Vice President of Animal Care

With a mission to inspire conservation of the ocean, the Monterey Bay Aquarium (the Aquarium) is the most admired aquarium in the United States, a leader in science education, and a voice for ocean conservation through comprehensive programs in marine science and public policy. Everything we do works in concert to protect the future of our blue planet.

Founded in 1984, the Aquarium is known for our focus on local and global research and conservation efforts, excellence in exhibits and educational programs, and animal husbandry techniques. Frolicking sea otters, fast-swimming sharks, pulsating jellies and waddling penguins – the Aquarium’s world-class exhibits and breathtaking scenery instill a love of the ocean in their visitors. With nearly 2 million visitors a year and over 200 exhibits and 80,000 plants and animals, the Aquarium is a window to the wonders of the ocean.

Scientists at the Aquarium are rebuilding sea otter populations, transforming fisheries and aquaculture around the world, and working to protect California’s ocean. Our policy experts are moving the needle on legislation to address climate change and end plastic pollution. The Aquarium’s Seafood Watch team is shifting the global marketplace to make seafood more sustainable.

Education is a top priority at the Aquarium. Since 1984, more than 2.5 million students have visited for free. Our life-changing teacher and youth development programs are helping young people find their voices as ocean conservation leaders and will ensure a healthy future for the ocean.

The Monterey Bay Aquarium has taken a strong, public stance and made a significant investment in promoting diverse voices in ocean science and conservation. For too long, Black people, Indigenous people, and people of color, as well as LGBTQIA+ people, have been underrepresented in marine science and conservation fields.

The Vice President of Animal Care is a visionary leader who champions the highest standards of marine life well-being, scientific excellence, and conservation impact. This role drives the strategic development of our Animal Care Division, inspiring a culture of continuous learning, innovation, and collaboration. The ability to work closely with your colleagues in education, conservation & science, exhibitions, and guest experience will be critical to succeeding in this role. Working together is the only path to fulfilling our mission to inspire conservation of the ocean.

This role is an extraordinary opportunity to shape the Aquarium’s animal care programs, ensuring that they reflect the organization’s values, uphold the highest standards of welfare, and inspire both our team and our guests. The VP will work cross-functionally with leaders across the organization, ensuring that all programs align with the Aquarium’s long-term strategic plan and its mission to inspire conservation of the ocean.

Core Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Divisional Management

Lead the Animal Care Division through comprehensive strategic planning, divisional goal-setting, and administration of a $12M+ budget. Supervise key department directors, fostering a culture of excellence, continuous learning, and professional development across Dive Programs, Collections, Veterinary Services, and Husbandry Operations.

Living Exhibit & Aquarium Innovation

Lead the development of dynamic and compelling living exhibits, in close collaboration with Exhibitions, with an emphasis on scientific accuracy, superlative aesthetic standards, and the highest standards of animal wellbeing practices. Partner with cross-functional teams to support a world-class and transformative guest experience that aligns with conservation goals, cutting edge and innovative animal care discoveries, and scientific advancement.

Scientific & Organizational Integrity

Maintain rigorous accreditation standards, agency compliance permits and licensing, and animal wellbeing, human safety, and exhibit protocols. Lead and participate in critical institutional committees, ensuring the highest levels of scientific accuracy, ethical animal management, and research oversight.

Cooperation & Engagement

Develop strategic partnerships with marketing, conservation and science, education, exhibitions, and guest experience teams to amplify our public engagement, scientific communication, and conservation impact. Support research initiatives, including critical programs like sea otter rehabilitation and MBARI collaborations.

Equity & Belonging Leadership

Champion a workplace culture of belonging, trust, and continuous growth. Promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility principles throughout the Animal Care Division and institution-wide, creating an environment that attracts and develops exceptional talent.

Additional Required Duties and Responsibilities

• Co-Chair of the Animal Welfare Committee
• Co-Chair of the Research Oversight Committee
• Chair of the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee
• Member of the Diving Control Board

Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate will have the following professional and personal qualities, skills, and characteristics :

Preferred, but not required :

Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience. The salary range for this role is $210,000 - $260,000 with a generous benefits package. The exact salary that will be offered to the Vice President of Animal Care will be determined based on a consideration of the successful candidate’s skills, experience, and geography and aligned with Monterey Bay Aquarium’s compensation policies.

Contact

Koya Partners l Diversified Search Group has been exclusively retained for this engagement, which is being led by Erin Reedy and Christy Farrell. Submit a compelling cover letter and resume by filling out our Talent Profile. All inquiries are strictly confidential.

Monterey Bay Aquarium is an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourages applications from people of color, persons with disabilities, women, and LGBTQ+ applicants.

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