Chief Learning & Impact Officer

LIVING DESERT DBA THE LIVING DESERT; Palm Desert (CA); On-site; USD 135,000 - 165,000; Full time

Job summary

The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens seeks an innovative executive to shape the future of conservation engagement. Reporting to the President & CEO, this VP role leads the Learning & Impact Department, advancing education, interpretation, volunteer engagement, sustainability, and measurable conservation impact.

As Vice President of Learning & Impact, you will build school and community partnerships, guide fundraising and grants, and align guest experience, animal care, and sustainability with

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Education, Biology, Environmental Science, Conservation, Sustainability, Nonprofit Leadership, Organizational Development, or related field (Master's or Ph.D. preferred).
• At least five years of progressively responsible leadership experience in a zoo, aquarium, museum, conservation organization, nonprofit, educational institution, or related setting.
• Experience leading multiple departments, programs, and professional teams.
• Experience with strategic planning, budgeting, evaluation, and talent development.
• Knowledge of conservation education, volunteer engagement, interpretation, sustainability, and behavior change, with a passion for conservation action.
• Strong experience developing partnerships, securing resources, and advancing organizational goals.
• Exceptional communication, leadership, relationship-building, and public presentation skills.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion.

Responsibilities

• Lead the strategic direction and daily oversight of the Learning & Impact Department.
• Provide leadership to the Curator of Learning & Community Engagement and related roles.
• Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Use evaluation and metrics to measure outcomes and inform decisions.
• Collaborate across departments on guest experience, conservation priorities, and sustainability.
• Build relationships with schools, universities, conservation partners, community organizations, donors, and agencies.
• Support fundraising, grant development, strategic partnerships, and impact reporting.
• Represent The Living Desert through public presentations, media, conferences, and AZA engagement.
• Manage divisional budgets, staffing plans, and strategic initiatives.

Skills

Leadership experience

Strategic planning

Budgeting

Partnerships

Public speaking

Diversity & inclusion

Team building

Education

Bachelor's degree in Education, Biology, Environmental Science, Conservation, Sustainability, Nonprofit Leadership, Organizational Development, or related field

Master's or PhD preferred

Job description

The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens seeks an innovative executive to shape the future of conservation engagement. Reporting to the President & CEO, this VP role leads the Learning & Impact Department, advancing education, interpretation, volunteer engagement, sustainability, and measurable conservation impact.

As Vice President of Learning & Impact, you will build school and community partnerships, guide fundraising and grants, and align guest experience, animal care, and sustainability with