Zoo Director

ISHE; Boise (ID); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Boise is seeking an accomplished executive to lead Zoo Boise, setting strategic direction and empowering a high-performing team. The Director will oversee operations, finances, facilities, and long-range planning while aligning with AZA accreditation standards and federal regulations.

Ideal candidates combine business acumen with zoo/aquarium operations experience, capable of building partnerships, guiding change, and translating vision into results for an institution focused on wildlife

Qualifications

• Leadership and communications experience at senior level in a zoo or similar institution.
• Strong business acumen and ability to translate vision into results.
• Experience with accreditation standards (AZA) and regulatory compliance.

Responsibilities

• Set strategic direction for Zoo Boise and lead long-range planning.
• Oversee operations, finances, facilities, and staff development.
• Foster trust, accountability, collaboration, and excellence across teams.
• Engage with partners, donors, and the Board to advance conservation education.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Budgeting and finance

Fundraising

Board management

People development

Education

Bachelor's in biological sciences or business management

Master's degree preferred

Job description

The City of Boise is seeking an accomplished, visionary executive to lead Zoo Boise into its next chapter. The Zoo Director will set strategic direction, elevate and empower a high-performing team, and foster a culture of trust, accountability, collaboration, and excellence.

This position oversees City of Boise and Friends of Zoo Boise staff, partners with the Friends Board of Directors, and provides leadership for operations, financial stewardship, facilities, and long-range planning. The Director will advance Zoo Boise's mission and strategic priorities while ensuring alignment with AZA accreditation standards and federal animal care regulations. Zoo Boise is deeply committed to excellence in animal care, meaningful conservation, and education that inspires people to value and protect wildlife.

The ideal candidate is a strategic and inspiring leader with strong business acumen, expertise in zoo or aquarium operations, and a demonstrated ability to develop people, lead through change, build partnerships, and translate vision into results.

Candidates must have a bachelor's degree in biological sciences, business management, or an equivalent field and at least five years of relevant leadership, animal biology, and business management experience in a zoo or aquarium of similar size.

This position works under administrative direction and is designated At-Will.

Required Knowledge, Experience, And Training

• Bachelor's degree in biological sciences, business management or an equivalent with knowledge
• Five years of experience in leadership, animal biology, and business management in a zoo or aquarium of similar size.

Knowledge of:

• Application and interpretation of laws and regulations related to the operation of a zoo or aquarium
• Municipal finance and budget management; fundraising best practices
• Principles and practices of public relations and marketing and non-profit management, including board management; animal husbandry construction of zoo exhibits
• Facilities management and operating within the larger zoo community and computer usage including related software

Ability to:

• Plan, organize and direct the activities of the city department division and non-profit organization
• Develop and implement short- and long-range plans and programs to support the organization's mission, goals and objectives
• provide leadership
• Communicate effectively in the English language at a level necessary for efficient job performance
• Perform all essential functions as assigned by an authorized employee, supervisor and/or manager with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Individuals must be capable of operating vehicles safely and have an acceptable driving record

Preferred Knowledge, Experience, And Training

• Master's degree in business management or biological sciences
• Eight years of proven leadership experience in an Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) accredited institution and/or
• Five years of experience in non-profit management with proven project management and fundraising skills

Licensing And Other Requirements

• Valid state-issued driver's license

Special Requirements

• Applicants must be able to pass: City of Boise background check processes which includes a criminal history check and reference checks in accordance with the City of Boise Hiring Process Regulation,Credit History Check,Driving Record Check,Education Verification
• Drug Free Workplace: In accordance with the City of Boise Drug Free Workplace Regulation, this position is designated as safety sensitive and is subject to testing requirements including Post Offer Applicant Testing, Random Testing, Reasonable Suspicion, Post - Accident, etc. Applicants will be required to submit to screening for illegal drug use prior to hire. Appointment to this position is contingent upon a negative pre-employment drug test.
• This position is required to qualify and maintain qualification standards to carry firearms.