Senior VP & Chief Mission Officer: Conservation & Welfare

Socket.dev; Baltimore (MD); On-site; USD 200,000 - 250,000; Full time

Job summary

The National Aquarium seeks a Senior Vice President, Chief Mission Officer to lead animal care and welfare, conservation engagement, and scientific research. This role reports to the President & CEO and shapes strategy across animal welfare, conservation, and education initiatives in Baltimore.

As a member of the Leadership Team, you will supervise cross-functional programs, partner with external organizations, and advance evidence-based practices that elevate guest experiences while preserving

Qualifications

• Fifteen or more years of progressive executive leadership responsibilities in accredited aquarium, zoo, wildlife conservation, or related scientific organizations.
• Proven experience leading large multidisciplinary teams and managing complex organizational changes.
• Experience developing and administering significant operating and capital budgets.
• Demonstrated success collaborating with Leadership Teams, Board of Directors, governmental agencies, and external partners.
• Outstanding communication, relationship-building, and leadership skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the organization’s long-term animal welfare and programming strategy in alignment with the strategic plan.
• Lead mission-critical initiatives involving animal welfare, conservation, research, and sustainability.
• Oversee animal care, veterinary medicine, quarantine operations, rescue activities, and animal population planning.
• Provide executive leadership for capital projects affecting animal habitats, conservation facilities, research capacity, and the animal hospital.
• Partner with Finance and Philanthropy to manage multi-million-dollar budgets and fundraising efforts.
• Collaborate with Guest Experience, Education, and Planning & Design to communicate conservation stories via exhibits and programs.

Skills

Executive leadership

Strategic leadership

Budget management

Stakeholder management

Communication skills

Education

Master's degree or higher in zoology/veterinary/conservation biology/marine science/ ecology/animal behavior

AZA Professional Fellow designation or equivalent

Job description

The National Aquarium seeks a Senior Vice President, Chief Mission Officer to lead animal care and welfare, conservation engagement, and scientific research. This role reports to the President & CEO and shapes strategy across animal welfare, conservation, and education initiatives in Baltimore.

As a member of the Leadership Team, you will supervise cross-functional programs, partner with external organizations, and advance evidence-based practices that elevate guest experiences while preserving