Job Information: Vice President of Conservation Initiatives Job

THE POSITION

Advance the mission of Woodland Park Zoo (WPZ) by providing strategic direction and leadership for all initiatives and programs that support the conservation of the world's wildlife. Support and create synergies between field operations, research, education programs and zoo experiences that support a social movement for wildlife conservation. Develop measureable impacts for the conservation of globally significant conservation areas and species, as well as coordinating measurable outcomes for public engagement in conservation action.

The Vice President for Conservation Initiatives will partner with local communities, AZA institutions, conservation organizations, academic partners and governmental agencies to develop sustainable solutions for wildlife conservation. The primary areas of programmatic focus include:

Tree Kangaroo Conservation Program / Papua New Guinea
Pacific Northwest Conservation Programs / Carnivores / Endangered Species
Malaysian Tiger Conservation Program
Global Network of Partners for Wildlife
Social Innovation for Conservation
Information Technology and Conservation Solutions

Reporting to the President and CEO and serving as a member of the zoo's executive leadership team, this position is critical in furthering the mission of the zoo by leading and coordinating all institutional wildlife conservation efforts toward the creation of a social movement for positive conservation solutions. By the end of 2017, WPZ is unveiling a new 5-year strategic plan that points at bold goals in the areas of wildlife conservation and animal welfare to activate a social movement for conservation action. This position manages 4 fulltime employees and a budget of $1.86 million, and an international network of projects and partnerships.

ISSUES AND CHALLENGES

The Vice President for Conservation Initiatives works closely with the President & CEO, Board of Directors, Executive Leadership Team, and zoo staff to implement and evaluate the zoo's core conservation programs and partnerships internationally and regionally while advancing conservation solutions in globally significant regions in partnership with other AZA organizations, NGO partners, local communities, governmental agencies and academic institutions.
WPZ is a leader in field conservation, social engagement in conservation, communications and the wider zoo community. The Vice President for Conservation Initiatives coordinates all wildlife conservation efforts toward the creation of a social movement for conservation. This leadership position leverages field projects to influence the zoo visitor experience, coordinating with education and interpretation programs, storytelling in new and old media channels, and seeking opportunities for revenue generation that advance personal engagement in conservation by zoo visitors.
WPZ is renowned as a pioneer and a leading institution in implementing complex field initiatives that range from our flagship Tree Kangaroo program in Papua New Guinea to carnivore research and conservation partnerships in the Pacific Northwest, to other long-term programs in Asia, Africa and Latin America, including our global network of Partners for Wildlife.
Working with the Advancement Team and Business Operations, the VP of Conservation Initiatives actively helps to secure funding, reciprocal recognition and partner engagements that expand WPZ's conservation impact while advancing the WPZ's brand and supporting zoo-wide financial goals.
Seattle is a global center of large-scale technological innovation. Within this context, WPZ is exploring opportunities to advance Information Technology solutions to real-world conservation challenges. Furthermore, WPZ is actively exploring how new technologies, new and old media platforms ,and storytelling narratives can be combined with the zoo experience to achieve personal and collective calls for action that help sustain wildlife and their habitats.
The Vice President for Conservation Initiatives will develop and monitor measures of success for conservation initiatives that quantify the zoo's conservation impact as well as the measures of conservation partnerships and cultural competencies that make programs highly effective.
WPZ has a strong commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives that allow people of diverse backgrounds and abilities to be effective conservation agents.

KEY COMPONENTS OF THE POSITION INCLUDE:

Strategically focus the zoo's core conservation programs and partnerships internationally and regionally while advancing conservation solutions in globally significant conservation areas in partnership with other conservation AZA organizations, conservation partners and academic institutions.
Coordinate all wildlife conservation efforts toward the creation of a social movement for conservation that includes field projects, influencing the zoo visitor experience, coordination with education and interpretation programs, storytelling coordination of social media, and seek opportunities for revenue generation that advances personal engagement in conservation by zoo visitors.
Expand partnerships in the Pacific Northwest that help conserve critical species and ecosystems in our own regional ecosystems, including Cascadia and Puget Sound.
Support and strengthen WPZ's flagship Tree Kangaroo program in Papua New Guinea and actively explore additional partnerships, support and public recognition for this program
Oversee and maintain our global network of Partners for Wildlife, securing funding, reciprocal recognition and partner engagement. Explore new partnerships and initiatives that expand WPZ's conservation impact.
Working with the Advancement Team and Business Operations, seek funding to support conservation initiatives, advance the WPZ's brand and support zoo-wide financial goals.
Lead the identification and monitoring of measures of success for conservation initiatives that quantify the zoo's conservation impact.
Coordinate with Animal Management curatorial staff and Animal Health staff to link conservation work and findings with activities and program needs of animal collection especially with regard to SPP and TAGs.
Work with Education, Communications and other WPZ departments to help develop messages, calls for action, and storytelling narratives that influence zoo visitors to care and take actions to help sustain wildlife and their habitats.
Report to President & CEO, be an active player of the Executive Leadership Team, and communicate with appropriate board members and the media about conservation activities and WPZ's position on biodiversity conservation issues. Proactively respond to inquiries from the media and community leaders.
Serve as a liaison to the Conservation Committee of the Board of Directors. Advise the board on developing conservation policies and adopting policy position statements.
Foster research as independent projects or as partnerships with academic institutions. Publish results of conservation science and practice in the peer-reviewed literature as well as popular and electronic outlets.

The ideal candidate for this position will possess a doctorate or master's degree in biology, zoology, conservation science or fields related to people, species and their habitats. We would love to talk to candidates who have an advanced knowledge of biodiversity conservation efforts and about the latest scientific issues surrounding those efforts, demonstrated success building partnerships, strong intercultural skills and success raising funds to support research and conservation projects. The ideal candidate has strong verbal and written communication skills and has 5 or more years of direct supervisory and management experience. Seeking individuals with an exceptional ability to create and nurture an environment of diversity, respect, dignity and entrepreneurial spirit.

Come to Woodland Park Zoo and help us change the world!


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