Duties
The Philadelphia Zoo is seeking a Vice President, Conservation and Education, who will be responsible for the development and implementation of a comprehensive, integrated conservation and education program to support the Zoo’s strategic plan and institutional mission, and will serve as a prominent member of the senior leadership team at the Zoo. Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, the VP, Conservation and Education will oversee a staff that includes approximately 20 full-time positions. S/he will work collaboratively with the COO, CEO and other organizational leaders to:
- Provide strategic direction for development and implementation of on-site and outreach education programs;
- Oversee the Zoo’s in-situ conservation portfolio, leading strategic decisions on financial and personnel investment in initiatives to save species;
- Provide direction and oversight for interpretive strategies for new exhibits and enhancements to existing exhibits.
The VP will position the Zoo’s conservation and education programs for local prominence, national leadership and growing impact, through: keeping abreast of current trends and practices in conservation and education; leading effective evaluation of education and conservation programs; pursuing opportunities for collaboration and partnerships with other conservation and education organizations and stakeholder individuals; sharing programs and achievements through professional journals and meetings; and representing the Zoo to external constituents, including guests, Board members, donors, media, and visiting colleagues.
Additional information is available upon request.
Requirements
- Masters degree required, in conservation-related field or in education with a concentration in a life science, environmental studies or conservation.
- Broad experience in and knowledge of wildlife conservation; education and environmental education theory, management-level experience developing and conducting life science, environmental or conservation education programs in an informal setting.
- Experience in education exhibit development and interpretation; knowledge of the application of technology to education programs and exhibits.
- Minimum of 5 years related experience directing and supervising professional and management-level staff including demonstrated effective personnel management skills.
- Demonstrated effective leadership skills.
- Excellent writing and verbal skills.
- Demonstrated experience in writing successful grant proposals.
Availability
Ability to meet a flexible work schedule which will include some weekend, holiday and evening work.
Apply to
The Philadelphia Zoo is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to hiring a diverse workforce. All qualified applicants are encouraged. Please submit cover letter, resume and salary history in one attachment via our online application by clicking here:
All applications received by human resources will receive an acknowledgement.
However, only those applicants selected for interviews will be contacted directly.