Vice President and Director of The Wilds

Overview

Empower People. Save Wildlife.Join the Columbus Zoo Family of Parks in a transformative leadership role at The Wilds—where conservation meets innovation. Drive strategic operations, elevate guest experiences, and champion wildlife preservation through visionary leadership. 

Responsibilities

Leads the daily operations and guest experience practices, while ensuring the fiscal sustainability of The Wilds, a member of the Columbus Zoo Family of Parks, while advancing the shared mission of Empowering People. Saving Wildlife.

Strategic Leadership & Vision

• Oversees all aspects of operating The Wilds
• Collaborates with zoo leadership, board members, staff and key stakeholders to shape and execute long and short-term goals, and strategic implementation plans
• Ensures The Wild’s identity is aligned with the Columbus Zoo Family of Parks brand strategy, advancing the shared mission across all touchpoints.

Animal Care and Conservation

• Ensures best practices in Animal Care and Wellbeing, ensuring compliance with and exceeding industry standards
• Strengthens and expands Conservation and Ecology programming in close partnership with VP/Director of Columbus Center for Wildlife Conservation (CCWC)

Financial Management & Risk Oversight

• Ensures appropriate accounting and controls for funds, assets, and property
• Understands and implements safety and risk management requirements
• Oversees budget development and ensures effective program delivery within budgetary constraints
• Expands reach and grows visitation; Identifies and is able to execute on developing new revenue generating programs.
• Working with SVP of Finance, provides timely financial reporting to senior Zoo leadership

Philanthropy & External Relations

• Collaborates with the Philanthropy Department to support a comprehensive development strategy around capital campaign, planned giving, corporate sponsorships and foundation grants, engage with legislators for government relations and legislative affairs.
• Strengthens partnership with chambers of commerce and civic partners,
• Establishes new donor relationships and engagement opportunities to expand resources, building collaborative relationships with local communities, articulating mission, vision, and programs to gain support
• Serves as the primary spokesperson for The Wilds, elevating visibility, impact, and public engagement

Governance & Stakeholder Engagement

• Attends Zoo Senior Team meetings, BOD meetings as requested
• Establishes and maintains relationships within the national and international zoological communities

Operational Oversight & Staff Management

• Plans, assigns, and reviews staff work; manages hiring, performance reviews, disciplinary actions, and long-range staffing plans
• Implements sustainable practices
• Develops and implements a comprehensive guest experience strategy that reflects organizational values, mission and brand identify across all touchpoints.
• Ensures transparent, consistent internal communications to keep teams informed, aligned, and engaged.
• Performs other duties as assigned

Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Master’s degree in business, finance, or guest relations preferred.

Leadership & Organizational Experience:

• Minimum of seven years in senior-level leadership, preferably within a nonprofit or conservation-focused organization. Hospitality or attractions experience will be considered.
• Demonstrated success in building broad-based support for mission-driven initiatives.
• Experience or interest in field research, in situ/ex situ conservation, or habitat restoration preferred.
• Strong background in fiscal oversight, facilities management, fundraising, and guest experience.
• Skilled in strategic planning and business operations, with a focus on efficiency, transparency, and collaboration.
• Ability to maintain compliance with standard operating procedures, including safety protocols.

Communication & Public Engagement:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent engagement at public events, with media outlets, and in political or stakeholder settings.
• Committed to delivering exceptional guest service and donor engagement.

Team & Culture Alignment:

• Proven ability to lead staff development, foster engagement, and cultivate a high-performing team culture.
• Ability to build and sustain strong working relationships across all departments of the Columbus Zoo Family of Parks.
• Willingness to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Compliance & Health Requirements:

• Valid state issued driver’s license and good driving record required within three months of hire.
• Negative TB screening required prior to placement and annually thereafter.
• Adherence to the Columbus Zoo Family of Parks workplace policy, including pre-employment, random, post-accident, reasonable suspicion, and follow-up testing.
• Successful completion of an annual criminal history background check.