CEO

Zoo de Granby; Granby; On-site; CAD 100,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent conservation organization in Granby, Quebec is seeking a President and CEO to lead operations and strategic initiatives. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in non-profit leadership, government relations, and fundraising, with a strong commitment to biodiversity and education. This role is critical for representing the organization, mobilizing teams, and establishing strategic partnerships.

Qualifications

• Proven success leading non-profit organizations with a social, educational, or environmental mission.
• Ability to combine operational rigor and strategic agility.
• Experience managing government relations and public partnerships.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all operations, finance, human resources, and governance.
• Position the Granby Zoo as a reference institution with governments and local communities.
• Lead fundraising initiatives and enhance the visitor experience.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Government relations

Fundraising

Community engagement

Job description

Mission

Act to preserve the animal world

Hosting a collection in which more than 25% of animals are classified as threatened species in the wild, the Granby Zoo is deeply engaged in conservation, research, and the promotion of terrestrial wildlife. Modern‑day arks like the Granby Zoo play a crucial role in maintaining viable populations of endangered species through breeding, protection, and, in some cases, reintroduction into natural habitats.

Beyond preservation, the Zoo stands out through its participation in in situ and ex situ conservation programs, both locally and internationally, in collaboration with scientific partners and field organizations. It also funds applied research projects and invests in public awareness initiatives.

With nearly 900,000 visitors each year, the Granby Zoo serves as an essential platform for education and engagement, particularly among younger generations.

Through its exhibitions, educational activities, and immersive experiences, it raises awareness about the ecological importance of every species and the urgency of protecting biodiversity. It demonstrates how everyone can contribute to the preservation of life and ecosystems.

Vision

The Granby Zoo aims to be a recognized leader in biodiversity conservation, environmental education, and animal welfare, focusing on innovation, scientific rigor, and community engagement. It also stands out for its family entertainment mission, combining zoo, amusement park, and water park attractions to offer visitors an immersive, fun, and educational experience.

As a pillar of tourism in the Eastern Townships, the Zoo plays an active role in the local economy, generating significant regional benefits while promoting sustainable and accessible leisure throughout Quebec.

Mission Faune

Launched in 2024, Mission Faune is an ambitious initiative aimed at intensifying the Zoo’s conservation efforts by 2030. Its goals include:

• Protecting 70 endangered species in Quebec and internationally
• Releasing 5,000 individuals into the wild
• Collaborating on conservation programs in over 15 countries
• Investing $11 million in direct preservation actions
• Raising awareness among 1.5 million people annually about biodiversity conservation
• Increasing to 30% the proportion of threatened species under the Zoo’s care

POSITION DESCRIPTION

The President and CEO is responsible for overseeing all strategic, operational, and institutional activities of the Granby Zoo to ensure its sustainability, growth, and visibility. Reporting to the Board of Directors, this person acts as the organization’s leader and ambassador, embodying its vision to both internal and external stakeholders.

Heading an NPO generating $35 million in annual revenue, the incumbent combines inspiring leadership, managerial discipline, and a strong sense of social and environmental impact. This role is central to representing the organization, mobilizing teams, and strengthening strategic partnerships locally, nationally, and internationally.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee all aspects of the organization, including operations, finance, human resources, and governance, driving sustainable growth.
• Actively position the Granby Zoo as a reference institution with governments, public partners, tourism authorities, and local communities.
• Design and implement strategic orientations aligned with the Zoo’s educational, scientific, and community mission.
• Enhance and modernize the visitor experience through innovation, safety standards, and infrastructure improvements.
• Expand the Zoo’s national and international reputation as a leading institution.
• Lead fundraising initiatives, including philanthropic campaigns, public‑private partnerships, and government relations.
• Build a strong relationship of trust with the Board of Directors through rigorous follow‑up on priorities, goals, and organizational outcomes.
• Mobilize and engage teams around a culture of performance, accountability, and collaboration, fostering innovation and talent development.

CANDIDATE PROFILE

This is an exceptional opportunity for a visionary leader to contribute their talent to a flagship organization at the intersection of conservation, tourism, and social impact.

The next CEO of the Granby Zoo will embody a unifying vision while ensuring the institution’s financial sustainability and reputation. The ideal candidate will demonstrate strategic acumen, human leadership, and political insight to strengthen conservation programs, enhance the visitor experience, develop government and institutional relations, and position the Zoo as a national and international reference.

Charismatic, credible, and deeply aligned with the values of biodiversity and education, this person will unite stakeholders around an ambitious and lasting project.

Experience and Competencies

• Proven success leading non‑profit organizations, ideally with a social, educational, or environmental mission.
• Ability to combine operational rigor and strategic agility, ideally with experience in the private sector, to drive growth and optimize management practices.
• Experience managing government relations, including public partnerships and funding negotiations.
• Strong understanding of the tourism, B2C marketing, or visitor attraction sectors.
• Experience collaborating with scientific or conservation communities is an asset to enhance the Zoo’s educational and environmental initiatives.

Personal Characteristics

• Demonstrates inspiring and mobilizing leadership, uniting teams around a clear and motivating vision.
• Strong ability to structure, lead, and grow a high‑performing executive team.
• Combines strategic vision with strong execution skills to achieve measurable results.
• Navigates complex environments with emotional intelligence and political sensitivity.
• Communicates with impact and ease, both internally and externally, including media and public forums.
• Fosters an organizational culture based on collaboration, accountability, and trust.

Location

The position is based in Granby, Quebec.

How to Apply

You can submit your application directly through the following link: https://boyden.thriveapp.ly/job/3025.

We look forward to receiving your application!