National Aquarium
SVP, Chief Animal Welfare Officer
National Aquarium, Baltimore, Maryland, United States, 21276
Job Title :
Senior Vice President, Chief Animal Welfare Officer Posting Date :
July 15, 2025 Job Department :
Animal Welfare Schedule :
Full Time Job Type : On-site Location :
National Aquarium Pier 3 501 E Pratt St Baltimore, MD 21202 / ACRC 901 E. Fayette St Baltimore, MD 21202 / Candler 111 Market Pl Suite 800 Baltimore MD 21202 Description JOB SUMMARY : The National Aquarium is seeking a Senior Vice President and Chief Animal Welfare Officer (CAWO) who is responsible for all aspects of animal care and welfare throughout all National Aquarium Operations. The CAWO leads, plans, and holds accountability for the activities of the Animal Care and Welfare (ACW) group, which includes Animal Care, Animal Health & Welfare, Animal Rescue, Dive Programs, Life Support Systems, Dolphin Sanctuary and Scientific Research. Serves as liaison between ACW and all other departments. Represents the National Aquarium at multiple levels, including professional associations, government agencies (local, national, and international), Board committees and media. Is responsible for the integration and enhancement of animal care and welfare research activities across departments. The CAWO works at a peer level with the Chief Operating & Financial Officer (COFO) to coordinate efforts between these teams and the Aquarium's Guest Experience, Planning and Design, and Operations teams. Leads a team of 90+professionals in developing and managing an annual operating budget of $8.5 million plus a robust program of capital projects ranging from minor maintenance and repairs to multimillion-dollar capital projects. In addition to operational responsibilities, the CAWO holds leadership responsibility for advancing the National Aquarium's Dolphin Sanctuary project, which envisions moving the Aquarium's colony of Atlantic bottlenose dolphins to the world's first oceanwater dolphin sanctuary by 2028. Among other factors, this includes supporting or leading facility planning, moving and acclimation training, fundraising, talent development and governmental permitting. As a member of the Leadership Team, the CAWO actively participates in organization-wide policy decisions, strategic planning, fundraising strategy, Board relations, resource allocation and representation of the National Aquarium mission and brand. Peers include Chiefs of Strategy, Mission, Operations / Finance and Philanthropy. KEY REQUIREMENTS : Leadership : As a senior leader, contribute to organization-wide decision-making and strategic planning. Ensure plans and changes are effectively communicated throughout the ACW Group. Provide effective and inspiring leadership and stewardship for all animal care, welfare, health, and life support functions throughout the organization. Direct areas of accountability include Animal Care, Animal Health, Animal Rescue, Dive Safety, Research and Life Support. Animal Care : Develop and advance a vision for animal care and welfare that is industry-leading, supports the Aquarium's mission and vision, informs habitat design and animal population management, and exceeds regulatory requirements. Set, monitor and steward the highest standards for animal care policies and practices, including husbandry, enrichment, veterinary care, and preventative care. Animal Welfare : Be the National Aquarium's chief advocate for animal welfare and maintain the primacy of welfare in all decisions around animal care, program planning, exhibit design and animal population planning. Lead ACW staff in developing and managing animal welfare assessments for every National Aquarium animal, ensuring that care decisions are aligned with best science and welfare standards. External Relationships : Represent the Aquarium and take initiative as appropriate in domestic and international forums that advance the mission and profession. Steward and grow external partnerships with governments, academia, NGOs, and the corporate community to strengthen and support Aquarium programs and scientific initiatives. Work closely with the Philanthropy team to secure grants and donations to support the Aquarium's work. Support the Communications team with interviews and appearances on earned, owned and social media channels. Guest Experience : Work closely with colleagues' organization-wide to provide outstanding habitats and exhibits that inspire the visiting public. Provide expert input on exhibit design and development while overseeing robust, professional maintenance and care of all animal habitats and other spaces. Ensure that ACW staff are actively engaged in the guest experience. Exceed all AZA accreditation standards throughout the ACW operations and facilities. Ensure emergency preparedness plans are managed and drilled regularly, exceeding AZA requirements. Capital Planning : Provide expert input for all capital projects that have potential to impact animal care and welfare. Manage implementation of preventative and generative capital projects within ACW. Work with Communications, Philanthropy and Government Relations to secure project funding as requested. Talent Retention : Implement effective recruitment, training, and retention strategies that meet the Aquarium's needs and grow its talent base. Coach and develop managers in increasing their staff's skills and competencies while identifying opportunities for promotion and personal growth. Facilitate opportunities for professional growth and skills development for all ACW team members and ensure that they are actively involved in furthering the Aquarium's DEIJ objectives. Budget : Prepare and submit timely annual operating and capital budgets. Manage effectively within this budget and report accurately on progress made and challenges encountered. Ensure a sustainable financial future for the National Aquarium through sound fiscal management. Planning : Represent the interests of the animals in all organization-wide decisions and policies at the Leadership Team level. Track, report on progress, and ensure execution of all Annual Priorities and Key Results tasked to the ACW team, as outlined in the Aquarium's annual strategic plan. Compliance : Lead the National Aquarium's compliance with all relevant governmental agencies and statutes including state and federal regulations for animal care and welfare, exhibition, safety, acquisition, and disposition. Ensure that all required permits and licenses are maintained and kept current. Best practices : Maintain knowledge of industry innovations, new techniques, and best practices through participation in meetings, conferences, publications, and informal communication with professional colleagues. Dolphin Sanctuary : Take the lead role for all care, welfare and health decisions relating to the future move of the Aquarium's dolphin colony to an oceanwater sanctuary. Ensure that staff and animals are prepared for a successful translocation and life in a sanctuary setting. Provide expert assistance regarding site selection and facility design, and expertise for media opportunities and other public interaction. Ensure all communications among the project team remain open, consistent, and robust. Problem Solving : Integrating priorities, budgets, and schedules across ACW and with other divisions and affiliates. Developing streamlined approaches to meet the functional requirements of multiple clients. Determining the best allocation of resources versus opportunities to improve products and services. Communication : Ensuring effective communications across all departments, among affiliated entities, and with external partners. Accountability : Animal Care, Animal Health, Animal Rescue, Dive Safety, Research, Life Support, Dolphin Sanctuary. Human Relations : Engaging and inspiring constituents at all levels through a natural affinity for leading teams. Partnering effectively with all levels of stakeholders, including employees, managers, department leaders, brokers, vendors, senior management, and the Board of Directors. Daily interaction with staff, management, outside vendors, consultants, and guests. Engagement : Demonstrating passion for the National Aquarium's vision, mission and goals through an entrepreneurial spirit and leadership style that energizes the team around this unique moment in the Aquarium's history. Planning : Thinking and acting strategically; planning for the long-term while balancing the short and long-range needs of the organization. Innovation : Listening to others and learning from their best ideas while maintaining a healthy sense of intellectual curiosity. Ensuring a collaborative and team-oriented approach to integrating all Aquarium program areas for maximum effectiveness. Support company mission. Adhere to all organizational and departmental policies and procedures. Other duties as assigned or required. QUALIFICATIONS : Minimum of 15 years of increasing experience as a senior animal care / husbandry leader, with management authority for live animal populations in a major zoo or aquarium and sound professional knowledge of all facets of husbandry and aquatic biology. Advanced degree in biological or behavioral sciences; Doctoral degree preferred. Professional Fellow status with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Sound professional knowledge of all facets of animal care, including disease prevention, behavior modification, water chemistry, habitat design and maintenance, and life support system design and management. Excellent written and verbal communication skills; strong leadership, team building and organizational skills; proven ability to handle multiple, complex tasks simultaneously. Outstanding interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to interact positively and effectively with people at a variety of levels, both internally and externally. Direct experience in planning and managing multimillion dollar operating and capital budgets. Familiarity with a wide range of aquatic animal taxa, both vertebrate and invertebrate. Open water SCUBA certification and experience preferred. The intent of this job description is to provide a representative sample of the types of duties and responsibilities that are required of this position and shall not be construed as a declaration of the total of the specific duties and responsibilities of this or any position. Employees may be directed to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description. TOTAL COMPENSATION INFORMATION Salary range ($200,000-250,000 Annual). National Aquarium provides an excellent benefits package, including flexible paid leave and up to four weeks of paid family leave. Employees are eligible for health care (single and family) after 30 days of full-time work. Conservation day leave and 401(k) plan with employer match available. About the National Aquarium Established in 1981, the National Aquarium in Baltimore, Maryland, is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to connect people with nature to inspire compassion and care for our ocean planet. The Aquarium's award-winning habitats are home to thousands of animals representing hundreds of species of fish, birds, amphibians, reptiles and mammals. We are proud to be accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and exceed industry standards in all aspects of animal care and welfare. More than 1.2 million people visit the Aquarium each year to experience our immersive exhibits, and we reach far more through our science-based education programs and hands-on field conservation work. The National Aquarium is one of the top three aquariums in the United States and the largest paid cultural attraction in Maryland. Our Mission and Goals The Aquarium's mission-to connect people with nature to inspire compassion and care for our ocean planet-begins within the walls of its buildings, but it does not end there. The Aquarium protects, enhances and restores natural resources through education and engagement, habitat restoration, animal rescue and sustainable business practices, with its conservation work guided by three overarching goals-to combat climate change, save wildlife and habitats, and stop plastic pollution. Our Values At the National Aquarium, our core values form the basis for our beliefs about our organization, our colleagues and ourselves, and serve as the framework to guide our behaviors and actions to achieve our mission. Connection :
We take the time to build lasting connections with each other, our guests, the animals in our care and the nature that surrounds us. We communicate clearly and collaborate readily within and across teams. We engage thoughtfully with our partners. We practice shared accountability. Curiosity :
We center learning and growth in all that we do. Our people are empowered to explore new approaches. We support taking risks. We value diverse perspectives and bold ideas. We embrace change. Optimism :
We celebrate the power of positive moments and shared experiences. We seek out opportunities to have fun. We reconnect with our purpose through sharing successes with our colleagues. Service :
We are in service to each other, our guests and our communities. We make intentional decisions and actions for the benefit of the people and animals within our organization. Wellbeing :
We ensure our people and animals have what they need mentally and physically to thrive. We are committed to improving the wellbeing of communities and sharing the healing power of natural for all. Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Justice National Aquarium values an inclusive and diverse environment for all employees, volunteers, and interns. Our goal is to recruit, develop, and retain the most talented people from a candidate pool representative of the variety of communities we serve. With a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice, the Aquarium is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and promotes an environment free from all discrimination and harassment. In the selection and retention of employees, volunteers, and interns, we do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion or belief, national, social, or ethnic origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, physical, mental, or sensory disability, sex (including pregnancy or childbirth), marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity and / or expression, genetic information, arrest record, family or caregiver status, HIV status, socioeconomic status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. Our organization is dedicated to this policy with respect to all terms and conditions of employment, including but not limited to recruitment, training, promotions, performance management, and separation, and general treatment during time of employment. Equal Opportunity Employer This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.
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Senior Vice President, Chief Animal Welfare Officer Posting Date :
July 15, 2025 Job Department :
Animal Welfare Schedule :
Full Time Job Type : On-site Location :
National Aquarium Pier 3 501 E Pratt St Baltimore, MD 21202 / ACRC 901 E. Fayette St Baltimore, MD 21202 / Candler 111 Market Pl Suite 800 Baltimore MD 21202 Description JOB SUMMARY : The National Aquarium is seeking a Senior Vice President and Chief Animal Welfare Officer (CAWO) who is responsible for all aspects of animal care and welfare throughout all National Aquarium Operations. The CAWO leads, plans, and holds accountability for the activities of the Animal Care and Welfare (ACW) group, which includes Animal Care, Animal Health & Welfare, Animal Rescue, Dive Programs, Life Support Systems, Dolphin Sanctuary and Scientific Research. Serves as liaison between ACW and all other departments. Represents the National Aquarium at multiple levels, including professional associations, government agencies (local, national, and international), Board committees and media. Is responsible for the integration and enhancement of animal care and welfare research activities across departments. The CAWO works at a peer level with the Chief Operating & Financial Officer (COFO) to coordinate efforts between these teams and the Aquarium's Guest Experience, Planning and Design, and Operations teams. Leads a team of 90+professionals in developing and managing an annual operating budget of $8.5 million plus a robust program of capital projects ranging from minor maintenance and repairs to multimillion-dollar capital projects. In addition to operational responsibilities, the CAWO holds leadership responsibility for advancing the National Aquarium's Dolphin Sanctuary project, which envisions moving the Aquarium's colony of Atlantic bottlenose dolphins to the world's first oceanwater dolphin sanctuary by 2028. Among other factors, this includes supporting or leading facility planning, moving and acclimation training, fundraising, talent development and governmental permitting. As a member of the Leadership Team, the CAWO actively participates in organization-wide policy decisions, strategic planning, fundraising strategy, Board relations, resource allocation and representation of the National Aquarium mission and brand. Peers include Chiefs of Strategy, Mission, Operations / Finance and Philanthropy. KEY REQUIREMENTS : Leadership : As a senior leader, contribute to organization-wide decision-making and strategic planning. Ensure plans and changes are effectively communicated throughout the ACW Group. Provide effective and inspiring leadership and stewardship for all animal care, welfare, health, and life support functions throughout the organization. Direct areas of accountability include Animal Care, Animal Health, Animal Rescue, Dive Safety, Research and Life Support. Animal Care : Develop and advance a vision for animal care and welfare that is industry-leading, supports the Aquarium's mission and vision, informs habitat design and animal population management, and exceeds regulatory requirements. Set, monitor and steward the highest standards for animal care policies and practices, including husbandry, enrichment, veterinary care, and preventative care. Animal Welfare : Be the National Aquarium's chief advocate for animal welfare and maintain the primacy of welfare in all decisions around animal care, program planning, exhibit design and animal population planning. Lead ACW staff in developing and managing animal welfare assessments for every National Aquarium animal, ensuring that care decisions are aligned with best science and welfare standards. External Relationships : Represent the Aquarium and take initiative as appropriate in domestic and international forums that advance the mission and profession. Steward and grow external partnerships with governments, academia, NGOs, and the corporate community to strengthen and support Aquarium programs and scientific initiatives. Work closely with the Philanthropy team to secure grants and donations to support the Aquarium's work. Support the Communications team with interviews and appearances on earned, owned and social media channels. Guest Experience : Work closely with colleagues' organization-wide to provide outstanding habitats and exhibits that inspire the visiting public. Provide expert input on exhibit design and development while overseeing robust, professional maintenance and care of all animal habitats and other spaces. Ensure that ACW staff are actively engaged in the guest experience. Exceed all AZA accreditation standards throughout the ACW operations and facilities. Ensure emergency preparedness plans are managed and drilled regularly, exceeding AZA requirements. Capital Planning : Provide expert input for all capital projects that have potential to impact animal care and welfare. Manage implementation of preventative and generative capital projects within ACW. Work with Communications, Philanthropy and Government Relations to secure project funding as requested. Talent Retention : Implement effective recruitment, training, and retention strategies that meet the Aquarium's needs and grow its talent base. Coach and develop managers in increasing their staff's skills and competencies while identifying opportunities for promotion and personal growth. Facilitate opportunities for professional growth and skills development for all ACW team members and ensure that they are actively involved in furthering the Aquarium's DEIJ objectives. Budget : Prepare and submit timely annual operating and capital budgets. Manage effectively within this budget and report accurately on progress made and challenges encountered. Ensure a sustainable financial future for the National Aquarium through sound fiscal management. Planning : Represent the interests of the animals in all organization-wide decisions and policies at the Leadership Team level. Track, report on progress, and ensure execution of all Annual Priorities and Key Results tasked to the ACW team, as outlined in the Aquarium's annual strategic plan. Compliance : Lead the National Aquarium's compliance with all relevant governmental agencies and statutes including state and federal regulations for animal care and welfare, exhibition, safety, acquisition, and disposition. Ensure that all required permits and licenses are maintained and kept current. Best practices : Maintain knowledge of industry innovations, new techniques, and best practices through participation in meetings, conferences, publications, and informal communication with professional colleagues. Dolphin Sanctuary : Take the lead role for all care, welfare and health decisions relating to the future move of the Aquarium's dolphin colony to an oceanwater sanctuary. Ensure that staff and animals are prepared for a successful translocation and life in a sanctuary setting. Provide expert assistance regarding site selection and facility design, and expertise for media opportunities and other public interaction. Ensure all communications among the project team remain open, consistent, and robust. Problem Solving : Integrating priorities, budgets, and schedules across ACW and with other divisions and affiliates. Developing streamlined approaches to meet the functional requirements of multiple clients. Determining the best allocation of resources versus opportunities to improve products and services. Communication : Ensuring effective communications across all departments, among affiliated entities, and with external partners. Accountability : Animal Care, Animal Health, Animal Rescue, Dive Safety, Research, Life Support, Dolphin Sanctuary. Human Relations : Engaging and inspiring constituents at all levels through a natural affinity for leading teams. Partnering effectively with all levels of stakeholders, including employees, managers, department leaders, brokers, vendors, senior management, and the Board of Directors. Daily interaction with staff, management, outside vendors, consultants, and guests. Engagement : Demonstrating passion for the National Aquarium's vision, mission and goals through an entrepreneurial spirit and leadership style that energizes the team around this unique moment in the Aquarium's history. Planning : Thinking and acting strategically; planning for the long-term while balancing the short and long-range needs of the organization. Innovation : Listening to others and learning from their best ideas while maintaining a healthy sense of intellectual curiosity. Ensuring a collaborative and team-oriented approach to integrating all Aquarium program areas for maximum effectiveness. Support company mission. Adhere to all organizational and departmental policies and procedures. Other duties as assigned or required. QUALIFICATIONS : Minimum of 15 years of increasing experience as a senior animal care / husbandry leader, with management authority for live animal populations in a major zoo or aquarium and sound professional knowledge of all facets of husbandry and aquatic biology. Advanced degree in biological or behavioral sciences; Doctoral degree preferred. Professional Fellow status with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Sound professional knowledge of all facets of animal care, including disease prevention, behavior modification, water chemistry, habitat design and maintenance, and life support system design and management. Excellent written and verbal communication skills; strong leadership, team building and organizational skills; proven ability to handle multiple, complex tasks simultaneously. Outstanding interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to interact positively and effectively with people at a variety of levels, both internally and externally. Direct experience in planning and managing multimillion dollar operating and capital budgets. Familiarity with a wide range of aquatic animal taxa, both vertebrate and invertebrate. Open water SCUBA certification and experience preferred. The intent of this job description is to provide a representative sample of the types of duties and responsibilities that are required of this position and shall not be construed as a declaration of the total of the specific duties and responsibilities of this or any position. Employees may be directed to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description. TOTAL COMPENSATION INFORMATION Salary range ($200,000-250,000 Annual). National Aquarium provides an excellent benefits package, including flexible paid leave and up to four weeks of paid family leave. Employees are eligible for health care (single and family) after 30 days of full-time work. Conservation day leave and 401(k) plan with employer match available. About the National Aquarium Established in 1981, the National Aquarium in Baltimore, Maryland, is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to connect people with nature to inspire compassion and care for our ocean planet. The Aquarium's award-winning habitats are home to thousands of animals representing hundreds of species of fish, birds, amphibians, reptiles and mammals. We are proud to be accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and exceed industry standards in all aspects of animal care and welfare. More than 1.2 million people visit the Aquarium each year to experience our immersive exhibits, and we reach far more through our science-based education programs and hands-on field conservation work. The National Aquarium is one of the top three aquariums in the United States and the largest paid cultural attraction in Maryland. Our Mission and Goals The Aquarium's mission-to connect people with nature to inspire compassion and care for our ocean planet-begins within the walls of its buildings, but it does not end there. The Aquarium protects, enhances and restores natural resources through education and engagement, habitat restoration, animal rescue and sustainable business practices, with its conservation work guided by three overarching goals-to combat climate change, save wildlife and habitats, and stop plastic pollution. Our Values At the National Aquarium, our core values form the basis for our beliefs about our organization, our colleagues and ourselves, and serve as the framework to guide our behaviors and actions to achieve our mission. Connection :
We take the time to build lasting connections with each other, our guests, the animals in our care and the nature that surrounds us. We communicate clearly and collaborate readily within and across teams. We engage thoughtfully with our partners. We practice shared accountability. Curiosity :
We center learning and growth in all that we do. Our people are empowered to explore new approaches. We support taking risks. We value diverse perspectives and bold ideas. We embrace change. Optimism :
We celebrate the power of positive moments and shared experiences. We seek out opportunities to have fun. We reconnect with our purpose through sharing successes with our colleagues. Service :
We are in service to each other, our guests and our communities. We make intentional decisions and actions for the benefit of the people and animals within our organization. Wellbeing :
We ensure our people and animals have what they need mentally and physically to thrive. We are committed to improving the wellbeing of communities and sharing the healing power of natural for all. Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Justice National Aquarium values an inclusive and diverse environment for all employees, volunteers, and interns. Our goal is to recruit, develop, and retain the most talented people from a candidate pool representative of the variety of communities we serve. With a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice, the Aquarium is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and promotes an environment free from all discrimination and harassment. In the selection and retention of employees, volunteers, and interns, we do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion or belief, national, social, or ethnic origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, physical, mental, or sensory disability, sex (including pregnancy or childbirth), marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity and / or expression, genetic information, arrest record, family or caregiver status, HIV status, socioeconomic status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. Our organization is dedicated to this policy with respect to all terms and conditions of employment, including but not limited to recruitment, training, promotions, performance management, and separation, and general treatment during time of employment. Equal Opportunity Employer This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.
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