Chief Communications and Engagement Officer

About the Position

To Apply

Please submit your resume and a thoughtful cover letter to Susannah Sallin, Search Consultant to Non-Profits at apply@sallinsearch.com with “Chief Communications and Engagement Officer” noted in the subject line. We will respond to all applicants. No calls, please.

The salary range for this role is budgeted at $180,000 to $200,000 annually.

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The Chief Communications and Engagement Officer is a newly created position at the Zoo that joins the senior leadership team in driving forward strong execution of strategy at all levels of the organization, working hands-on to ensure alignment across departments. This position is a close thought partner to the CEO, with the unique opportunity to shape the future of the Zoo for decades to come. Bringing a track record of active listening, humility, collaboration, and optimism, the Chief Communications and Engagement Officer serves as an organizational integrator who connects work streams. The Chief Communications and Engagement Officer implements new strategies to engage Zoo leaders and external partners in the process of defining and executing strategic goals and objectives, including delivering on the current strategic plan.

A natural consensus-builder, the Chief Communications and Engagement Officer is comfortable with ambiguity and has the persistence to drive processes and decision making forward through collaboration and dedication. Managing a cross-functional team of 10+ direct reports across revenue (development, membership, and admissions), learning and engagement, communications and marketing, the Chief Communications and Engagement Officer provides exceptional coaching and development to their team. This role boldly leads the Zoo into the future, leveraging significant organizational strengths including:

· Solid brand recognition and strong reputation as a 102-year-old anchor community institution

· A state-of-the-art, 17,000 square-foot Veterinary Hospital designed to accommodate all current and future animals at Oakland Zoo as well as visiting rescues

· Strong partnerships with wildlife agencies to accept, rehabilitate, and rehome wildlife rescued from the illegal and exotic pet trade. To date, we have cared for over 25 mountain lions, 35 California condors, eight bears, and more than 600 frogs from three different yellow-legged species

· Numerous awards and accolades such as: Top 27 Best Zoos in the US (U.S. News & World Report), 24 Best Zoos in the US (TimeOut), Best Zoo Exhibits - California Trail (USA Today Readers' Choice), Best Zoo or Aquarium (Parents Press Magazine)

· Accreditation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) since 1988 and close collaboration with animal welfare and advocacy organizations

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Administration

Department

Manager:

Year-Round

Full-Time

$180,000 to $200,000 annually

Application Deadline:

Benefits

Our employees take PRIDE in our values of being Positive, Respectful, Inquisitive, Driven and Effective members of a team who places the care of our animals, stewardship of the natural environment, and the experience of our guests at the forefront of all that we do.

Oakland Zoo offers a comprehensive benefits package including: health insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, flexible spending account, retirement plan, paid time off, employee assistance program, and a complimentary Family Zoo Membership. It is anticipated this hybrid role will be on-site 3-4 days per week in person and work 1-2 days remotely as needed. The salary range for this role is budgeted at $180,000 to $200,000 annually.

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Apply

Essential Job Duties

Strategy Development and Leadership

Strategy and Planning

· In partnership with other members of the senior leadership team, the Board, and additional key stakeholders, develop and execute the overall elements of the strategic plan for the Oakland Zoo including revenue, brand, and community strategies

· Together with the CEO, Chief Financial and Administrative Officer and VP, Revenue, provide leadership for institutional revenue stream planning and strategy for annual budgeting and long-range planning

Cross Functional Collaboration

· Recruit, mentor, and support a diverse team of professionals to achieve exceptional results across marketing, revenue (admissions, membership, development), and learning and engagement

· Utilize systems thinking approaches to develop and lead formal processes for decision making at the leadership team level and across the organization

· Convene and align stakeholders from across teams to achieve progress on key inter-departmental goals

· Actively interpret and manipulate data to inform decision making and leverage various technological tools to optimize cross-team collaborations

· Diligently seek opportunities for professional development, acting as a coach and sounding board and serving as an organizational role model in cultivating a culture of high expectations and support

· Inform strategy to develop diverse and inclusive volunteer opportunities that drive programmatic success, guest engagement, and philanthropy; support Board and Board committees as needed

Revenue and Marketing Leadership

Strategy and Planning

· Develop overall marketing, communications, and media engagement strategy to elevate Oakland Zoo’s brand, values, and mission while aligning department staffing and contractors

· Provide leadership on all messaging, talking points for organizational marketing and communications across channels, striving to build a stronger Oakland Zoo brand; ensure consistency in messaging across Zoo-wide communications including education and conservation

· Support VP, Revenue in advancing Admissions and Membership pricing strategy, aligning with accessibility goals and marketing and communications strategy

· Partner with the VP, Revenue to develop annual and multi-year goals, plans and strategies to diversify and increase donor base and philanthropic support through a comprehensive multi-year development strategy including oversight of campaigns

Partnerships and Community Engagement

· Develop and oversee learning and engagement strategy to engage Zoo guests through programs, events, and services aimed towards increased family, school, and community engagement

· Work with the CEO and external partners to develop and identify key policy areas that impact Oakland Zoo and its broader community

· Build relationships with major stakeholders and constituencies, including the media, corporations, community groups and schools, governmental representatives, community leaders and other key influencers to serve as critical advocates and ambassadors for Oakland Zoo

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Who You Are

Please don't hesitate to apply even if you don't meet all ideal qualifications — we value diverse perspectives and are committed to fostering growth within our team.

Key Qualifications

· 10+ years of experience managing teams with increasing leadership responsibility including five or more years experience serving as a mentor to team members

· Broad knowledge of external relations, marketing and communications, and strategy development best practices with track record of creating and identifying opportunities for growth and development to inform decision making

· A strong systems thinker with the ability to anticipate, analyze, and interpret complex problems, achieving sustainable, creative solutions through active listening and facilitation of productive discussion across differing viewpoints

· A demonstrated commitment to continuous learning and change management through the use of data to inform development of new strategies, best practices, and sound decision-making that promotes equity, inclusion, and teamwork

· Outstanding listening and communication skills and willingness to consider all possible stakeholders who might have insight or who might be affected—positively or negatively—by a proposed change; ability to ask the right questions and consider all possible answers, taking the time to experiment to find the answers

· Demonstrated skills in sound fiscal management including budget preparation, analysis, reporting and ongoing oversight to meet goals, as well as long-term growth planning

· Well versed in crisis management, including the quick assimilation of large volumes of complex material and speedy development and execution of plans in collaboration with others

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Nice to Have

· Knowledge of conservation, education, environmental sustainability and/or animal wellbeing is highly valued

· Working with a broad range of stakeholders to build a welcoming and inclusive Zoo

experience

· Certifications in leadership, systems thinking, nonprofit management, or business are a plus

· Strong background in corporate partnerships and/or government relations helpful (but not required)

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Required Education

Knowledge, Skills, and Qualities

May be representative, but not all-inclusive, of those knowledge, skills and abilities commonly associated with this position.

Who We Are

The Oakland Zoo (managed by The Conservation Society of California) is an award-winning facility stretching 100 acres and overlooking the city of Oakland atop the hills of beautiful Knowland Park. Our mission: Oakland Zoo deepens connection with animals, saves wildlife, and inspires champions for the natural world. As an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), The Zoo is part of the largest conservation organization in the nation. Our employees take PRIDE in our values of being Positive, Respectful, Inquisitive, Driven and Effective members of a team who places the care of our animals, stewardship of the natural environment, and the experience of our guests at the forefront of all that we do.

Oakland Zoo’s Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Access

We believe that all people should have safe access to the Zoo and culturally relevant and responsive experiences with our staff, programs, and curriculum. The Oakland Zoo is also striving to create an equitable and inclusive internal culture where all staff members feel represented and valued for their identities and lived experiences. We examine how power, bias, race and other aspects of identity impact our organization. We work to build a culture of continuous learning and improvement toward a vision of equity and belonging for all staff. We are looking for team members who can actively join us in this process. We are committed to reflecting the diverse community in which we exist and strongly encourage people of color, LGBTQ+ identifying folks, and women to apply.

Equal Opportunity Employment

The Conservation Society of California is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status, marital status or other characteristics protected by law. The Conservation Society of California also promotes respect for all people and will not tolerate harassment based on any of these characteristics.