Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance (DZCA) is a leader in animal care, wildlife conservation, and education. We are passionate about our commitment to excellence in support of our mission of Inspiring Communities to Save Wildlife for Future Generations.
DZCA honors our animals, staff, and guests by conducting ourselves at the highest level of integrity through our Core Actions -- Inspire Awe: Safety, Care, Connect, and by embracing our Core Values of: Welcoming, Curious, United, Courageous, and Transformative in all that we do.
Director of Conservation Learning Capacity & Volunteer Impact advances DZCA’s mission and goals by providing strategic leadership for staff and volunteer development, volunteer engagement, training systems, and operational infrastructure for the Conservation Learning & Connection department.
Our team is made up of passionate and diverse professionals dedicated to providing excellent care for our animals while creating meaningful experiences for our guests. If you're excited to contribute your skills in a collaborative and innovative environment, Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance is the place for you!
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Training & Development
- Provide strategic leadership for the design, implementation, and evaluation of training programs for staff and volunteer educators grounded in conservation education and adult learning best practices.
- Oversee systems for coaching, observation, and professional learning that build organizational capacity.
- Collaborate across the zoo to implement cohesive mission-aligned messaging through integrated learning and engagement strategies, supporting a zoo-wide conservation culture.
- Work with internal partners to align training, volunteer support, and operational systems with organizational goals.
Volunteer Program Strategy and Effectiveness
- Lead the long-term vision, strategy, and organization-wide integration of adult volunteer engagement, with an emphasis on strengthening operational effectiveness, guest experience, and educational outcomes.
- Build and sustain cross-departmental partnerships to expand volunteer engagement pathways and align volunteerism with organizational priorities.
- Champion a culture of meaningful staff–volunteer collaboration and strengthen staff capacity to effectively engage, support, and recognize volunteers.
- Advocate for volunteerism, articulating the vision, required resources, and expected impact.
Conservation Learning Operational Systems & Data Integration
- Provide strategic oversight for operational systems that support the department, ensuring alignment with organizational processes, data integrity, and efficient workflows.
- Ensure effective use of DZCA-wide platforms and technologies to support program delivery, reporting, and decision-making.
- Guide team in using data and feedback to guide iterative improvement across program areas.
Other Responsibilities and Duties
- Other assistance, as designated by Senior Director of Conservation Learning & Connection, to support the overall goals of the department and organization. DZCA retains the right to add or change duties and/or responsibilities at any time.
- Acts as a good steward of the DZCA's resources.
- This position will interact with managers at all levels and staff members across the organization, in addition to members of external organizations.
- The nature of this position requires safeguarding against the release of confidential and proprietary information of DZCA.
Technical / Professional Requirements & Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in education, wildlife biology/ecology, environmental studies, organizational development, museum studies, or related fields preferred; or any equivalent combination of education and/or experience.
- At least 5 years of professional experience in environmental education, conservation learning, informal science education, organizational learning, and staff/volunteer development, demonstrating leadership of teams, systems, and strategic initiatives.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Strong understanding of current adult learning theory, conservation education, and inclusive instructional practices.
- Ability to lead organizational learning and inspire staff engagement in mission-aligned messaging.
- Knowledge of organizational change, cultural transformation, and capacity building.
- High emotional intelligence; advanced communication, coaching, and facilitation skills.
- Skill in operational system design, workflow optimization, and CRM-supported administrative systems.
- Strong organizational, analytical, and project management skills.
- Commitment to inclusive, equitable, and culturally responsive practices.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and lead teams through change.
- Bilingual ability (English/Spanish) preferred.
Position Conditions
- Ability to pass a background check and pre-employment drug and alcohol screen
- Schedule Availability: Monday-Friday
- Work Location: Onsite
Compensation
Range for this position is $7,969-$9,961(monthly)
A Truly Wild Workplace with Competitive Benefits
Join our team and enjoy a wide variety of great benefits, including:
- Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage
- 403(b) Retirement Account with employer match
- Generous paid time off: vacation, sick leave, personal days, and holidays
- A Family DZCA Membership with discounted tickets to special events
- Concession and retail discounts, plus free parking
- And so much more!
We encourage all qualified candidates to apply. If you're passionate about contributing to a dynamic, mission-driven organization, we want to hear from you!
Application Process and Timelines
Application Deadline: March 27,2026. Review of applications will begin immediately. DZCA reserves the right to close the position before this date.
Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected status or any other characteristic protected by law.
