Executive Director

Bozemanchamber; Montana; On-site; USD 135,000 - 175,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental/vision

SIMPLE IRA with match

Profit-sharing

PTO

National Park pass

Job summary

Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center (GWDC) in West Yellowstone, Montana, seeks an Executive Director to lead its next chapter. You will provide strategic leadership, oversee animal care and conservation programs, and guide fundraising and financial management for an annual budget of several million dollars.

Reporting to the Board of Directors, you will supervise 40–50 full-time and seasonal staff, advance animal welfare, community engagement, and conservation priorities, and build partnerships to

Qualifications

• Senior leadership experience in a nonprofit, zoological, wildlife, or visitor-serving organization.
• Strong nonprofit management skills, including budgeting, fundraising, and board relations.
• Deep commitment to animal welfare and conservation.
• AZA and large-carnivore experience strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for GWDC and its programs.
• Oversee animal care and conservation programs.
• Lead fundraising and financial management.
• Supervise a staff of 40–50 full-time and seasonal employees.

Skills

Senior leadership experience in non‑pr

Budgeting & fundraising

Board relations

Animal welfare & conservation

AZA & large carnivore experience

Job description

The Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center (GWDC), an AZA-accredited non‑profit wildlife park at the west entrance of Yellowstone National Park, seeks an Executive Director to lead its next chapter. Opened in 1993, GWDC cares for more than 25 animals, including grizzly bears and gray wolves, welcomes over 200,000 visitors a year, and operates on an annual budget of $4–$5 million.
Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director provides strategic leadership, oversees animal care and conservation programs, leads fundraising and financial management, and supervises a staff of 40–50 full-time and seasonal employees.

• Senior leadership experience in a non-profit, zoological, wildlife, or visitor-serving organization
• Strong non-profit management skills, including budgeting, fundraising, and board relations
• A deep commitment to animal welfare and conservation
• AZA and large-carnivore experience strongly preferred

Compensation: $135,000–$175,000 plus health, dental/vision, SIMPLE IRA with match, profit-share, PTO, and an annual National Park pass. Relocation support may be offered, depending on the candidate’s needs and eligibility.

Location: West Yellowstone, MT, a small, remote mountain community with long, cold winters, limited housing, and a higher cost of living.

Priority deadline: November 18, 2026. Anticipated start: early March 2027.

GWDC is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds and encourage you to apply even if your experience doesn't match every qualification listed.