Job Details | SR VP Conservation, Education and Community Affairs

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Chicago Zoological Society

Location: BrookfieldIL 60513 Document ID: AA195-0BEN Posted on: 2016-05-2705/27/2016 Job Type: Regular

Job Schedule:Full-time
2016-06-26
 

SR VP Conservation, Education and Community Affairs

As a key member of the senior management team, the Senior Vice President of Conservation, Education and Community Affairs develops, implements, and directs comprehensive programs to advance the Center for Conservation Leadership ("CCL") and the Center for the Science of Animal Welfare ("CSAW"), fostering innovations in conservation, research, education and community affairs in support of the Society's mission and strategic goals. The Senior VP oversees the creation of opportunities for conservation leadership through field programs, science research, formal and informal public education and training, mentorships, internships, and residencies to develop human capacity to lead conservation efforts regionally, nationally, and around the world.

The successful candidate will be expected to:

  • Serve as a member of the Executive Team and participate in organizational planning and decision-making. Assist in establishing institutional goals and long-term direction, assuring coordination, integration, alignment, and implementation of institutional decisions, communications, and appropriate allocation of resources.
  • Responsible for the development and implementation of a comprehensive, integrated conservation, education, and community affairs strategy for the institution. Develop short and long-range plans to further the Society's strategic objective of developing human capacity for conservation, not limited to but including training and education initiatives in partnership with other institutions and agencies. Actively pursue opportunities for funding, collaboration and partnerships to further Society's interests.
  • Oversee efforts to continuously grow a comprehensive and balanced field conservation and research program. Work closely with sr. Vice President of Animal Programs and others to explore new knowledge and answers to animal husbandry and research questions, assuring integration and coordination of information, plans, and activities as well as working with Animal Programs managers and others to create metrics and tools for measuring and documenting the quality of animal care, advancements in animal care, the impact on animal well-being.
  • Oversee the development and implementation of Group/Department operating plans, goals, and budgets. Make decisions and set priorities for the Conservation, Education, and Training Group, the CCL, and provide senior-level input regarding the priorities of the CSAW.
  • Oversee, direct, and evaluate planning, programs, operations, and activities to extend the institution's reach, impact, increase the number of public and group visits to the park, to increase and broaden involvement with the institution, and to increase human capacities to carry out conservation worldwide.
  • Work closely with the President/CEO and leadership to establish priorities, strategies, goals, and budget and aggressively seek and secure funding for Program activities and needs. Staff Board Committees and organization functions as requested. Assist with cultivation and provide appropriate feedback.
  • Develop, administer, monitor, and is accountable for annual operating plan and budgets for assigned area. Plan and hold regular meetings of managers and staff and ensures timely decision-making and resolution of issues. Promote collaboration and teamwork and a positive work environment. Responsible for staffing and performance.
  • Represent the Society and promote its interests externally, including but not limited to actively engaging with and representing the institution with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and with community, local, national and international zoo and conservation groups, the academic community, and the media. Assure staff contributes articles to peer reviewed journals, member pieces, PR efforts, and make presentations to professional organizations and institutions. Represent the Society to external constituents including, but not limited to guests, trustees, donors, media, visiting colleagues, etc.
  • Direct planning and implementation of a strong and active volunteer program to increase the quantity, quality, and diversity of volunteers.
  • Responsible for working with appropriate Management Team members to develop, implement, monitor, and evaluate diversity metrics, activities, policies, procedures, and practices in the areas of institutional supplier, workforce/workplace, and audiences diversity to increase diversity participation and create a welcoming, inclusive environment for diverse vendors, staff and visitors in all institutional areas. Works with appropriate others to identify barriers and solutions to overcome or eliminate barriers. Leads the Arcoiris diversity team. Develop and implement actions to improve workplace culture with an emphasis on driving results and fostering inclusion.
  • Work as directed with President/CEO and appropriate staff to develop and implement a comprehensive and strategic external affairs program to extend the Society's reach by working with key elected officials, businesses, civic and community leaders, and others. Primary responsibility for directing, enhancing, and evaluating a comprehensive and coordinated community affairs program for the Society.


Position Requirements and Specifications
The requirements for this position include:
  • Master's Degree in Education, Communications, Conservation Science, or other directly relevant field or equivalent combination of training and/or experience required.
  • Minimum 10 years directly relevant, comparable senior-level management experience, including experience managing multiple departments, staff, and functions required. Must possess relevant experience in two or more relevant functional areas. Relevant experience in community/public affairs.
  • Track record of generating revenue and program support through grants and other means.
  • Strong communications skills, verbal, written, and listening skills. Strong presentation and platform skills and experience. Strong interpersonal skills; able to establish and maintain strong, positive relationships. Ability to work effectively as a contributing member of multidisciplinary teams.
  • Proactive, persistent, and helpful. Must be highly collaborative, strategic in orientation, with possess strong management and leadership abilities. Must be self-motivated, results-oriented, confident, and have strong organizational skills.
  • Ability to work with opposing constituencies, operate as facilitator, and a reconciler of interests. Effective leader, manager, coach and facilitator with strong commitment to developing human capital.
  • Strong character and ethics who is fair, objective, and able to withstand criticism and overcome adversity and challenges.
  • Must enjoy a challenge, be passionate about his/her work, and have a commitment to excellence and continuous improvement.
  • Must be computer proficient, including use of Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint.
  • Must be able to handle multiple projects and priorities simultaneously and work within a fast-paced and evolving environment. Must be able to maintain the confidentiality of privileged information.
  • Cultural competency; experience and/or ability to work and interact effectively with a diverse, multicultural audience. Experience managing a diversity program.
  • A valid driver's license is required on date of hire. If an Illinois resident, must possess a valid Illinois driver's license at the time of hire or must obtain one within 90 days of hire. A valid out-of-state driver's license is required at time of hire for out-of-state residents.
The preferred qualifications include:
  • Ph.D. Degree in Education, Communications, Conservation Science, or other directly relevant field or equivalent combination of training/experience preferred.
  • International training experience strongly preferred.
  • Relevant budgeting experience strongly preferred.
  • Experience in a non-profit, cultural, and/or communications/education setting highly preferred.
  • Multilingual ability, Spanish fluency a plus.

Additional Information: This is a senior executive position that requires an experienced, dedicated career professional who is committed to the continual development of comprehensive, balanced programs in conservation, education, and external affairs for a world-class institution. Strong interest in/commitment to conservation, building human capacity, and the natural world. Evenings and weekends are sometimes required. Individual will be expected to be present and visible at many events sponsored by the institution. Must be able to travel as needed to meet job requirements, extend and expand the Society's reach, and promote the Society's interests.

Additional Information
The Chicago Zoological Society is an Equal Opportunity Employer / Affirmative Action Employer - Minorities / Women / Veterans /
Disabled.

The Chicago Zoological Society is an Equal Opportunity Employer
     
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