The Conservation Impact Manager provides project management, evaluation, and reporting for Zoo-aligned wildlife conservation programs. They oversee the Zoo’s Saving Wildlife Training Opportunities program, guiding the program’s continued growth and strengthening relationships with local partners. The Conservation Impact Manager is responsible for assisting the Community Conservation Coordinator in the implementation of Saving Wildlife Training Opportunities and evaluating the program’s impact. They will also work closely with the Director of Wildlife Conservation to support the implementation and evaluation of other Wildlife Conservation Programming including Staff Conservation Fund, Wildlife Warrior Program, Peter Riger Fellowship, and Take Action Initiatives.
Our Mission:
- Houston Zoo connects communities with animals, inspiring action to save wildlife.
Our Vision :
- Houston Zoo will be a leader in the global movement to save wildlife.
Job Duties and Responsibilities:
- Develops and implements tools to measure the effectiveness and impact of wildlife conservation programs on Zoo grounds and in collaboration with field partners.
- Fosters and maintains positive working relationships across all internal departments to inspire engagement and alignment with the Zoo’s mission of saving wildlife.
- Manages the performance and professional development of the Community Conservation Coordinator.
- Fosters key partnerships with external entities, non-governmental, and private organizations regionally to promote and enhance our conservation impact and improve strategy alignment.
- Supports the development of messaging and outreach related to the Zoo’s Take Action Initiatives, conducting regular evaluation to ensure actions are in line with current conservation trends and relevance to internal and external Zoo audiences.
- Coordinates the Staff Conservation Fund program, which includes staff involved in conservation education and field projects in Texas and around the globe.
- Provides logistical support for the Houston Zoo’s Wildlife Warrior program and Peter Riger Fellowship.
- Collects evidence, monitors, and reports on the impact of local conservation efforts supported by the Houston Zoo.
- Travels to conservation field sites to support strategic planning, evaluate program progress, and strengthen partnerships.
- Drives long-term strategic planning and growth of the Zoo’s Saving Wildlife Training Opportunities program and supports the Community Conservation Coordinator with program implementation.
- Develops, pilots, and oversees implementation of new instruments that measure the effectiveness and impact of Houston Zoo’s Saving Wildlife Training Opportunities program.
- Collaborates with Zoo staff to ensure wildlife conservation program’s alignment with Zoo’s long-term master plan.
- Compiles reports and disseminates research findings, program successes, and impact stories to diverse audiences, showcasing the Zoo’s conservation efforts.
- Demonstrates strong facilitation skills and the ability to plan, organize, and coordinate programs in an effective manner with multiple stakeholders to achieve desired outcomes.
- Assists with coordinating all Wildlife Conservation Program themed events and programming.
- Remains current with trends and best practices of conservation, education, research and evaluation through literature, professional development and networking with other professionals.
- Contributes to saving animals in the wild through: reduction of waste, water and energy use and inspiring guests and staff to take wildlife protection actions.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Education and Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree (B.A. or B.S.) in a related field, such as social/behavioral sciences, wildlife conservation, or environmental sciences, and at least 1-2 years of relevant experience.
- Highly passionate about staff communication strategies and increasing the overall staff experience.
- Ability to work independently and supervise others.
- Experience conducting research and compiling and analyzing data.
- Involvement in supporting efforts of current partnerships which include Wildlife Conservation Network, Emerging Wildlife Conservation Leadership Program, Human-Wildlife Conflict Collaboration, international partner programs, and similar organizations.
- Exceptional communication skills and astute knowledge of cultural differences in a broad range of countries.
- Skilled in developing and delivering public awareness campaigns for various audiences both nationally and internationally.
- Strong leadership skills and experience supervising and developing staff, managing performance, effectively leading teams and communicating expectations.
- Proven experience working in a wide variety of settings communicating conservation goals effectively to different audiences, utilizing international resources, and representing the organization in a culturally sensitive manner.
- Proven confidence in producing and giving presentations to include working proficiently with various technologies and platforms.
ABOUT HOUSTON ZOO
- The Houston Zoo is made up of many moving parts with over 6,000 permanent residents (our animals) for whom we provide housing, meals, medical care and, yes, even education!
- There are over 2 million guests each year who come to experience our incredible variety of animals and ecosystems, as well as attend special private and public events and entertainment.
- Our dedicated staff works around the clock to ensure that the Zoo is always running smoothly for the safety and well-being of our residents and guests.
- We strive to ensure the protection of all the counterparts of the animals we have at the Zoo and in the wild.
- Join the Houston Zoo and become a part of an organization that is focused on the preservation of wildlife and their habitats by combining conservation with education and promotion of sustainable livelihoods in the local communities.
- Houston Zoo is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
