Chief Executive Officer (San Diego)

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance (SDZWA) is a world-renowned nonprofit conservation organization committed to saving species worldwide and inspiring a passion for nature. The Alliance operates two of the world's most iconic wildlife destinations : the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, which together attract nearly 5 million guests annually. With a workforce of 3,000 team members and 2,000 volunteers, the Alliance is among the largest and most influential conservation organizations of its kind around the globe.

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance's annual operating budget exceeds $440 million, and the organization manages a global portfolio of conservation projects across 6 continents, supported by a multidisciplinary team of scientists, veterinarians, and conservationists. Its campuses are home to more than 15,000 rare and endangered animals representing 700 species, and over 2 million plants across its immersive ecosystems.

As a recognized global leader in wildlife care, conservation science, and immersive guest experiences, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance collaborates with a network of over 200 partners and plays a leading role in initiatives ranging from species recovery to public education. With a legacy dating back more than a century, the organization continues to shape the future of conservation through innovation, science, and inspiration.

Additional Information :

• San Diego Zoo (Balboa Park, San Diego) : Spanning 100 acres, the zoo is home to 12,000 rare and endangered animals from over 680 species and includes an accredited botanical collection of more than 700,000 exotic plants.
• San Diego Zoo Safari Park (Escondido, CA) : Covering 1,800 acres, the park cares for over 3,000 animals from 340 species and a botanical collection with over 3,500 species and 1.3 million individual plants.
• The Frozen Zoo : With over 11,500 cell lines from more than 1,300 species (including some extinct), this invaluable resource for conservation is the largest and most diverse of its kind in the world.

SDZWA is seeking a seasoned, mission-driven Chief Executive Officer (CEO) who will champion global conservation efforts with integrity, humility, and a deep curiosity for wildlife and science. This role requires a strategic, media-savvy executive with the presence and emotional intelligence to inspire trust, lead transformation, and unify diverse stakeholders-from staff and donors to government and community partners. The CEO will model transparent, servant leadership while driving financial sustainability, fundraising growth, and organizational excellence through empowerment, innovation, and collaboration.

Specifically, the CEO will be responsible for the following :

Strategic Leadership : Develop and execute a clear, inspiring vision that aligns with SDZWA's mission. Lead strategic planning, modernize systems, and ensure operational excellence across the Zoo, Safari Park, and global programs.

Executive Management : Oversee all operational, financial, and administrative functions. Foster a high-performing, values-driven culture rooted in trust, transparency, and empowerment. Prioritize initiatives based on impact and sustainability.

External Engagement & Partnerships : Serve as SDZWA's public face, building relationships with donors, civic leaders, government, and global conservation partners. Strengthen SDZWA's voice in national and international conservation efforts while remaining deeply engaged in the San Diego community.

Philanthropy & Revenue Growth : Lead major fundraising efforts and revenue strategies, including donor cultivation, grants, sponsorships, and partnerships. Rebuild and expand the philanthropic base with a focus on long-term sustainability.

Board Relations : Partner closely with the Board of Trustees through open communication and strategic counsel. Support board development and engagement to expand SDZWA's reach and impact.

Guest Experience & Brand Stewardship : Ensure exceptional, inclusive guest experiences. Uphold SDZWA's reputation for excellence in animal care, education, and conservation. Balance its dual identity as a global conservation leader and premier public attraction.

Professional Experience / Qualifications

The Chief Executive will have the following qualifications :

• 15+ years of senior executive experience in mission-driven, guest-focused organizations; ideally with oversight of complex, multi-site operations such as zoos, aquariums, museums, theme parks, or conservation institutions.
• Deep commitment to wildlife, biodiversity, and global conservation, with the ability to inspire others around this mission.
• Proven ability to set strategic direction, align diverse teams, and deliver measurable outcomes across programs and operations.
• Demonstrated success in fundraising, including cultivating and stewarding major donors, foundations, and corporate partners.
• Experience expanding organizational reach through partnerships, advocacy, and thought leadership on national or global platforms.
• Skilled communicator and compelling public presence; confident in media, donor, and stakeholder engagements.
• Strong financial and business acumen, including oversight of large-scale budgets, capital campaigns, and operational systems.
• Experience modernizing infrastructure and improving systems for transparency, accountability, and agility.
• Track record of leading through complexity and change with resilience, clarity, and the ability to unify and motivate teams.
• Proven ability to assess, develop, and lead high-performing executive teams.
• Skilled in fostering inclusive, purpose-driven cultures rooted in trust, transparency, and empowerment.
• Experience working closely with or reporting to a Board of Trustees; able to build strong, collaborative governance relationships.

Preferred Qualifications (not required) :

• Familiarity with or ties to the San Diego region preferred; ability to build strong relationships with local civic, philanthropic, and business leaders.
• Comfortable serving as both a local community leader and a global ambassador for SDZWA's mission.

Create a job alert for this search