Executive Director of Virginia Zoological Park Print (https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/norfolk/jobs/newprint/4787619) Apply  Executive Director of Virginia Zoological Park Salary $116,696.00 - $197,186.00 Annually Location Norfolk, VA Job Type Unclassified Job Number 12780 Department Zoo Opening Date 01/28/2025 Closing Date 2/27/2025 2:00 AM Eastern + Description + Benefits + Questions Description Norfolk, Virginia is America's most authentic and urban waterfront city. Home to the world's largest naval station and the business, arts, and cultural center of Coastal Virginia, Norfolk has been rated a top place to live, work, play, and raise a family by numerous publications. Working for the City of Norfolk is an opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of others. With our commitment to competitive pay and a strong retirement package, you can do good for your community and do well for yourself. Join a caring workplace that proudly celebrates uniqueness, authenticity, and a shared commitment to improving the lives of our residents. The Virginia Zoo, located in Norfolk, Virginia, is home to more than 700 animals representing over 150 species. Founded in 1901 and residing on 53 beautifully landscaped acres, the Virginia Zoo has demonstrated a commitment to saving and protecting the world’s wildlife by inspiring a passion for nature and taking conservation action at home and around the world. The Virginia Zoo is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and is recognized as a global leader in education, recreation, science, wildlife conservation, and animal care and welfare. For more than a century, the Zoo has connected adults, families and school children with the natural world and its wildlife. The Virginia Zoo functions as a true hybrid operation through the joint efforts and constant communication between the staff of the Virginia Zoological Park (VZP) and the Virginia Zoological Society (VZS). VZP staff maintains all animal exhibits and provides animal care and husbandry, maintains the lush grounds and gardens, oversees most building repair and maintenance, and operates the Zoo’s ticket booth. VZS staff operates the Zoo’s gift shop, restaurant and concessions, educational programs, special events and parties, membership program, marketing and promotions, and fundraising and grant writing through the private sector. The staffs of both organizations work side-by-side daily and the operations of the two organizations are not only closely related and complementary but are mostly indistinguishable. The Virginia Zoo is seeking an Executive Director for the Virginia Zoo, a key role responsible for overseeing the strategic direction and sustainable growth of this beloved community institution. This role is the senior leader responsible for overseeing overall operations and involves a combination of leadership, financial management, operational oversight, fundraising, community engagement, and ensuring the well-being of the zoo's animals. The Zoo Executive Director reports directly to the City of Norfolk office of the City Manager. The ideal candidate will possess the following skills or experience: + Proven ability to lead and manage a diverse team of professionals in a dynamic environment. + Strong financial management skills, including experience with budgeting, fundraising, and resource allocation. + Knowledge of best practices in animal care, conservation, education, and guest services. + Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships with staff, donors, community members, and government officials. + Strategic thinking and the ability to navigate complex challenges. + A passion for wildlife conservation and a commitment to environmental stewardship and education. + Experience with public relations, media communications, and community engagement efforts. + Ability to work collaboratively with the leadership team, Board members, City officials, and community partners to achieve organizational goals. The successful candidate will bring visionary leadership, operational expertise, and a passion for wildlife conservation. Join us in this exciting opportunity to lead one of Norfolk’s premier cultural and educational assets. This position is a senior executive unclassified position which serves at the will of the City Manager. Essential Functions Essential functions include but are not limited to: + Provide visionary leadership for the zoo, setting long-term goals and objectives aligned with the zoo’s mission and values. + Lead, manage and support the senior management team, ensuring all departments are aligned with the zoo’s strategic objectives. + Collaborate with senior management to develop and manage the zoo’s budget, ensuring financial sustainability, efficient use of resources, and alignment with strategic priorities. + Support fundraising efforts to support zoo programs, including cultivating donor relationships, organizing fundraising events, and identifying grant opportunities. + Collaborate with senior management, Board of Directors and City Manager’s office to define and implement long-term strategic plans and growth initiatives, including new exhibits, programs, and partnerships. + Represent the zoo at public events, media appearances, and in discussions with government agencies, donors, and other community stakeholders. + Foster a positive organizational culture that prioritizes teamwork, professional growth, and employee satisfaction. + Build and maintain strong relationships and working partnerships with local, state, and national stakeholders. + Ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations, including USDA, AZA, and OSHA standards, and maintain high standards for animal welfare and facility management. + Provide leadership in the development and maintenance of zoo exhibits, habitats, and facilities, ensuring they meet animal welfare and guest experience goals. + Act as the focal spokesperson for the zoo in significant public relations, community outreach, and media efforts in collaboration with the Zoo and City of Norfolk Director of Communications. Education/Experience + Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s Degree in Zoology, Biology, Environmental Science, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related field. + A minimum of seven (7) years of experience in a senior leadership role within a zoo, museum, aquarium, or similar organization, including at least seven (7) years of supervisory experience. + Advanced degrees (MBA, MPA, etc.) and certifications in zoo management or non-profit leadership are preferred. Additional Information & Requirements City of Norfolk residency is required within six (6) months of hire. The City of Norfolk offers an affordable and comprehensive benefits plan. Availability and options described are dependent upon category of employment. Benefits include: • Competitive salary • Health, vision, dental and retirement • Relocation Assistance • Signing Bonus: This position is eligible for a one-time $5,000 signing bonus. + Regular full-time and permanent part-time employees may receive paid holidays, vacation and sick leave, employer paid pension plan, basic life insurance, voluntary participation in medical and dental, Section 457 deferred compensation, long-term disability, optional life insurance for self, spouse and children, medical and dependent care reimbursement plans, access to membership in credit union and employer provided parking. + Special project/grant employees are generally eligible for the same benefits of regular full-time employees; however, retirement, life insurance and participation in health plans vary depending upon funding and authorization. + Temporary/seasonal and part-time employees are generally only eligible for employer provided parking and access to membership in credit union. + Retirement If you are hired October 5, 2010, or after to a position with City of Norfolk Retirement System benefits, you will be required to contribute five percent (5%) of your salary toward your retirement benefit. This will be a pre-tax payroll deduction. If you are hired January 1, 2022, or after to a position with Virginia Retirement System (VRS) benefits, you will be required to contribute five percent (5%) of your salary toward your retirement benefit. This will be a pre-tax payroll deduction. + The Tuition Assistance Program is established to encourage employees toward continued self-development and education. Permanent full-time and permanent part-time classified, unclassified permanent, full-time special projects, and constitutional employees who have completed six months continuous service will be eligible to apply. The applicant’s school of enrollment must be an accredited institution. NOTE: The benefits described above are broad generalizations. The specific benefits that an employee may be eligible for are governed by City regulations, as applicable to job type. Non-City Positions listed with a job type designation of "Non-City" are not subject to the benefits descriptions above. Refer to the content of the job posting for information regarding these positions. 01 The following Supplemental Questions are specific to the position for which you have applied to assist the hiring manager in screening applications for specific experience being sought. Please be specific in answering these questions as they will be used to evaluate which applications will be given further consideration in the process. Do not answer "see resume" or "see application" as these are not valid answers. Please note that if you are invited to be interviewed by the department, your responses to the following questions may be subject to verification. + I understand and will answer the following supplemental questions completely and thoroughly. 02 Do you have the legal right to work in the United States and, upon employment, can you provide documentation to verify this? + Yes + No 03 Please acknowledge receipt of the following information: This position is Unclassified and serves at the will of the City Manager. + I acknowledge receipt of the information above 04 This position requires Norfolk residency within 6 months of hire. Are you able to meet this requirement? + Yes + No 05 Are you a current or previous City of Norfolk employee? + Yes - I am a current City of Norfolk Employee + Yes - I am a previous City of Norfolk Employee + No - I am not a previous or current City of Norfolk employee 06 If you were referred for this position by a current City of Norfolk employee, please provide the employee's full name, department, and job title. If not, please indicate by typing "N/A." 07 Please select the highest level of education you have completed. + High School Diploma/GED + Associate's Degree + Bachelor's Degree + Master's Degree or higher 08 Do you have a Bachelor's Degree in Zoology, Biology, Environmental Science, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related field. + Yes + No 09 Do you have advanced degrees (MBA, MPA, etc.) and certifications in zoo management or non-profit leadership? + Yes + No 10 How many years of experience do you have in a senior leadership role within a zoo, museum, aquarium, or similar organization? + No experience + 1-3 years of experience + 4-6 years of experience + 7-9 years of experience + 10 or more years of experience 11 How many years of supervisory experience do you have? + No experience + 1-3 years of experience + 4-6 years of experience + 7-9 years of experience + 10 or more years of experience 12 Please provide the name, email address, and phone number of your current or most recent supervisor 13 Please provide an explanation of any periods of unemployment that are 30 days or longer. Indicate N/A if you have not experienced any periods of unemployment. 14 Are you a qualified military spouse? (An individual who is certified by the designated local agency as being a spouse of a member of the United States Armed Forces) + Yes + No 15 Please indicate your veteran status. (A copy of your long form DD-214 may be required) + I am not a Veteran + I am a Veteran + I am a Disabled Veteran Required Question Employer City of Norfolk Apply Please verify your email address Verify Email