where she developed deep expertise of the legal and human dimensions of the workplace. That foundation continues to inform her rigorous, fair, and human-centered approach to People leadership. At the Academy, Fountain will focus on evolving the people-infrastructure, culture, and talent strategy to propel the Academy's regeneration mission forward. Her work is rooted in belonging, trust, performance, and a deep commitment to every person who makes the Academy extraordinary. Fountain holds a Juris Doctor from Cornell Law School and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Seattle University. She previously served as a board member of the Seattle Police Foundation and as a Leadership Council Member of the American Lung Association of the Pacific Northwest. About the California Academy of Sciences The California Academy of Sciences is a renowned scientific and educational institution with a mission to regenerate the natural world through science, learning, and collaboration. Based in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park, it is home to a world-class aquarium, planetarium, and natural history museum, as well as innovative programs in biodiversity science, environmental learning, and collaborative engagement - all under one living roof. Museum hours are 9:30 am - 5:00 pm Monday - Saturday, and 11:00 am - 5:00 pm on Sunday. Admission includes all exhibits, programs, and shows. For daily ticket prices, please visit www.calacademy.org or call (415) 379-8000 for more information. Press contacts. If you are a journalist and would like to receive Academy press releases please contact [email protected]. (415) 379-5130 Digital assets. Hi-res and low-res image downloads are available for editorial use. Contact us at [email protected] to request access.
The California Academy of Sciences was just awarded $10 million to digitize its collections.