Chief of Staff - San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance

Chief of Staff

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is a nonprofit international conservation leader, committed to inspiring a passion for nature and creating a world where all life thrives. Empowering people from around the globe to support our mission to conserve wildlife through innovation and partnerships, we support cutting-edge conservation, and bring the stories of our work back to our two world-famous front doors the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park giving millions of guests, in person and virtually, the opportunity to experience conservation in action. The deep and extensive knowledge gained from more than a century of experience in wildlife care, health, veterinary services, nutrition and conservation makes us invaluable in the global effort to save species. Our team members play a crucial role in driving our conservation efforts forward and bringing us closer to a world where all life thrives.

How You Will Impact Our Mission

As a key member of the Executive Office, the Chief of Staff is responsible for supporting the effectiveness of the President & CEO and the overall impact of the organization. The Chief of Staff serves as a strategic advisor to the President & CEO, driving organizational priorities, ensuring operational excellence, and optimizing executive decision-making. This role requires leadership, cross-functional coordination, and the ability to anticipate challenges, align stakeholders, and execute complex initiatives with precision. This role also serves as the primary liaison to the SDZWA Board of Trustees. The position requires a deep understanding of the President & CEO's vision, priorities, and working styleand the ability to act strategically alongside or on their behalf. Success in this role depends on strong relationship-building skills, as well as fostering close, collaborative partnerships.

What You Will Do

Strategic Leadership & CEO Alignment :

• Ensure the CEO's time is strategically allocated, identifying priorities, tracking progress, and aligning efforts with key objectives.
• Support and direct CEO communications including speechwriting, presentations, messaging, and correspondence with individuals, the Board of Trustees, government officials, and key stakeholdersworking closely with the Communications team and Sr. Executive Assistant.
• Prioritize schedules, agendas, and workflows to ensure efficient and purposeful meetings.
• Drive strategic projects to improve organizational effectiveness.
• Streamline executive office operations in partnership with the Sr. Executive Assistant.
• Work closely and collaboratively with the COO and the Sr. Executive Assistant building and prioritizing workflows.

Lead Organizational Collaboration :

Board Liaison :

What We Are Looking For

Job Experience :

Education and Certifications :

Skills and Knowledge :

Some Of The Perks You Will Enjoy As A Team Member

Free admission to the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, Family Passes, Complimentary Tickets, Free Parking at the San Diego Zoo & San Diego Zoo Safari Park, Local and In-House Discounts, Employee Assistance Program, Wellness Program

Important Details

Location : San Diego, CA

Position Type : Salary Full-Time Exempt Position

Salary Range : $173,982 to $195,730

About The Salary Ranges Please note that the salary range mentioned in this job posting should serve simply as a guide. The final compensation offered may vary based on a variety of factors, including bonuses and / or incentives, or a candidate's experience and skills. San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is committed to providing a fair, equitable, and competitive package that reflects the value an individual brings to the organization.

Fraudulent Recruiting Beware of fraudulent recruiting. Legitimate San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance contacts will use an @sdzwa.org email address. We do not request money, checks, equipment orders, or sensitive personal data during the recruitment process. San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance only conducts interviews via phone, Zoom, Teams or in-person. If you have been asked for any of the above, or believe you have been contacted by someone posing as a San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance employee, please e-mail sdzwacareers@sdzwa.org. If you feel that you have been the victim of fraud, please contact your financial institution(s) immediately.

Be an ally for wildlife by joining our team! At San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, we thrive on celebrating our differences. Diversity is vital for the benefit of our team members, our guests, our community, and our wildlife. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other legally protected status. If you require a reasonable accommodation to complete an application, please email your request to sdzwacareers@sdzwa.org and provide the job title and location to which you are applying. As a Federal Contractor, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is required to participate in the E-Verify Program to confirm eligibility to work in the United States. We are not offering sponsorship for this position at this time. San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is a drug free workplace.