Organization: The Racine Zoological Society

Location: Racine, WI, United States

Position: CEO/Executive Director

The Racine Zoo, located in Racine, Wisconsin, was established in 1923 by Jacob Stoffel, Jr. and for more than 90 years continues to provide recreation and education of the people, the conservation of wildlife and wild places, and the advancement of science.

The Racine Zoo is located on 28 beautiful acres near downtown Racine on the shores of Lake Michigan and is operated by the Racine Zoological Society (RZS). Currently, the Racine Zoo cares for approximately 100 different species of animals from Wisconsin and around the world, employs approximately 25 full and part-time people, and is the most visited cultural attraction in Racine County with more than 85,000 visitors per year.

One of only 225 accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, conservation and education play an active role at the Racine Zoo with programs offered for both adults and children, including programs with the Racine Unified School District. Conservation programs in which the Zoo participates include: Orangutan Species Survival Plan, FrogWatch USA, Seafood Watch, 96 Elephants, and many others.

Reporting Structure: The CEO/Executive Director reports to the Board of Directors

Operating Budget: $1.6 million annually

Number of year-round staff: 27

Compensation: Market base, health plan

Website: www.racinezoo.org Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/racinezoo Twitter: www.twitter.com/racinezoo

Job responsibilities: • Oversee all operating and administrative functions of the Racine Zoological Society (RZS) • Ensure compliance with standards of the profession and maintains all facilities and programs in compliance with AZA accreditation and applicable laws; stays abreast of and ensures compliance with state and federal regulations pertaining to zoological parks • Carries out the mission of the Zoo and provides strategic vision planning, implementation of capital campaign for Asian Apes exhibit and other future campaigns, establishes plans for RZS sustainability, directs the design and renovation of exhibits including the zoo master plan, provides plan for increase in revenue including admissions, memberships and corporate sponsorships • Oversees both annual and long range financial objectives and manages finances to achieve these goals; secures grant funding for capital, operational, educational and conservation activities; works with finance committee in development of annual budget that supports operating and capital plans to ensure the financial profitability of the Zoo; development and planning for endowment budget; submits monthly financial reports to Board of Directors • Attract, develop and maintain leadership team to achieve overall RZS goals and objectives; provide leadership to staff and volunteers who help at the Zoo; maintain and improve organizational polices including: reporting structure, job descriptions and duties, HR processes, salary reviews to ensure compliance with all laws, guidelines and ethical standards; create environment of professionalism, learning, trust and teamwork among staff and volunteers to ensure personnel perform at a top level • Champion the organization to the community by building relationships that help to grow and sustain the Zoo including those in: education, business, community groups, government and other organizations • Establish a positive working relationship with the Board of Directors and community at large; maintains effective communication with the board, City and County of Racine, stakeholders, business leaders, RZS members, media, the tourism community and relevant members of the zoology community • Oversee education and conservation activities including those currently in place and those in animal and plant conservation, species survival, research and animal husbandry; represents the RZS at selected local, state and national conferences, boards and committees that foster the betterment of the RZS mission • Improve Zoo grounds through cooperation with pertinent volunteer groups; oversee beautification of and maintenance of the property to foster pride in RZS within the community

Other Requirements:

The applicant must have excellent interpersonal skills that foster relationships with employees, volunteers, board members, stakeholders, members and community leaders.

The applicant must be able to motivate and inspire to achieve the goals of the RZS through a management style that fosters good communication, approachability, accountability and performance and creates an environment of excellence in all areas of RZS operations, including guest relations, animal care and personal performance.

The candidate must act as a liaison for the RZS at all times with community groups, government and business leaders, education leaders, and the zoological community.

Qualifications:

Education: Bachelor’s degree in zoology, biology or equivalent; Master’s degree highly desired. Leadership training (either didactic or experiential) in management, budgeting and fundraising is essential.

Experience: 5 years of demonstrated experience in zoo operations and managerial leadership in a complex small or medium size institution, or experience as assistant operations director/manager, or department executive at a larger institution; knowledge in animal management with large and exotic animal experience, general zoological park operations, successful fundraising and capital budget management, and verifiable ability to supervise a small to medium staff.

Current Curriculum Vitae with references can be sent to: Racine Zoological Society Attn: Executive Director Search 200 Gould Street Racine, WI 53402 262.636.9189

For more information, contact: Gregg A. Albright Racine Zoological Society, Board Chair 262.989.6432 mailto:[email protected]