National Aquarium
Overview
The Vice President of Planning & Design (VP) of the National Aquarium (NA) provides strategic vision and leadership for campus-wide planning, capital project development, experiential and exhibit design, and exhibit fabrication and operations. This dynamic and innovative leader drives the evolution of the National Aquarium’s facilities and guest experience, ensuring it remains a world-class institution while advancing fiscal responsibility, conservation priorities, and social equity initiatives. The VP collaborates with executive leadership and department teams to align strategies and execute projects that enhance the Aquarium’s mission and impact. Key Responsibilities
Oversee campus-wide planning, capital project execution, and experiential exhibit design, ensuring alignment with the Aquarium’s strategic vision and Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) accreditation standards. Lead the Experiential Design and Exhibit Fabrication & Operations Teams, fostering collaboration and efficiency. Drive the development and execution of capital and non-capital projects, implementing streamlined, effective processes to engage internal and external stakeholders. Manage a portfolio that includes National Aquarium Pier 3 & Pier 4 buildings and campus, Candler office suite, and Animal Care and Rescue Center, with an annual capital budget ranging from $4M to $15M and a total portfolio value of $600M+. Develop and oversee multi-year campus construction plans and provide leadership for major capital projects. Collaborate with Facilities, Life Support Systems, IT, Animal Care & Welfare, and other teams to ensure seamless project execution and facility maintenance. Partner with NA leadership, internal teams, and external resources to align planning initiatives with the Aquarium’s comprehensive campus plan. Advocate for design excellence in projects that balance animal welfare, guest engagement, operational efficiency, and sustainability. Integrate sustainability efforts, including the development of the Net Zero 2035 Plan. Champion diversity, equity, and inclusion in internal staffing and vendor partnerships, ensuring engagement with MBE and WBE design and construction firms. Serve as a cross-functional leader, working across departments to enhance the on-site guest experience and operational effectiveness. Collaborate with the Vice President of Financial Planning & Analysis on the capital budget process, ensuring alignment between financial planning and project execution. Serve as a key representative of the Aquarium, fostering positive relationships with planning, design, and engineering professionals, construction contractors, and government agencies. Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations regarding the use of public funds and project execution. Perform additional responsibilities as assigned to support the Aquarium’s mission and operations. Leadership Qualities
Visionary Leadership: Ability to navigate and innovate within the unique demands of an urban, guest-serving institution. Strategic Execution: Balances long-term planning with direct project management and operational efficiency. Operational Excellence: Implements effective processes and prioritization strategies for capital and experiential projects. Innovation & Financial Stewardship: Drives forward-thinking solutions while ensuring financial sustainability. Collaboration & Relationship Building: Builds strong partnerships across departments and with external stakeholders. Commitment to Equity & Inclusion: Fosters a culture of transparency, trust, and belonging, internally and externally. Team Leadership & Development: Mentors and empowers staff to achieve their highest potential. Qualifications & Requirements
Bachelor’s degree in architecture, design, engineering, planning, construction management, or a related field; master’s degree preferred. Minimum of 15 years’ experience managing design and execution of major capital and exhibition programs in an institutional setting (zoo, aquarium, museum preferred). Expertise in public funding guidelines and regulatory compliance. Strong knowledge of building maintenance procedures, infrastructure systems, and sustainability practices. Proven experience in experiential and exhibit design, fabrication, and operations. Demonstrated leadership managing large, cross-functional teams and fostering a collaborative culture. Outstanding communication, interpersonal, and strategic planning skills. Highly organized and detail-oriented, with the ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines effectively. Compensation & Benefits
This role offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of the National Aquarium, leading transformative projects that enhance guest experience, promote conservation, and ensure the institution’s continued excellence. Salary range: $118,000 to $165,499 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 Connection, Curiosity, Optimism, Service, Wellbeing: We build connections, encourage learning, pursue opportunities with positivity, serve guests and communities, and support animal and human wellbeing. Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Justice National Aquarium values an inclusive and diverse environment for all employees, volunteers, and interns. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and promote an environment free from discrimination and harassment. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion or belief, national origin, age, disability, sex, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any characteristic protected by law. We are committed to fair terms of employment and treatment. Seniority level
Executive Employment type
Full-time Job function
Business Development and Sales Industries: Museums, Historical Sites, and Zoos
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The Vice President of Planning & Design (VP) of the National Aquarium (NA) provides strategic vision and leadership for campus-wide planning, capital project development, experiential and exhibit design, and exhibit fabrication and operations. This dynamic and innovative leader drives the evolution of the National Aquarium’s facilities and guest experience, ensuring it remains a world-class institution while advancing fiscal responsibility, conservation priorities, and social equity initiatives. The VP collaborates with executive leadership and department teams to align strategies and execute projects that enhance the Aquarium’s mission and impact. Key Responsibilities
Oversee campus-wide planning, capital project execution, and experiential exhibit design, ensuring alignment with the Aquarium’s strategic vision and Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) accreditation standards. Lead the Experiential Design and Exhibit Fabrication & Operations Teams, fostering collaboration and efficiency. Drive the development and execution of capital and non-capital projects, implementing streamlined, effective processes to engage internal and external stakeholders. Manage a portfolio that includes National Aquarium Pier 3 & Pier 4 buildings and campus, Candler office suite, and Animal Care and Rescue Center, with an annual capital budget ranging from $4M to $15M and a total portfolio value of $600M+. Develop and oversee multi-year campus construction plans and provide leadership for major capital projects. Collaborate with Facilities, Life Support Systems, IT, Animal Care & Welfare, and other teams to ensure seamless project execution and facility maintenance. Partner with NA leadership, internal teams, and external resources to align planning initiatives with the Aquarium’s comprehensive campus plan. Advocate for design excellence in projects that balance animal welfare, guest engagement, operational efficiency, and sustainability. Integrate sustainability efforts, including the development of the Net Zero 2035 Plan. Champion diversity, equity, and inclusion in internal staffing and vendor partnerships, ensuring engagement with MBE and WBE design and construction firms. Serve as a cross-functional leader, working across departments to enhance the on-site guest experience and operational effectiveness. Collaborate with the Vice President of Financial Planning & Analysis on the capital budget process, ensuring alignment between financial planning and project execution. Serve as a key representative of the Aquarium, fostering positive relationships with planning, design, and engineering professionals, construction contractors, and government agencies. Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations regarding the use of public funds and project execution. Perform additional responsibilities as assigned to support the Aquarium’s mission and operations. Leadership Qualities
Visionary Leadership: Ability to navigate and innovate within the unique demands of an urban, guest-serving institution. Strategic Execution: Balances long-term planning with direct project management and operational efficiency. Operational Excellence: Implements effective processes and prioritization strategies for capital and experiential projects. Innovation & Financial Stewardship: Drives forward-thinking solutions while ensuring financial sustainability. Collaboration & Relationship Building: Builds strong partnerships across departments and with external stakeholders. Commitment to Equity & Inclusion: Fosters a culture of transparency, trust, and belonging, internally and externally. Team Leadership & Development: Mentors and empowers staff to achieve their highest potential. Qualifications & Requirements
Bachelor’s degree in architecture, design, engineering, planning, construction management, or a related field; master’s degree preferred. Minimum of 15 years’ experience managing design and execution of major capital and exhibition programs in an institutional setting (zoo, aquarium, museum preferred). Expertise in public funding guidelines and regulatory compliance. Strong knowledge of building maintenance procedures, infrastructure systems, and sustainability practices. Proven experience in experiential and exhibit design, fabrication, and operations. Demonstrated leadership managing large, cross-functional teams and fostering a collaborative culture. Outstanding communication, interpersonal, and strategic planning skills. Highly organized and detail-oriented, with the ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines effectively. Compensation & Benefits
This role offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of the National Aquarium, leading transformative projects that enhance guest experience, promote conservation, and ensure the institution’s continued excellence. Salary range: $118,000 to $165,499 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 Connection, Curiosity, Optimism, Service, Wellbeing: We build connections, encourage learning, pursue opportunities with positivity, serve guests and communities, and support animal and human wellbeing. Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Justice National Aquarium values an inclusive and diverse environment for all employees, volunteers, and interns. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and promote an environment free from discrimination and harassment. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion or belief, national origin, age, disability, sex, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any characteristic protected by law. We are committed to fair terms of employment and treatment. Seniority level
Executive Employment type
Full-time Job function
Business Development and Sales Industries: Museums, Historical Sites, and Zoos
#J-18808-Ljbffr