Community Executive Director

4 weeks ago


Calgary AB, Canada World Association of Zoos and Aquariums Full time

Chief Executive Officer- Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo
Posted: 10 May 2024 | Full time | Calgary, Canada
The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo (“WICZ”), a renowned institution that aspires to capitalize on its unique position to influence conservation on a global scale, seeks an innovative, visionary, and courageous Chief Executive Officer. Since its founding, the Calgary Zoo has been educating generations of visitors about the need for conservation locally while also pursuing innovative conservation action that goes beyond its gates, the province of Alberta, and Canada. With the launch of the Wilder Institute in 2021, a bold conservation organization was born, specifically dedicated to research-based, collaborative work that engages local people and governments to influence policy and advance global conservation practices. This is an exceptional opportunity to lead a world-class zoo and revolutionary conservation organization in redefining approaches to saving endangered species across the world.
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) reports to the Board of Directors and provides strategic leadership to the two arms of this vibrant organization- the Wilder Institute and the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo. Conservation and Sustainability, Engaging Others, and Inspiring Change, and Care for Endangered and At-Risk Species. The opportunity for the new CEO will be to define the pace of change and strategic plans to continue to evolve the delicate balance between the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo’s conservation ambition and operating a world class Zoo. Supported by a committed and accomplished board and exceptional leadership team, the CEO will be positioned to make a significant impact in defining what it means to be a modern conservation organization and zoo.
The new CEO must be an experienced and agile leader who is passionate about the mission of the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo and especially driven by the conservation mission that underpins all endeavors across the organization. The CEO will champion the work and mission of WICZ externally, on local, national, and global stages, and strategically position the organization to achieve the growth in conservation impact to which it aspires. Additionally, the CEO will work with the talented team at the Zoo to continue to nurture a world-class guest experience and maintain exceptional animal welfare for the over 100 species for whom the Zoo is home. While proven leadership and management experience in a renowned, accredited zoo or aquarium would be an asset, it is not required. The CEO must be an agile leader, adept at working within a complex organizational structure.
Experience with non-profit governance, including success leading in an organization governed by a Board of Directors.
Track record of building and sustaining innovative partnerships and working with diverse stakeholders, including community members, public officials, and professional colleagues.
Political savvy and experience working with public officials at the local, province/state, and national levels.
Outstanding demonstrated skills in team building and staff development.
Strong team-building skills with an ability to mentor and motivate as well as to delegate, inspire, and empower others to succeed.
Proven track record building and supporting diverse, equitable, accessible, and inclusive organizations.
Passion for conservation and for the leadership role of zoos worldwide in its pursuit.
Strong emotional intelligence and communication skills to work effectively with the full range of constituents.
Imagination, intelligence, gracious self-confidence, good humor, caring attitude, and a high level of energy. Lead the transformation of Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo into a preeminent national and international conservation organization
This already strong reputation provides a solid foundation on which to elevate its scope and influence and for this organization to achieve its full potential of reach and impact. The launch of Wilder Institute in 2021 set the stage for a novel paradigm shift whereby two entities across one organization work in concert together on the critical issue of conservation. The Calgary Zoo’s track record as a world- class zoo with strong animal care, conservation success, and effective messaging serves as a solid foundation to further leverage and expand WICZ’s unique conservation programs and global advocacy. Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo enjoys a solid financial position, achieved through successful fundraising, strong visitation, and other revenue-generating activities. The organization has historically benefited from the engaged community of donors in Calgary, who have provided significant support. The new CEO will build on this momentum as an eager and able part of the advancement operation. The Zoo is already a beloved institution in the Calgary community and has experienced growth in visitorship, recognition, and influence in recent years. Its reputation for world-class animal welfare, as well as its role as an integral community cultural institution, provide a stable foundation for which all growth and reach will build. The CEO will capitalize on this foundation, strategically and diligently supporting the talented leadership and staff in delivering on these expectations. The CEO will ensure that the Calgary Zoo maintains its record as a world-class facility whose infrastructure, staff, exhibits, programs, and services are efficiently and effectively run. Ultimately, the CEO will maintain the Calgary Zoo as a place that appeals to visitors, volunteers, students, and collaborators as exciting sources of education, inspiration, and joy.
It is vital that the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo leadership and staff be supported in an environment that honors their unique backgrounds through an intentional culture of equity and inclusion. The new CEO will exemplify these values and work to ensure internal and external initiatives are designed to support inclusion. This consists of recognizing the importance of First Nations, on whose land the organization operates, and engaging with indigenous populations in building and unfolding conservation initiatives worldwide. The World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) is the global alliance of regional associations, national federations, zoos and aquariums, dedicated to the care and conservation of animals and their habitats around the world.



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