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.
The Senior Director of Conservation Learning & Connection advances DZCA's mission and goals by providing strategic leadership and vision for all Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance education and volunteer programs and initiatives, ensuring alignment with organizational priorities and advancing the zoo’s mission.
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
Leadership
- Provide strong, strategic leadership and operational oversight to the Conservation Learning and Connection department.
- Partner with all members of the leadership and executive team to develop, refine, enhance, and manage the priorities and short- and long-term goals that align with the mission and vision of DZCA, including all divisions across the institution.
- Actively contributes to and supports the zoo’s strategic plan and initiatives.
- Provides strategic direction for and oversight of a broad portfolio of educational and volunteer programs in support of DZCA’s mission.
- Collaborate across the zoo to implement cohesive mission-aligned messaging supporting a zoo-wide conservation culture.
- Direct the development of performance evaluation standards for functions that are managed within the guidelines set by zoo administration. Formally discusses performance with direct reports.
- Act in accordance with DZCA’s Core Values of: Welcoming, United, Curious, Courageous, and Transformative in all interactions with staff, guests, volunteers, and vendors.
Program Development & Delivery
- Lead the development, implementation, and evaluation of innovative, impactful educational programs that advance DZCA’s mission, and align organizational strategic priorities and conservation goals.
- Collaborate across departments to shape and influence the zoo’s overall approach to learning and mission-based messages—both on-grounds and in the community—ensuring educational strategies effectively engage diverse audiences and maximize guest experiences.
- Lead efforts, in partnership with the Community Research & Evaluation team, to design and implement comprehensive evaluation strategies that assess program effectiveness and measure long-term impacts on individuals and communities served.
- Serve as a key contributor to the planning, design, and implementation of new exhibits, facilities, and interdepartmental projects, ensuring that educational experiences are innovative, inspiring, age-appropriate, and aligned with conservation learning goals.
External Engagement & Partnerships
- Actively cultivate and sustain partnerships with community organizations, educational institutions, and other key stakeholders.
- Partner with Philanthropy and Communications teams to secure funding, promote program visibility, share stories of impact and innovation, and enhance community awareness of DZCA education programs.
- Position DZCA as a leader in conservation learning and connection.
Finance
- Develop and manage the Conservation Learning & Connection department’s annual budget, ensuring fiscal responsibility, efficient resource allocation, and alignment with strategic priorities and organizational goals.
- Support grant writing and reporting, sponsorships, and philanthropic partnerships.
Other Responsibilities and Duties
- Other assistance, as designated by Chief Conservation Officer, 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
- Master’s degree in a related field or equivalent experience preferred.
- 8–10 years of progressive experience in education, including 5 in management roles within a large, complex, and labor-intensive organization.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Proven expertise in the design, delivery, and evaluation of innovative, age-appropriate educational programs that engage diverse audiences and inspire conservation connection and action.
- Demonstrated record of successful program leadership and operational results, including effective planning, organization, and direction of work programs.
- Exceptional leadership skills with a demonstrated ability to foster teamwork, collaboration, and cross-disciplinary partnerships within and across teams.
- Experience cultivating and maintaining effective relationships with diverse stakeholder groups, including board members, staff, partners, volunteers, and community members.
- Demonstrated leadership involvement in industry organizations (e.g., Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), or similar).
- Proven success in securing and managing grant funding, sponsorships, or philanthropic support to sustain and grow educational and volunteer programs.
- Strong fiscal management skills, including budget development, resource allocation, and financial oversight for complex program portfolios.
- Experience contributing to exhibit or facility planning and design with an emphasis on educational engagement and interpretation.
- Proficiency in computer applications, including word processing, spreadsheets, databases, internet research, and collaborative platforms.
- Advanced understanding of current trends, best practices, and emerging research in conservation education, informal learning, and audience engagement.
- Exceptional communication, interpersonal, facilitation, and public speaking skills with the ability to engage, inspire, and influence diverse audiences and partners.
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 $10,153-$12,945 (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.
