San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is an international, nonprofit conservation organization with two front doors: the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. We integrate wildlife health and care, science, and education to develop sustainable conservation solutions.
HOW YOU WILL IMPACT OUR MISSION
- The Vice President and Deputy Director helps to craft and execute the vision for the San Diego Zoo Safari Park while supporting the team of directors.
- This position will partner with outside agencies such as police, fire, and AZA as a critical part to the success of the organization. The Deputy Director reports to the Executive Director.
WHAT YOU WILL DO
- Collaborates with the Executive Director to craft and execute the vision for the San Diego Zoo Safari Park.
- Leads and directs the day-to-day operational excellence of the San Diego Zoo Safari Park.
- Develops and manages budgets for the entire of the San Diego Zoo Safari Park to drive the highest possible financial contribution to mission.
- Oversee the deferred maintenance and capital budgets which includes long term strategy. Partners with the architecture and construction management teams on habitat creation and construction.
- Works with Risk Management, local law enforcement, and first responders as well as government agencies to assure readiness, safety and regulatory compliance; protecting the safety of our guests, team and wildlife at all times.
- Acts on behalf of Executive Director as needed and required.
- Represents the organization in a wide range of settings including with government agencies, other zoos and aquariums, SDZWA donors, interactions with guests, media and the general public.
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
- This position will be located and supporting the San Diego Zoo Safari Park in Escondido, CA.
JOB EXPERIENCE
- Minimum of 10 years of leadership experience with increasing responsibility required.
- 10 years of experience in theme park, zoo, hospitality or related operations required.
EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATIONS
- Business, recreation management, related field or equivalent job related experience preferred.
SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE
- Demonstrated ability to lead highly effective, diverse teams and influence key stakeholders.
- Able to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
- Able to operate moderately complex computer software programs.
- Able to prepare and deliver presentations to large audiences.
SOME OF THE REWARDS YOU WILL ENJOY AS A TEAM MEMBER
- Free admission to the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park
- Family Passes
- Complimentary Tickets
- Free Parking at the San Diego Zoo & San Diego Zoo Safari Park
- Local and In-House Discounts
- Employee Assistance Program
- Wellness Program
- IMPORTANT DETAILS
- Location: Escondido, CA
- Position Type: Salary Full-Time Exempt Position
- Salary Range: $201,819 to $227,406
About The Salary Ranges
- The posted salary range represents the full compensation potential for this role over time. Initial hiring offers are typically made within the lower to mid portion of the range and are based on a combination of relevant experience, skills, qualifications, internal equity, and organizational considerations. Placement near the top of the range is generally reserved for individuals who demonstrate sustained performance, growth, and expanded responsibilities in the role over time.
Fraudulent Recruiting
- Beware of fraudulent recruiting. Legitimate San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance contacts will use an @sdzwa.org email address.
- We do not request money, checks, equipment orders, or sensitive personal data during the recruitment process.
- San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance only conducts interviews via phone, Zoom, Teams or in-person.
- If you have been asked for any of the above, or believe you have been contacted by someone posing as a San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance employee, please e-mail sdzwacareers@sdzwa.org.
- If you feel that you have been the victim of fraud, please contact your financial institution(s) immediately.
- At San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, we celebrate our differences and foster a culture of belonging. Diversity strengthens our employees, enriches our guests’ experiences, deepens our connection to our community, and supports the wildlife we serve.
- All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other legally protected status.
- If you require a reasonable accommodation to complete an application, please email your request to sdzwacareers@sdzwa.org and provide the job title and location to which you are applying.
- As a Federal Contractor, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is required to participate in the E-Verify Program to confirm eligibility to work in the United States. We are not offering sponsorship for this position at this time.
- San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is a drug free workplace.
