Association Of Zoos & Aquariums
President & Chief Executive Officer
Association Of Zoos & Aquariums, Colorado Springs, Colorado, United States, 80509
CHEYENNE MOUNTAIN ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY
President & Chief Executive Officer
The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo (CMZoo), a renowned institution ranked among the top zoos in the country and a leader in wildlife conservation efforts, seeks an innovative and dynamic leader to serve as its next President & Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Located in the breathtaking foothills of Colorado Springs, CMZoo is the highest elevation zoo in North America and a top-ranked destination, welcoming over 800,000 guests annually. With a legacy rooted in conservation, education, and immersive guest experiences leading up to their 100th anniversary, CMZoo is poised for its next chapter of growth and regional and global impact. The CEO will lead a mission-driven organization renowned for its excellence in animal care, conservation leadership, and community engagement. CMZoo is home to over 1,200 animals across 150+ species, including award-winning exhibits such as Encounter Africa, Rocky Mountain Wild, and the African Rift Valley. It is also internationally recognized for its giraffe care and breeding program, including the International Center for the Care and Conservation of Giraffe, which is currently undergoing major expansion with the opening coinciding with CMZoo’s centennial year. This is a rare opportunity to helm a financially sound, privately operated nonprofit that receives no local tax support and is governed by a highly engaged Board of Directors. The next CEO will guide a passionate team of over 300 staff and 200 volunteers, steward a budget of over $20 million, and champion a strategic vision that integrates conservation, education, and innovation. Ideal candidates will bring a bold vision, proven executive leadership, and a deep commitment to wildlife conservation. They will be compelling communicators, strategic fundraisers, and collaborative leaders capable of inspiring internal teams and external stakeholders alike. The CEO will be instrumental in building on CMZoo’s successes, shaping its future, expanding its reach, and ensuring its continued role as a cultural cornerstone and conservation leader. Reporting to the Board of Directors, the CEO provides leadership for the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, overseeing all its activities, and is responsible for its financial success. The CEO will lead and affirm strategic direction, ensure the institution has the appropriate organizational structure and staff in place to meet its goals, and delegate authority. The overarching external challenges for the next CEO of CMZoo include building on the institution’s unique strengths to communicate and implement a vision and strategy for the future, to continue to elevate CMZoo’s regional, national, and global profile; to integrate conservation into every aspect of its messaging and programming; to maintain and enhance CMZoo’s strong relationships locally with public officials and other cultural leaders; and to ensure that CMZoo’s funding sources match its accomplishments, ambitions, and substantial potential. CMZoo is a complex enterprise and must continue to be well structured and managed internally. Its mission of combining the highest quality animal care and public education, along with research and action on behalf of conserving animals in the wild, will require a deft balancing of priorities and allocation of resources. The CEO must effectively integrate programmatic and business imperatives and ensure that the institution is well aligned around its vision and goals and continues to operate profitably. The broad objectives for CMZoo’s new CEO are as follows: Lead the continued refinement of an inspiring strategic plan that moves CMZoo into its next phase with input and engagement from the various constituencies. Advance CMZoo’s position and visibility as a leader in animal care and conservation of animals, locally, regionally, and globally. Advance CMZoo as a vibrant, accessible cultural destination whose facilities, exhibits, programs, and services are ever more satisfying to guests and other audiences as sources of education, inspiration, and entertainment. Serve as a primary spokesperson for CMZoo’s vision, mission, achievements, and potential to external constituencies. Oversee fundraising strategy and galvanize volunteers and staff in its support. Play a lead role in personally cultivating and soliciting donors and in broadening and diversifying CMZoo’s philanthropic base, including foundations, corporations, and individuals. Reinforce and build strategic alliances with partners in the scientific, educational, and business communities. Pursue creative entrepreneurial opportunities that will help to earn income and optimize attendance. Continue sound financial discipline that allows for ongoing infrastructure and programmatic investment. Ensure effective leadership and management throughout the organization. Delegate effectively to a high-performing executive leadership team. Model and promote transparent and accessible internal communication. Work closely with the Board of Directors on major policy and strategic matters. Help identify, recruit, and onboard new Board members. Expand and upgrade CMZoo’s use of technology in its programming, communications, exhibits, and operations. Retain, attract, and develop the highest quality staff. Experience Required
For this pivotal role, the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo will search broadly for a leader and spokesperson who embraces CMZoo’s mission and believes firmly in its distinctive purpose of conservation locally, nationally, and across the globe. The successful CEO will be visionary, strategic, tactical, and fluent in the work and issues of conservation, with a deep appreciation of the importance of conservation and the value of zoos in this space. While no one candidate will meet all the desired criteria, the successful candidate will bring many of the following qualifications and attributes: Informed and demonstrated passion for nature and wildlife and a sense of urgency about their protection. Boundless curiosity, enthusiasm, and ambition for the varied, multi-faceted work of CMZoo. Successful track record of providing visionary leadership and effective management of a complex and sizable private or public organization, preferably one with conservation, educational, or research interests. Experience managing institutional growth and change. Strong team-building skills. Track record of developing and executing large-scale capital projects with animal care and guest experience as driving factors. Public presence. Exceptional communication skills and experience as a persuasive, outgoing spokesperson for CMZoo and conservation issues in general. Experience dealing with the media and the press. A flair and genuine appetite for fundraising. Experience and success raising funds from private and public sources. Proven business acumen. Discipline and focus in setting realistic priorities, meeting or beating goals, and running a fiscally sound operation. A keen sense of marketing. Entrepreneurial spirit and drive. An eye for strategic opportunities and innovative partnerships. Experience with non-profit governance required. Experience reporting to a board preferred. Ahistory of engagement in local society. Strong interpersonal skills to work effectively with the full range of constituents. Imagination, intelligence, tenacity, gracious self-confidence, good humor, and high energy. $250,000-$290,000 How to Apply
A six-member Board search committee has been established to conduct this search. The search committee is assisted by Isaacson, Miller, Inc., a national executive search firm. Inquiries, nominations, and applications should be directed in confidence to: https://www.imsearch.com/open-searches/cheyenne-mountain-zoo/president-and-chief-executive-officer CHEYENNE MOUNTAIN ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY 4250 Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Road Colorado Springs, CO 80906 Phone: 719-633-9925 Fax: cmzoo.org
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President & Chief Executive Officer
The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo (CMZoo), a renowned institution ranked among the top zoos in the country and a leader in wildlife conservation efforts, seeks an innovative and dynamic leader to serve as its next President & Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Located in the breathtaking foothills of Colorado Springs, CMZoo is the highest elevation zoo in North America and a top-ranked destination, welcoming over 800,000 guests annually. With a legacy rooted in conservation, education, and immersive guest experiences leading up to their 100th anniversary, CMZoo is poised for its next chapter of growth and regional and global impact. The CEO will lead a mission-driven organization renowned for its excellence in animal care, conservation leadership, and community engagement. CMZoo is home to over 1,200 animals across 150+ species, including award-winning exhibits such as Encounter Africa, Rocky Mountain Wild, and the African Rift Valley. It is also internationally recognized for its giraffe care and breeding program, including the International Center for the Care and Conservation of Giraffe, which is currently undergoing major expansion with the opening coinciding with CMZoo’s centennial year. This is a rare opportunity to helm a financially sound, privately operated nonprofit that receives no local tax support and is governed by a highly engaged Board of Directors. The next CEO will guide a passionate team of over 300 staff and 200 volunteers, steward a budget of over $20 million, and champion a strategic vision that integrates conservation, education, and innovation. Ideal candidates will bring a bold vision, proven executive leadership, and a deep commitment to wildlife conservation. They will be compelling communicators, strategic fundraisers, and collaborative leaders capable of inspiring internal teams and external stakeholders alike. The CEO will be instrumental in building on CMZoo’s successes, shaping its future, expanding its reach, and ensuring its continued role as a cultural cornerstone and conservation leader. Reporting to the Board of Directors, the CEO provides leadership for the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, overseeing all its activities, and is responsible for its financial success. The CEO will lead and affirm strategic direction, ensure the institution has the appropriate organizational structure and staff in place to meet its goals, and delegate authority. The overarching external challenges for the next CEO of CMZoo include building on the institution’s unique strengths to communicate and implement a vision and strategy for the future, to continue to elevate CMZoo’s regional, national, and global profile; to integrate conservation into every aspect of its messaging and programming; to maintain and enhance CMZoo’s strong relationships locally with public officials and other cultural leaders; and to ensure that CMZoo’s funding sources match its accomplishments, ambitions, and substantial potential. CMZoo is a complex enterprise and must continue to be well structured and managed internally. Its mission of combining the highest quality animal care and public education, along with research and action on behalf of conserving animals in the wild, will require a deft balancing of priorities and allocation of resources. The CEO must effectively integrate programmatic and business imperatives and ensure that the institution is well aligned around its vision and goals and continues to operate profitably. The broad objectives for CMZoo’s new CEO are as follows: Lead the continued refinement of an inspiring strategic plan that moves CMZoo into its next phase with input and engagement from the various constituencies. Advance CMZoo’s position and visibility as a leader in animal care and conservation of animals, locally, regionally, and globally. Advance CMZoo as a vibrant, accessible cultural destination whose facilities, exhibits, programs, and services are ever more satisfying to guests and other audiences as sources of education, inspiration, and entertainment. Serve as a primary spokesperson for CMZoo’s vision, mission, achievements, and potential to external constituencies. Oversee fundraising strategy and galvanize volunteers and staff in its support. Play a lead role in personally cultivating and soliciting donors and in broadening and diversifying CMZoo’s philanthropic base, including foundations, corporations, and individuals. Reinforce and build strategic alliances with partners in the scientific, educational, and business communities. Pursue creative entrepreneurial opportunities that will help to earn income and optimize attendance. Continue sound financial discipline that allows for ongoing infrastructure and programmatic investment. Ensure effective leadership and management throughout the organization. Delegate effectively to a high-performing executive leadership team. Model and promote transparent and accessible internal communication. Work closely with the Board of Directors on major policy and strategic matters. Help identify, recruit, and onboard new Board members. Expand and upgrade CMZoo’s use of technology in its programming, communications, exhibits, and operations. Retain, attract, and develop the highest quality staff. Experience Required
For this pivotal role, the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo will search broadly for a leader and spokesperson who embraces CMZoo’s mission and believes firmly in its distinctive purpose of conservation locally, nationally, and across the globe. The successful CEO will be visionary, strategic, tactical, and fluent in the work and issues of conservation, with a deep appreciation of the importance of conservation and the value of zoos in this space. While no one candidate will meet all the desired criteria, the successful candidate will bring many of the following qualifications and attributes: Informed and demonstrated passion for nature and wildlife and a sense of urgency about their protection. Boundless curiosity, enthusiasm, and ambition for the varied, multi-faceted work of CMZoo. Successful track record of providing visionary leadership and effective management of a complex and sizable private or public organization, preferably one with conservation, educational, or research interests. Experience managing institutional growth and change. Strong team-building skills. Track record of developing and executing large-scale capital projects with animal care and guest experience as driving factors. Public presence. Exceptional communication skills and experience as a persuasive, outgoing spokesperson for CMZoo and conservation issues in general. Experience dealing with the media and the press. A flair and genuine appetite for fundraising. Experience and success raising funds from private and public sources. Proven business acumen. Discipline and focus in setting realistic priorities, meeting or beating goals, and running a fiscally sound operation. A keen sense of marketing. Entrepreneurial spirit and drive. An eye for strategic opportunities and innovative partnerships. Experience with non-profit governance required. Experience reporting to a board preferred. Ahistory of engagement in local society. Strong interpersonal skills to work effectively with the full range of constituents. Imagination, intelligence, tenacity, gracious self-confidence, good humor, and high energy. $250,000-$290,000 How to Apply
A six-member Board search committee has been established to conduct this search. The search committee is assisted by Isaacson, Miller, Inc., a national executive search firm. Inquiries, nominations, and applications should be directed in confidence to: https://www.imsearch.com/open-searches/cheyenne-mountain-zoo/president-and-chief-executive-officer CHEYENNE MOUNTAIN ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY 4250 Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Road Colorado Springs, CO 80906 Phone: 719-633-9925 Fax: cmzoo.org
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