Zoo Director

The City of Boise is seeking an accomplished, visionary executive to lead Zoo Boise into its next chapter. The Zoo Director will set strategic direction, elevate and empower a high-performing team, and foster a culture of trust, accountability, collaboration, and excellence.

This position oversees City of Boise and Friends of Zoo Boise staff, partners with the Friends Board of Directors, and provides leadership for operations, financial stewardship, facilities, and long-range planning. The Director will advance Zoo Boise's mission and strategic priorities while ensuring alignment with AZA accreditation standards and federal animal care regulations.

The ideal candidate is a strategic and inspiring leader with strong business acumen, expertise in zoo or aquarium operations, and a demonstrated ability to develop people, lead through change, build partnerships, and translate vision into results.

Essential Functions:
- Supervises and manages all aspects of the organization, including animal care professionals, environmental education staff, donor relations teams, communications and marketing, facilities planning, and maintenance employees
- Serves as Boise Parks and Recreation Superintendent of Zoo Boise and Executive Director of Friends of Zoo Boise
- Leads Friends of Zoo Boise staff and board operations, manages membership, grants, and major donor programs
- Leads marketing and fundraising efforts, manages board budget and financial projections
- Supports global animal and environmental conservation projects, including in Gorongosa National Park, Mozambique
- Ensures compliance with all applicable rules and regulations for accredited zoo operations
- Builds budget and revenue projections for current and future zoo needs
- Preserves and fosters partnerships with contractors, vendors, non-profits, federal agencies, and the AZA

Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in biological sciences, business management, or an equivalent field
- Minimum 5 years of leadership, animal biology, and business management experience in a zoo or aquarium of similar size
- Knowledge of municipal finance, budget management, and fundraising best practices
- Knowledge of public relations, marketing, and non-profit/board management

Preferred Qualifications:
- Master's degree in business management or biological sciences
- 8 years of leadership experience in an AZA-accredited institution
- 5 years of non-profit management experience with project management and fundraising skills

This is a full-time, at-will position under administrative direction. Requires a valid state-issued driver's license and ability to pass background, credit history, driving record, and education verification checks. Position is designated safety-sensitive and subject to drug testing requirements.