Vice President of Living Collections

SUMMARY

The VP of Living Collections ensures the husbandry, veterinary, life support systems, water quality, dive operations, and animal and collections safety teams provide coordinated and focused care of the highest standards for living collections, and, working with Exhibit Development and Education, that animal exhibits and programs result in the most effective guest experience. The VP provides vision, leadership, and oversight of the Living Collections departments; coordinates their activities; establishes common priorities; develops strategic objectives; promotes a unified approach to staff professional development and training; ensures contract, foundation and capital budgets reflect shared priorities; ensures projects are thoughtfully articulated, well-coordinated, and effectively implemented.

QUALIFICATIONS

· Bachelor’s or advanced degree in a field related either to direct animal care or aquarium systems preferred.

· 10+ years supervisory/managerial experience at a zoo or aquarium type facility, preferably an AZA accredited institution required.

· Demonstrated knowledge of the principles of ethical and modern practices for live animal management and welfare.

· Demonstrated knowledge of managing and developing a diverse staff, budget preparation and control, strategic planning for developing goals, projects and assignments.

· Strong project and budget management skills

· Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams, including working with other departments like facilities, education and exhibit development.

· Strong organization and planning skills with attention to detail.

· Excellent written and oral communication essential.

MAJOR JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

· Oversees and provides vision for the department in the management of a diverse group of staff and volunteers, providing an active program of staff development; transparent and respectful communication in a safe environment; cross-training as appropriate; and a culture of mutual support and collective problem-solving.

· Leads the heads of Living Collections teams in developing and achieving measurable strategic goals and priorities for both short- and long-term operations and projects.

· Ensures operations of Living Collections teams are optimally efficient and effective, and working towards common agreed-upon goals.

· Promotes the highest animal welfare and management standards in ethics, operations, policies, procedures, compliance, record-keeping, etc.

· Actively builds relationships throughout the institution which support priorities and activities of living collections and offer staff opportunities for collaborations and enrichment.

· Oversees accreditation activities for AZA; ensures standards set for the accreditation period remain a routine focus.

· Promotes the core values of the Science Center, including accessibility, diversity and innovation, through all activities of the living collections team.

· Coordinates the development and administration of annual operating budget, practices and protocols for the living collections department.

· Leads staff in ensuring the active pursuit of the mission of the California Science Center and California Science Center Foundation of stimulating curiosity and inspiring science learning by creating fun, memorable experiences for the guests.

· Regularly collaborates with Operations colleagues on a variety of initiatives.

· Performs other duties as required or as assigned by the Senior Vice President of Operations/COO.