Vice President, Animal Care & Conservation Leadership

Seattle Aquarium; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 145,000 - 155,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Vision & Dental

Retirement plan

ORCA transit pass

Paid time off

Job summary

The Seattle Aquarium seeks a Vice President of Animal Care to lead the animal care programs and six professional teams responsible for the wellbeing of a diverse collection of marine life. This executive role focuses on strategic leadership, collaboration across departments, and advancing conservation initiatives.

Reporting to the Chief Operations Officer, the VP will drive staff development, partnerships, and a forward-looking campus master plan, while upholding the Aquarium’s SALISH values and

Qualifications

• Over 10 years of cumulative leadership experience in aquatic animal care preferred.
• Experience with AZA/EAZA accreditation within aquarium/zoo settings preferred.
• Strong people leadership, mentoring, and cross-functional collaboration.
• Excellent verbal and written communication, public speaking, and media liaison skills.
• Budget management and strategic planning experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Animal Care team across multiple facilities with ~60 staff.
• Oversee animal wellbeing programs and ensure RPMP, ICP, AZA compliance.
• Forge partnerships with Conservation Programs, Education, Policy and external organizations.
• Shape campus master plan and oversee animal care related capital projects.
• Foster an inclusive, healthy workplace culture and advance DEI across leadership.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

People management

Communication

Public speaking

Diversity & Inclusion

Budgeting

Stakeholder collaboration

Job description

The Seattle Aquarium seeks a Vice President of Animal Care to lead the animal care programs and six professional teams responsible for the wellbeing of a diverse collection of marine life. This executive role focuses on strategic leadership, collaboration across departments, and advancing conservation initiatives.

Reporting to the Chief Operations Officer, the VP will drive staff development, partnerships, and a forward-looking campus master plan, while upholding the Aquarium’s SALISH values and