Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
Vice President and Director of The Wilds
Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, Cumberland, Ohio, United States, 43732
Overview
Join the Columbus Zoo Family of Parks in a transformative leadership role at The Wilds—where conservation meets innovation. Drive strategic operations, elevate guest experiences, and champion wildlife preservation through visionary leadership. Leads daily operations and guest experience practices, while ensuring the fiscal sustainability of The Wilds, a member of the Columbus Zoo Family of Parks, advancing the shared mission of empowering people and saving wildlife. Responsibilities
Oversees all aspects of operating The Wilds. Collaborates with zoo leadership, board members, staff and key stakeholders to shape and execute long- and short-term goals and strategic implementation plans. Ensures The Wilds identity is aligned with the Columbus Zoo Family of Parks brand strategy across all touchpoints. Ensures best practices in Animal Care and Wellbeing, complying with and exceeding industry standards. Strengthens and expands Conservation and Ecology programming in partnership with the VP/Director of the Columbus Center for Wildlife Conservation (CCWC). Oversees budget development and ensures program delivery within budget; expands reach and visitation; develops new revenue-generating programs. Collaborates with Philanthropy to support capital campaigns, planned giving, sponsorships and foundation grants; engages with government relations and legislative affairs; builds donor relationships and community partnerships; serves as primary spokesperson for The Wilds. Attends Zoo Senior Team and Board meetings as requested; maintains relationships within national and international zoological communities. Plans, assigns, reviews staff work; manages hiring, performance reviews, disciplinary actions, and long-range staffing; implements sustainable practices; develops guest experience strategy reflecting organizational values and brand; ensures transparent internal communications. Performs other duties as assigned. Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree in business, finance, or guest relations preferred. Minimum of seven years in senior-level leadership, preferably in a nonprofit or conservation-focused organization; hospitality or attractions experience considered. Strong track record in fundraising, fiscal oversight, facilities management, and guest experience; skilled in strategic planning and operations; able to maintain compliance with standard operating procedures and safety protocols. Excellent verbal and written communication; demonstrated ability to engage at public events, with media, and in stakeholder settings; commitment to exceptional guest service and donor engagement. Experience building broad-based support for mission-driven initiatives; interest in field research, conservation, or habitat restoration preferred. Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays. Education & Experience
Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s preferred as noted above. Seniority & Employment
Seniority level: Executive Employment type: Full-time Job function: Other Industries: Museums, Historical Sites, and Zoos Compliance & Health Requirements
Valid state driver’s license and good driving record within three months of hire. Negative TB screening required prior to placement and annually thereafter. Adherence to workplace policy including pre-employment, random, post-accident, reasonable suspicion, and follow-up testing. Successful completion of an annual criminal history background check.
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Join the Columbus Zoo Family of Parks in a transformative leadership role at The Wilds—where conservation meets innovation. Drive strategic operations, elevate guest experiences, and champion wildlife preservation through visionary leadership. Leads daily operations and guest experience practices, while ensuring the fiscal sustainability of The Wilds, a member of the Columbus Zoo Family of Parks, advancing the shared mission of empowering people and saving wildlife. Responsibilities
Oversees all aspects of operating The Wilds. Collaborates with zoo leadership, board members, staff and key stakeholders to shape and execute long- and short-term goals and strategic implementation plans. Ensures The Wilds identity is aligned with the Columbus Zoo Family of Parks brand strategy across all touchpoints. Ensures best practices in Animal Care and Wellbeing, complying with and exceeding industry standards. Strengthens and expands Conservation and Ecology programming in partnership with the VP/Director of the Columbus Center for Wildlife Conservation (CCWC). Oversees budget development and ensures program delivery within budget; expands reach and visitation; develops new revenue-generating programs. Collaborates with Philanthropy to support capital campaigns, planned giving, sponsorships and foundation grants; engages with government relations and legislative affairs; builds donor relationships and community partnerships; serves as primary spokesperson for The Wilds. Attends Zoo Senior Team and Board meetings as requested; maintains relationships within national and international zoological communities. Plans, assigns, reviews staff work; manages hiring, performance reviews, disciplinary actions, and long-range staffing; implements sustainable practices; develops guest experience strategy reflecting organizational values and brand; ensures transparent internal communications. Performs other duties as assigned. Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree in business, finance, or guest relations preferred. Minimum of seven years in senior-level leadership, preferably in a nonprofit or conservation-focused organization; hospitality or attractions experience considered. Strong track record in fundraising, fiscal oversight, facilities management, and guest experience; skilled in strategic planning and operations; able to maintain compliance with standard operating procedures and safety protocols. Excellent verbal and written communication; demonstrated ability to engage at public events, with media, and in stakeholder settings; commitment to exceptional guest service and donor engagement. Experience building broad-based support for mission-driven initiatives; interest in field research, conservation, or habitat restoration preferred. Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays. Education & Experience
Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s preferred as noted above. Seniority & Employment
Seniority level: Executive Employment type: Full-time Job function: Other Industries: Museums, Historical Sites, and Zoos Compliance & Health Requirements
Valid state driver’s license and good driving record within three months of hire. Negative TB screening required prior to placement and annually thereafter. Adherence to workplace policy including pre-employment, random, post-accident, reasonable suspicion, and follow-up testing. Successful completion of an annual criminal history background check.
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