SVP Chief Mission Officer: Animal Welfare & Conservation

National Aquarium; Baltimore (MD); Hybrid; USD 200,000 - 250,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Paid family leave

401(k) plan with employer match

Job summary

The National Aquarium in Baltimore seeks a SVP, Chief Mission Officer to lead animal care and welfare, conservation engagement, and scientific research, advancing evidence-based practices that improve animal well-being and conservation outcomes.

Reporting to the President & CEO, this executive collaborates across departments, represents the Aquarium in forums, and guides strategic planning, budgeting, and capital investments to fulfill the mission of inspiring compassion for our ocean planet.

Qualifications

• Fifteen+ years of progressive executive leadership in accredited organizations.
• Experience leading large multidisciplinary teams and managing organizational changes.
• Experience developing and administering significant operating and capital budgets.
• Demonstrated success collaborating with Leadership Teams, Board, and external partners.
• Outstanding communication, relationship-building, and leadership skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the Aquarium's long-term animal welfare and programming strategy.
• Establish measurable conservation, welfare, and scientific impact objectives.
• Oversee animal care, veterinary medicine, quarantine operations, and population planning.
• Advise the CEO and Board on industry issues affecting peers and conservation landscape.
• Represent the Aquarium in national and international forums and partnerships.
• Foster strategic relationships with universities, AZA institutions, and partners.

Skills

Executive leadership

Budget management

Stakeholder communication

Organizational change

Strategic planning

Education

Master's degree or higher in related field

Tools

AZA Professional Fellow designation

Job description

The National Aquarium in Baltimore seeks a SVP, Chief Mission Officer to lead animal care and welfare, conservation engagement, and scientific research, advancing evidence-based practices that improve animal well-being and conservation outcomes.

Reporting to the President & CEO, this executive collaborates across departments, represents the Aquarium in forums, and guides strategic planning, budgeting, and capital investments to fulfill the mission of inspiring compassion for our ocean planet.