Director of Campus Planning and Development

Hello, we’re Metro! Metro is?dedicated to shaping a better future for the greater Portland region. The work the people of Metro do every day benefits the lives of the people who live here, today, and tomorrow.  

• Together for wildlife - The Oregon Zoo connects our community to the wonder of wildlife to create a better future for all. We are a hub for science, conservation, education and animal well-being delivering the highest quality of care. 
• The Oregon Zoo operated by Metro, a Regional Government, is undergoing an exciting transformation to design the zoo of the future.
• Thanks to a voter-supported $380 million bond measure, we are updating exhibits with modern, natural habitats for animals like penguins, sea otters, and giraffes.
• We are enhancing educational facilities to improve learning about animals and habitat conservation for visitors of all ages.
• The bond also funds water and energy conservation initiatives, infrastructure improvements, and conservation efforts for threatened and endangered species in the Northwest and beyond. 
• Investments will be guided by the Oregon Zoo campus plan.
• We are seeking a visionary leader for the role of Director of Campus Planning and Development .
• In this position you will drive the strategic implementation of our bond-funded zoo campus redesign, creating a physical manifestation of our mission, "Together for Wildlife."
• You will be responsible for developing and executing a bold vision for the zoo's future, transforming it into the ideal model for animal care standards and guest engagement.
• This position will play a crucial role in the strategic planning and implementation of the zoo’s campus plan (Download PDF reader), ensuring alignment with Metro’s sustainability and community engagement goals.
• You will oversee the design and construction of modern, natural habitats and state-of-the-art educational facilities that inspire and educate visitors. 
• As the Director you will ensure the efficient operation and financial management of all related projects, optimizing the use of the $380 million bond funding over the next 10-15 years.
• Fostering strong relationships with stakeholders, including visitors, staff, and the broader community, it will be essential to ensure the zoo's transformation reflects shared values and goals.
• The person selected for this role will have the autonomy to design their team and hire the staff who will lead the campus upgrades and ensure bond accountability.
• The position reports to the Oregon Zoo Director.
• The ideal candidate will bring a blend of strong leadership, financial acumen, and a commitment to sustainability, accessibility, and equity, along with excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills. 

As the Director of Campus Planning and Development you will: 

• Oversee the planning, organization, and direction of major bond-funded projects, including new animal habitats, an accessible and engaging visitor experience, interpretive planning, and sustainability improvements.
• Build and lead the team that will deliver on the Oregon Zoo bond commitments, with responsibilities for hiring, promoting, transferring, assigning, evaluating performance, initiating salary actions, handling grievances, disciplining, and discharging employees.
• Oversee project timelines, ensuring adherence to schedule and budget.
• Work with other governments, private agencies, businesses, and citizens to identify and obtain outside approval for site plans and operational impacts.
• Launch and manage the Oregon Zoo Bond Citizens’ Oversight Committee and develop communication strategies to keep stakeholders informed.
• Oversee the development and implementation of a community and tribal engagement strategy as part of the campus plan implementation.
• Lead the program’s efforts to comply with Metro policy and investments in public art, green energy and sustainable design, construction workforce diversity, and diversity in contracting.
• Coordinate with the Oregon Zoo Foundation regarding supplemental funding requirements to facilitate long-term construction plans to meet Oregon Zoo needs.
• Manage funding, grants, and reports on project completion and success, including the development and assessment of measurable indicators of bond program success.
• Develop positive, collaborative working relationships with a broad range of stakeholders and partners, including the Oregon Zoo team, Metro departments, appropriate City of Portland agencies, elected officials, Association of Zoos and Aquariums professionals, and community organizations.
• Lead the management of annual audits of the bond program, performed by an independent citizen committee established pursuant to the bond measure.
• Develop and implement policies, procedures, and performance standards to assure the efficiency and effectiveness of activities, ensuring compliance with Metro code, the Oregon Zoo Campus Plan, provisions of the bond measure, and policies established by the Metro Council.
• Provide executive leadership and alignment of the program with the Metro Council and Metro executive leadership team. Respond to inquiries, complaints, problems, or emergencies affecting the Oregon Zoo bond program. 

Attributes for success 

• Visionary and innovative mindset for campus planning and development. 
• Ability to think and lead strategically and manage effectively in a political environment. 
• Experienced in executive-level planning, leadership, and goal setting.? 
• Integrity and ethical behavior in handling public funds. 
• Strong effective communicator with both internal and external stakeholders, with a knack for cultivating relationships among key individuals and groups across all organizational levels, including employees, managers, and elected officials. 
• Commitment to conservation and fostering a connection to the natural world.  

DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION      

• At Metro, we strive to cultivate diversity, advance equity, and practice inclusion in all of its work.
• This means attracting and empowering a workforce that is inclusive of a broad range of human qualities.
• Workplace diversity is both a moral imperative and a business strength, essential to providing quality support and services to our region.
• Metro’s goal is to hire, develop and retain highly skilled and talented individuals across all departments and programs who best reflect the diversity of our community.    

Experience Required

• A bachelor's degree and Seven to ten years of specialized experience or operational management in the relevant area, including budgetary experience and direct management of professional staff or Any combination of education, professional, volunteer and lived experience that provides the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the classification duties and responsibilities.

Salary

• $155,044.00 - $197,879.41