Dana Brown President & CEO POSITION SPECIFICATION THE OPPORTUNITY

The Saint Louis seeks the next Dana Brown President & CEO (President, Chief Executive Officer, CEO) to lead the Zoo at a time of financial and operational strength, as well as great potential. The CEO will provide the vision and strategy to guide an organization already established as a frontrunner in conservation and visitor experience that draws nearly 3 million attendees annually and is the most-visited attraction in the region. As the world’s first municipally supported zoo, Saint Louis Zoo is also one of the few remaining that offers free admission to the public.

Guests love their time at the Zoo, with 97% of them rating their experiences as excellent or very good. Acknowledged as one of the top nine best by Travel + Leisure, the Saint Louis Zoo was voted the best zoo in the nation by USA Today in their Readers’ Choice Awards contest in 2018 and by Always Pets in 2021; it is ranked number four in the world by TourScanner; and, in 2017, TripAdvisor put the Zoo among the top six globally.

Position Specification: Dana Brown President & CEO 2 The CEO will be a leader with a global footprint, who builds on Saint Louis Zoo’s existing assets, spearheading all aspects of one of the world’s most important zoological parks and conservation organizations. The institution’s next leader will build on the organization’s highly credible position in a role that extends beyond the boundaries of the Zoo’s historic urban campus. The President will set the vision and strategic direction of the Zoo’s conservation efforts, exercising broad oversight of the Zoo’s global field conservation initiatives and participating in the WildCare Institute’s individual centers and programs. The Chief Executive Officer is also responsible for overseeing the development of the American Red Wolf Recovery Program at the Zoo’s breeding center in Franklin County in association with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. As such, the CEO will have an important platform from which to enhance public understanding, support through education and advocacy, and effect inspired and lasting change on a global level.

The organization has long excelled at connecting people to wildlife and nature, creating award-winning habitats that benefit the animals in their care and conserving animals to assure sustainable populations for the future. Their efforts are now positioned to be amplified. In 2018, St. Louis voters passed the historic Proposition Z, which allocated 0.125% of the county’s sales tax to the Saint Louis Zoo. This new tax augmented existing funds generated from property taxes and philanthropy, supporting essential infrastructure improvements on the original campus and facilitating the purchase of 425 acres in northern St. Louis County, as well as contributing to the future development and operational costs for the new campus.

Position Specification: Dana Brown President & CEO 3 The President will be responsible for the development and expansion of the Zoo’s two campuses, which will ultimately operate under one, shared mission. This farsighted leader will approach this initiative by actively anticipating future needs and laying the groundwork to facilitate operational best practices. Because the technology driving the comfort of guests constantly changes, the successful candidate will embrace the reality that continual improvement and modernization must be well planned and implemented. The Chief Executive Officer will reaffirm the Zoo’s commitment to the environment by prioritizing a holistic approach to sustainability in all future design and construction projects. Finally, and equally important, this inclusive visionary will aspire to welcome an expanded group of guests to the Zoo such that visitor demographics reflect the diversity of an expansive and ever-changing community.

On the original Forest Park campus, initiatives include developing the Zoo’s existing footprint, as well as growing the operation to include property adjacent to the campus, but outside the park. They currently own 13 acres directly across from the Zoo that generates revenue through its large, renovated parking structure. In the longer term, it will be possible to develop this property for parking and other visitor services. Moving parking outside of Forest Park will enable the Zoo to expand by developing its existing parking as exhibit space, facilitating the only possible enlargement of their public space in Forest Park.

Position Specification: Dana Brown President & CEO 4 Projected to open in 2026 as the Saint Louis Zoo WildCare Park, the new campus is in the community of Spanish Lake in an ideal location for the realization of a dream the Zoo and its leaders have held for nearly 50 years. The WildCare Park will be one destination where two journeys come together to move the needle on species conservation, merging public experiences at the Wildlife Adventure Park with critical conservation and research at the Kent Family Conservation & Animal Science Center. As a public facility, it will combine a safari experience with nature-based encounters, sending guests through herds of animals roaming wild over grassy meadows and through native forests, which will be explorable via ground trails or high in the canopy. The Kent Family Conservation & Animal Science Center will allow conservationists to work to sustain populations of , conduct research, and engage in applied conservation programs fundamental to the Zoo’s wildlife conservation efforts. Collaborating closely with the WildCare Park Director, the President will play a leadership role in the fundraising, development, and opening of this transformative campus.

Under the direction of its future chief executive and as articulated in their strategic plan, “Connect. Create. Conserve.,” Saint Louis Zoo aims to grow as a leader in animal welfare, guest experience, wildlife conservation, conservation education, sustainable operations and design, and workplace and volunteer satisfaction, aligning communications plans and technological improvements to support these objectives while ensuring sustainable growth. By achieving the goals set out in the strategic plan, the Zoo will serve as a model for and will advance animal care and welfare, while creating experiences specifically designed to connect people with animals in a profoundly emotional way so that they are inspired to become conservationists.

Position Specification: Dana Brown President & CEO 5 THE ORGANIZATION

SAINT LOUIS ZOO BEGINNINGS Saint Louis Zoo traces its origin to the 1904 World’s Fair, hosted in St. Louis. The Smithsonian Institution had commissioned a flight cage for the fair, which was purchased by St. Louisans to keep in their city. The popularity of the flight cage inspired civic leaders to build a zoological garden—what would become the first municipally supported zoo in the world. The of St. Louis was established in November 1910 and, in 1913, legislation was signed that created a Zoological Board of Control, giving it authority over more than 70 acres of Forest Park. Although much has changed in the time since the Saint Louis Zoo was first established, the Zoo’s mission remains amazingly similar to the ideals expressed by its founders. An early booklet from the Saint Louis Zoo lists the following objectives: to establish and to co-operate with the City of St. Louis in maintaining a zoological park for the instruction and recreation of the people; to exhibit wild animals under favorable conditions; to encourage zoological research; to increase public interest in wild animals; and to secure better protection of wild animal life, by educational methods.

Position Specification: Dana Brown President & CEO 6 SAINT LOUIS ZOO IN THE 21ST CENTURY Guided by the mission nearly unchanged since its founding, the organization has received global recognition for its innovative approaches to animal care and management, wildlife conservation, research, and education. One of the most important goals of the Saint Louis Zoo is to educate its visitors, instilling wonder for the natural world and respect for the environment. Since all living organisms exist in bio-communities made up of different plants and animals, the Zoo has prioritized creating a more realistic, natural experience for their animals, as well as an exciting and engaging one for Zoo visitors. These immersive and mixed-species exhibits provide an interactive and dynamic experience for humans and animals alike, and the animals benefit from enrichment through species interactions. Visitors learn from observing these interactions and enjoy increased activity levels in the exhibits, improving guest experience and helping turn attendees into conservation advocates.

River’s Edge was the Saint Louis Zoo’s first immersion exhibit with naturalistic environments that illuminate how animals such as rhinos and hippopotamuses live in the wild; this opened to the public in 2002. The following year saw the unveiling of Penguin and Puffin Coast, a cold and rugged coastline and bay where penguins, puffins, and water birds fly, dive, and swim. The Mary Ann Lee Conservation Carousel also opened in 2003. Depicting protected and endangered species that can be seen at the Saint Louis Zoo, it provides an entry point to engage children about the need for conservation. In 2004, current President Dr. Jeffrey Bonner established the Zoo’s endowment and the WildCare Institute was founded to create a sustainable future for wildlife and the human populations that coexist with animals globally. That same year, the centennial of the World’s Fair was commemorated with a dramatic transformation of the 1904 flight cage into the Edward K. Love Conservation Foundation Cypress Swamp, an immersive exhibit that showcases 20 species of North American birds that thrive along the Mississippi River and helps visitors appreciate local environments and animal species. That same year, the Saint Louis Zoo was named the #1 zoo in America by Zagat Survey.

Position Specification: Dana Brown President & CEO 7 The following year, the Donn and Marilyn Lipton Fragile Forest opened, giving orangutans, chimpanzees, and gorillas a new lushly landscaped outdoor summer habitat that highlights for visitors the complex social behaviors and personalities of these great apes. In 2007, the LEED Silver Certified Orthwein Animal Nutrition Center commenced operations; this high-tech center distributes 46,000 pounds of hay, 14,000 pounds of fresh produce, and 17,000 pounds of fish and meat monthly. A gift from the Dana Brown Charitable Trust named and endowed the top position at the Saint Louis Zoo in 2008, the first time that such a position had been endowed and one of five positions currently endowed at the Zoo. In 2009, Stingrays at Caribbean Cove opened, allowing guests to touch and marvel at stingrays and sharks.

The Zoo’s centennial in 2010 was celebrated with the interactive exhibit Zootennial, sharing the organization’s history and impact with visitors. The following year, the Saint Louis Zoo Institute for Conservation Medicine was established to ensure a healthy future for people and animals through a holistic research approach. 2012 saw the acquisition of the 13.5-acre Forest Park Hospital site, the addition of a wooded sanctuary for the Zoo’s elephants, and the opening of the Judy and Jerry Kent Family Sea Lion Sound. Sea Lion Sound combines the popular Sea Lion Basin and Sea Lion Show in a 1.5-acre exhibit inspired by the landscape of the Pacific Northwest. In addition to wondering at the sea lion’s natural abilities during shows, the Holekamp Aqua tunnel allows visitors to walk through an underwater tunnel into the sea lions’ habitat to see the animals swimming all around them—the first exhibit of its kind in North America. The Emerson Zooline Railroad, the nation’s largest miniature rail line, celebrated 50 years of giving rides in 2013, the same year the Zoo opened the Monsanto Educational Gallery to help children make connections to nature. The following year was a big one for the River’s Edge area; in 2014, the Andean Bear Range, Purina Painted Dog Preserve, and Robert & Kathy Williams Sun Bear Forest all debuted to the public.

Position Specification: Dana Brown President & CEO 8 One year later, Kali the polar bear arrived to inhabit the new $16 million, 40,000-square-foot McDonnell Polar Bear Point exhibit; the cutting-edge habitat transitions from sea to coastline to land and features an arctic cave room with an expansive glass viewing wall where visitors can see Kali swim in the 50,000-gallon Polar Dive Pool. That same year, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) awarded the Saint Louis Zoo top scientist and international conservation honors. Saint Louis Zoo was voted America’s Top Free Attraction by 10Best.com in 2016. The Centene Grizzly Ridge exhibit opened the following year, renovating the bear exhibits to lead in conservation and animal care best practices. The $11.1 million state-of-the-art habitat provides approximately 7,000 square feet of outdoor space, which features a large freshwater wading pool, waterfall and stream, climbing and back-scratching rocks, a variety of substrates, and other features to stimulate the bears mentally and physically, as well as more than 3,300 square feet for behind-the- scenes operations. That same year, the organization was voted Best Zoo by 10Best.com and the Missouri State Legislature paved the way to allow for the legislation that would become Proposition Z. The proposition passed in 2018, facilitating the purchase of the 425-acre property that will be home to the Saint Louis Zoo WildCare Park. The WildCare Park Director was hired the following year and strategic planning was conducted for both campuses. 2019 was also a banner year for births at the Zoo; 5,260 vertebrate and invertebrate babies were born that year alone. One ongoing initiative is the completion of the Primate Canopy Trails, for which $13.7 million has already been raised. Slated to open this year, it will give the Zoo’s primates access to the outdoors, strengthen conservation efforts, and create an immersive, treetop visitor experience.

Today, the more than 100-acre original campus of the Saint Louis Zoo is home to in excess of 13,000 animals representing 555 distinct species and the Zoo is poised to be home to many more as the WildCare Park project proceeds. Saint Louis Zoo is a member of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) and has been accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums since 1977. The AZA evaluates accreditation every five years; Saint Louis Zoo was most recently accredited in 2019.

Position Specification: Dana Brown President & CEO 9 CONSERVATION AND EDUCATION

From creating engaging visitor experiences that inspire citizens to become advocates for wildlife to research and field work, conservation and education are continuously at the center of the Saint Louis Zoo’s work, which is dedicated to not only the animals in their care, but also their wild counterparts.

The Zoo’s field conservation branch, the Saint Louis Zoo WildCare Institute, collaborates with partners across the world to help the animals and communities that are the most vulnerable. They work with conservation partners to create a sustainable future, following the three pillars that guide their efforts: wildlife management and recovery, conservation science, and support of the human populations that coexist with wildlife. The WildCare Institute is comprised of 17 centers and 14 programs on six continents, each of which is focused on particular animals and habitats that need help. Some recent initiatives include the Botswana Center for African Painted Dogs, the Center for Asian Elephant Conservation, the Center for the Conservation of Ecuadorian Herpetofauna, and the Asian Turtle Conservation Program. Closer to home, the American Red Wolf Program will invest approximately $2 million to create a dozen breeding areas in a more than 300-acre facility. In another local initiative, the Zoo met a milestone in animal care and conservation with the reintroduction of 90 pairs of American burying beetles to their natural habitats at Taberville Prairie in 2019. The same year, 1,326 of Missouri’s official state endangered species, the hellbender, were released into Missouri rivers.

With an ever-increasing focus on health, both human and animal, around the world, the Saint Louis Zoo Institute for Conservation Medicine continues to play a crucial role. Saint Louis Zoo also participates in the AZA Species Survival Plans, a program focused on helping protect and restore animal populations. Whether here at home or on the other side of the world, the conservation efforts of the Saint Louis Zoo continue to unite people and animals in ways that benefit our entire global community.

Through contact with animals and a focus on education, Saint Louis Zoo inspires wonder of animals and their habitats, provides an engaging learning environment, and creates a passion for conservation in guests and participants. Educational programs are designed to help individuals and families of all ages and abilities learn through experience, involvement, and discovery. Because a belief in the need for conservation can start at any age, the Zoo offers a range of programs for preschool students to adults and everyone in between.

Position Specification: Dana Brown President & CEO 10 COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY

Understanding that an organization cannot advocate for the preservation of the Earth’s without championing and cherishing social diversity, the Saint Louis Zoo is deeply committed to diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion (DEAI).

The next president shall provide continuing leadership for the Zoo’s commitment to a culture of diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion in its community life and across its offerings. From ensuring a supportive and equitable experience for the roughly 33% of the workforce (both full-time and part-time) that belongs to a minoritized group, to creating a welcoming experience for every visitor, the Saint Louis Zoo community strives to promote a fairer and more just world. The CEO will be a leader in both word and action by promoting the values of equity and inclusion in all institutional areas while embracing this priority and advancing programs and initiatives to build on this legacy for sustainable and long-term impact.

Zoo colleagues participate in monthly meetings that bring racial equity into focus, examining systemic and historical injustices locally and nationally, as well as the structure of racism in science and conservation. Building on a culture already committed to DEAI, the Zoo community continues to invest in these efforts and recently completed an all-staff climate assessment. The organization’s passion is reflected in these results and affirms the aspiration of building an organization that fully reflects the diversity of the community served. Finally, the strategic plan confirms an organization-wide commitment to championing diversity beyond the Zoo’s campus, celebrating friendship with communities around the world that coexist with wildlife.

For more information about the Saint Louis Zoo, please visit www.stlzoo.org.

Position Specification: Dana Brown President & CEO 11 MISSION AND VALUES

MISSION The Saint Louis Zoo conserves animals and their habitats through animal management, research, recreation, and educational programs that encourage the support and enrich the experience of the public.

Their work is guided by the three keys:

Animals Always: The care and protection of the Zoo’s animals, the conservation of their species, and the preservation of the wild places where they exist are the driving forces of all organizational activities.

People Matter: The Saint Louis Zoo cares for and about people: staff, volunteers, visitors, and partners.

Operational Excellence: The Zoo’s success as a mission- driven organization depends on their ability to achieve and sustain business excellence.

CORE VALUES Community: They create a healthy work community through their actions, attitudes, values, and ethics.

Creativity: The Saint Louis Zoo supports the power of new, creative, and innovative ideas.

Openness: They share information freely and proactively.

Integrity: Members of the Zoo community are truthful; they accept responsibility for their actions and hold each other accountable.

Life-Work Balance: The Saint Louis Zoo supports wellness, stability, fulfillment, and enjoyment in their community’s professional and personal lives.

Position Specification: Dana Brown President & CEO 12 GOVERNANCE AND FINANCIAL HEALTH

The Saint Louis Zoo is a tax-supported political subdistrict of the State of Missouri. As such, the Zoo is a government agency and has restrictions on how it raises and spends money. In the late 1960s, a group of civic leaders combatted a diminished city tax base by proposing the establishment of a new Metropolitan Zoological Park and Museum District (Zoo-Museum District or ZMD), whereby the citizens of St. Louis County would join the citizens of the City of St. Louis in supporting three cultural institutions— Saint Louis Zoo, Saint Louis Art Museum, and Saint Louis Science Center (Missouri Botanical Garden and Missouri History Museum were later added)—through a property tax.

Voters in the city and county overwhelmingly approved the establishment of the ZMD in 1971. Through the Zoo-Museum District, the community thus supports the Saint Louis Zoo as a world-renowned attraction, free to all, in this unique public- private partnership. The Metropolitan Zoological Park and Museum District is governed by an eight-member Board of Directors, four appointed by the Mayor of St. Louis and four appointed by the County Executive. Appointments are on a four-year rotation; each January 1st the terms of one County Board member and one City Board member expire. Fifty- seven citizens have served on the Zoo-Museum District Board of Directors. The ZMD Board members act as stewards of the tax dollars collected for the ZMD and distributed to member organizations.

The institutions funded through the ZMD are independently governed. The Missouri State Legislature established the St. Louis Zoological Park Subdistrict Commission as the Zoo’s governing authority. As such, the Commission provides fiduciary and management responsibility for the well-being of the Zoo, as well as the ultimate responsibility for fulfilling the Zoo’s mission. The St. Louis Zoological Park Subdistrict Commission has ten members, five of whom reside in the city and five who reside in the county. Nominations come from within the Commission and are subject to approval of the Mayor and County Executive.

Position Specification: Dana Brown President & CEO 13 The Zoo operates from a healthy financial position and is poised for future growth and success. Saint Louis Zoo’s annual revenues have been increasing, dedicating more funds to operations year over year while simultaneously building financial reserves from the endowment and portfolio.

In response to the COVID‐19 pandemic, the Zoo closed to the public on March 16, 2020, and reopened on June 13, 2020, with limited capacity and operational changes to enhance guest and employee safety. In order to allow guests to practice good social distancing, the Zoo required free, timed‐ticket reservations to enter the premises and masks or face coverings were required for all Zoo guests and staff. Despite the shutdown, quality care to the more than 13,000 animals in the collection had to continue at an exceptional level. In excess of 800 donors stepped up and $450,000 was raised through the Critical Animal Care Fund. In this time defined by a new normal, the Zoo has not wavered from its dedication to conserving animals here and around the world.

Despite the headwinds posed by the pandemic, annual revenue in 2020 was just over $91 million, with $72.2 million in expenses. In 2020, the ZMD tax generated more than $24 million and the Proposition Z sales tax provided in excess of $20 million in funding. Operating revenue accounted for more than $27 million, this includes retail, parking lot, attractions, membership, and fundraising; restricted contributions made up almost $7 million; and the investment portfolio generated $13 million. The Zoo’s community continued to show its care for the organization throughout 2020, contributing as members and donors during the temporary closure in 2020 and subsequent reopening at limited capacity. This allowed the Zoo to retain 95% of staff during an unprecedented moment in time.

The 2021 operating budget assumes that the current COVID‐19 capacity limitations and operational changes will remain in effect for some portion of the year, with Zoo management moving forward conservatively yet optimistically. For 2021, expenses are projected to be $72.7 million and the Zoo anticipates revenue of $76.9 million.

Further detail may be found in the Zoo’s audited financial reports.

Position Specification: Dana Brown President & CEO 14 The Saint Louis Zoo also has a partner, the Saint Louis Zoo Association, which is dedicated to raising funds in support of the Zoo’s mission. The Association is a private, nonprofit organization whose volunteer, 90-person Board is made up of business and community leaders. They work with the Zoo to provide leadership for membership, annual, partnership, major, planned, and capital gifts, as well as fundraising, public and donor events, and public affairs.

In 2020, the Association raised nearly $21 million from private philanthropy, with approximately $13.4 million in major gifts, $4.5 million from planned gifts and bequests, $2.4 million derived from the Marlin Perkins Society/annual giving, $1.1 million in partnership gifts, and $1.6 million generated by events, as well as other giving categories. The Association Investment Portfolio currently stands at $135 million, featuring the endowment of $95.3 million (including both restricted and unrestricted funds) and a sunny day fund/cash reserve portfolio of $40 million.

The new CEO will assume leadership at a time of great opportunity. The Living Promise Campaign officially concluded on December 31, 2014, and exceeded its $120 million goal at $134 million. With additional or subsequent charitable gifts to support campaign projects, the Zoo ultimately secured commitments totaling approximately $150 million.

Currently, the Saint Louis Zoo is planning for a comprehensive capital campaign. This campaign will focus on securing gifts to support the Saint Louis Zoo, the Saint Louis Zoo WildCare Park, and the endowment.

Position Specification: Dana Brown President & CEO 15 At the Saint Louis Zoo, leadership will completely reimagine the former Children’s Zoo area into a new experience featuring close, positive encounters with animals and their caretakers that engender empathy for animals and nature, resulting in conservation action. Premier, innovative animal habitats will develop strong cognitive connections via multisensory intimate animal and staff experiences featuring various kinds of animal families. Plus, new state-of-the-art adjacent educational programming spaces with incorporated technology and animal habitats will engage children and their families on topic-specific curricula. Further, the Zoo would like to undertake a renovation of the Red Rocks, Big Cat Country, and the East Concession Stand area into an immersive, multisensory, individualized exploration of animal life threatened with across groups of endangered biomes and their connections to humans. Each guest will gain a personal understanding of their role in biodiversity by being surrounded by animals from endangered grasslands, threatened forests, and mountain biomes.

The WildCare Park will be a powerful force for species conservation by inspiring visitors to become conservation advocates and facilitating research that will increase the Zoo’s global impact. To accomplish this, the WildCare Park will merge a public attraction—including a safari, exhibits, and attractions—and critical conservation and research at the Kent Family Conservation & Animal Science Center, working to save species locally, nationally, and globally. The creation of the WildCare Park will be transformational to the Zoo as an organization, the North County community, and the St. Louis region.

In addition to these large capital efforts, the Zoo will also focus on growing and strengthening the endowment to help fund education, conservation, research and general operations.

The Zoo has hired the firm CCS Fundraising, leading experts in campaign and development strategy, to conduct a feasibility study and development readiness audit, and those plans are underway.

Position Specification: Dana Brown President & CEO 16 LOCATION

Situated at the confluence of the Mississippi and Missouri rivers, St. Louis boasts big city amenities with the family-orientation, easy access, and friendliness of a small town. Residents enjoy St. Louis’ many free attractions, fine cuisine, blues music, and nightlife. Long a cultural crossroads, the Gateway to the West has storied architecture and is home to beloved major-league teams. With diverse food, music, and shopping, the city has personality all its own while retaining a low cost of living. St. Louis provides a wealth of job opportunities from one of the many major companies that have headquarters or offices in St. Louis, in addition to nurturing a growing start-up scene.

Decades of intentional renewal and revitalization have created a historic city in the heart of the Midwest that is still on the rise. It has a population of approximately 300,000 and is part of a bi-state metropolitan area with more than 2.8 million. As such, Illinois and its closest cities are just minutes away.

Community engagement is ingrained in the culture—St. Louis has been named America’s Most Charitable City by Charity Navigator and has since appeared on their list of most charitable cities. The Saint Louis Zoo community actively engages and benefits their home city, from their direct and indirect impact to tourism and visitor spending. The Zoo’s staff are involved as residents, employees, and community volunteers and the Zoo continually works to be an essential part of the cultural fabric of the City and County of St. Louis.

Position Specification: Dana Brown President & CEO 17 POSITION CONCEPT AND KEY RELATIONSHIPS

The Saint Louis Zoo seeks an experienced, results-oriented Chief Executive Officer who will provide strategic leadership in shaping the future direction of the Zoo as a global leader in conservation and a world-class destination. The President will be a dynamic, visionary, collaborative leader who will build on past strength, while fostering an ambitious path forward.

Working with the St. Louis Zoological Park Subdistrict Commission, this executive will have broad management and operational oversight, assuring proper execution of all long-range and short-term plans affecting this complex and sophisticated organization. The President will ensure excellence in the quality of the visitor experience, as well a high standard of care for the entire living collection. The CEO will actively demonstrate and represent the Zoo’s mission of conserving animals, while enriching the public’s experience and instilling a passion for conservation through education and recreation.

Reporting to the Chair of the Board of Commissioners of the St. Louis Zoological Park Subdistrict Commission, this adept professional will head an organization with 421 year-round full-time employees and 963 seasonal employees. The CEO will be expected to lead staff with an elevated level of emotional intelligence that promotes both collective and individual contributions at the highest level.

The CEO currently manages the Chief Financial Officer; the Saint Louis Zoo Director; the Saint Louis Zoo WildCare Park Director; the Senior Vice President, External Relations; the Vice President, Architecture and Planning; the Vice President, Internal Relations & General Counsel; as well as an Executive Assistant. The CEO has additional support from the Strategic Operations Group, a stable leadership team that includes the President’s direct reports and three who report to the Zoo Director including the Director, Facilities Management; the Vice President, Animal Collection; and the Vice President, Business Operations.

Finally, the Zoo has a roster of more than 1,800 volunteers who support the overall mission, working from a place of passion and purpose. The Zoo’s ambassadors, docents, interns, externs, and tour guides represent a diversity of backgrounds, with some contributing as individuals and others through their employers. From educating visitors, giving tours, and assisting with wayfinding around the Zoo to helping with special events, the gift shop, or first aid, Saint Louis Zoo volunteers participate in countless programs that make the work of the organization possible. These important stakeholders create additional leverage by extending the impact of the workforce, contributing in excess of 100,000 hours of service annually.

Position Specification: Dana Brown President & CEO 18 ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Under the direction of the St. Louis Zoological Park Subdistrict Commission and working closely with the Strategic Operations Group, the CEO is responsible for the following essential functions:

• Provide leadership for all of the day-to-day operations and aspects of the Saint Louis Zoo and Saint Louis Zoo WildCare Park. Develop organizational policies and procedures that help shape the vision and direction of the institution.

• Craft a vision, articulate a mission, and develop specific strategies for success. Play a leadership role in operationalizing the vision by articulating long-term strategies, as well as annual goals and objectives. Unite and inspire staff, trustees, members, and key stakeholders around achievable goals. Reinforce a sense of shared purpose throughout the institution. Foster communication and • Attend all volunteer leadership meetings (Board of collaboration so that diverse parts of the organization feel Commissioners meetings, Saint Louis Zoo Association valued and are recognized for their contributions. meetings, various committee meetings) and work closely with volunteer leadership to keep them apprised of all • Help drive and define institutional programming. significant aspects of the Zoo’s operations. Ensure that the Zoo’s stature as a vibrant and influential cultural destination is constantly enhanced. Develop • Work closely with the ZMD Board of Directors and meet nationally recognized exhibits, innovative education when requested or scheduled to discuss Zoo operations. programs, and conservation and research initiatives that make a genuine difference for wildlife in areas of critical • Work collaboratively with the heads of all the ZMD need. Maintain the highest standards of care for the cultural institutions on a regular schedule to discuss and institution’s plant and animal collection. brainstorm on common issues amongst the organizations.

• Lead the Saint Louis Zoo’s Strategic Operations Group, the • Ensure that resources are adequate to achieve the Zoo’s senior management team. The Strategic Operations institution’s stated goals. Work with staff to increase Group meets on a weekly basis. This group develops and revenues from current sources including earned income; directs the strategic vision of the organization and helps charitable giving; income from federal, state, and coordinate and influence the daily operations of the Zoo. local governments; and from endowments. Develop and pursue new opportunities for revenue growth. • Coordinate governmental relations and board relations. Foster continued and improved relationships with • Spearhead fundraising activities by galvanizing trustees, government officials at all levels. Attract greater volunteers, and staff. Ensure that there is an active engagement and support at the local, state, and federal balance between earned revenue efforts and the overall levels for the Zoo’s work. Inform, motivate, and invigorate quality of the visitor experience. the Board and other support groups.

Position Specification: Dana Brown President & CEO 19 • Promote and facilitate the Zoo’s tradition of cutting- edge conservation and scientific leadership. Leverage the institution’s work through strategic alliances with appropriate partners at the local, regional, national, and international levels. Coordinate in situ and ex situ research and conservation efforts to maximize impact.

• Enhance public recognition and visibility. Create a strong public identity by developing branding strategies that drive marketing. Strengthen the connection between the Zoo and the City and County of St. Louis, and extend the Zoo’s impact beyond the immediate region.

• Responsible for institutional communication efforts as they relate to the entire general public. This includes defining the communication policies of the organization and crafting the institutions’ image as it relates to our various relevant publics. Serve as the Zoo spokesperson to the media on many zoo-related topics.

• Together with the Zoo’s Development Department, lead fundraising initiatives including project-specific initiatives as well as capital campaigns.

• Together with the Zoo’s Finance Department, be responsible for preparing and managing the annual budget.

• Work with a wide variety of external agencies and companies, including CITES, Species360, CBSG, and other national and international conservation organizations; the federal, state, and local governments; major • Serve as final approver or arbiter of the overall corporations and businesses; foundations; and sponsors. administrative aspects of the Zoo, including but not limited to, performance reviews, disciplinary issues, purchasing • Actively participate in the industry’s governing paperwork, travel approvals, etc. associations such as AZA, WAZA, etc. Serve in leadership roles within those organizations as required • Help to make the Zoo one of the best places to work, (for example, serving on the Board of the AZA). serve, and volunteer in the world.

• Travel extensively to present at external conferences and • Serve as the Zoo’s ambassador to the St. Louis serve as the Zoo’s ambassador around the world. community, as well as the global community.

Position Specification: Dana Brown President & CEO 20 CANDIDATE QUALIFICATIONS

As the public face of the organization, the CEO must possess and project the utmost integrity and highest standards of conduct, and must be an individual qualified by accomplishment and experience to exercise the leadership of a capable, collegial, and motivated group of professionals.

We seek an individual willing to make a meaningful commitment to the Saint Louis Zoo and to the local community as an engaged and immersed citizen. This conservation champion will be committed to using their platform and community position to advocate for all aspects of protecting wildlife and the environment. While no one candidate will meet all the desired criteria, the successful candidate will bring most of the following qualifications and attributes:

• Saint Louis Zoo’s next President & CEO will be an energetic, • Brings a clear focus on enhancing and strengthening existing solutions focused, and entrepreneurial leader with a minimum programs in order to ensure and advance the Zoo’s brand of 10 years of progressively responsible management proficiency. and mission, while possessing the creativity, vision, and While executive level experience gained in a large zoological business acumen to augment and develop revenue streams. park or wildlife setting working with a significant and diverse This includes a commitment to leveraging Saint Louis Zoo’s animal collection would be an asset, it is not required. The position as the leading tourist attraction in the region and successful candidate will be knowledgeable about scientific to advancing community presence to maximize impact. and conservation issues with a marked appreciation of the importance of zoos and community engagement. • This civic leader will understand the nuances of successful public-private partnerships, embracing the Zoo’s role as a public • An enjoyment of and demonstrated skill in fundraising, organization with global conservation goals that authentically business development, and external affairs is vital. The serves and is supported by the St. Louis community. Zoo’s next leader must be a talented public communicator capable of instilling passion for a cause and relating to a wide range of equally important audiences. Actions and decision-making will demonstrate emotional intelligence, transparency, compassion, and authenticity.

• Proven management expertise gained in an organization celebrated for providing an exemplary guest experience would be of interest. The President will serve as a role model for staff and lead in a hands-on manner, utilizing a shared leadership approach. An appreciation for and proven understanding of the nuances of profitable recreational facility operation is also fundamental to achievement in this position. This executive will also have a demonstrated record of success with capital projects.

Position Specification: Dana Brown President & CEO 21 • The successful President will be an advocate for diversity, • A visible, accessible, and empathetic leader who possesses equity, accessibility, and inclusion with a history of impactful superb and tested management skills. Must be able to action that creates an inclusive environment and promotes train, mentor/develop, and motivate a diverse and highly diversity in visitors, staff, and volunteers, reflecting the capable staff. Actively creating connections that encourage demographics of the region and the global workforce. open and honest communication with all, the CEO In addition to spearheading organizational initiatives, must excel at developing and sustaining close, effective this executive will encourage community discussion and working relationships with senior staff and Board members engagement around diversity and equity issues and will on matters of interdisciplinary, institutional concern. be a thoughtful spokesperson and sophisticated voice on issues of access, representation, and social justice, broadly. • While the Zoo is not seeking a “technologist,” they do want a leader who is sufficiently competent with digital • Possesses the aptitude to organize work, provide clear direction, technology and its attendant issues to ask the right delegate accountability when appropriate, and manage questions, give appropriate guidance, and ensure that performance for a broad range of important organizational decisions positively benefit the Zoo’s operations. This functions. This executive will have an enthusiastic, community- individual will play a range of roles from adviser to strategist. minded, and team-centered approach focused on achieving results. • This savvy communicator must be adaptable and open such • This CEO will guide the Zoo’s development team to excel that they can work with varied stakeholders and have a proven at attracting philanthropic support, which is central to the ability to follow through with constituents. Resolves issues advancement of the organization’s mission. The new President and conflicts with diplomacy, exercising tact in dealing with will be expected to demonstrate progressively responsible sensitive, nuanced, and confidential issues and situations. experience in major gift fundraising and play a key role in identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major gift • Conducts business with candor and sincerity to maintain prospects and donors. Leadership will be expected to make a the highest ethical and moral standards. compelling case for continued support, as well as empower the existing team to achieve a successful capital campaign.

Position Specification: Dana Brown President & CEO 22 EDUCATION

The successful candidate will hold a bachelor’s degree, with a master’s degree preferred, in areas related to key aspects of operations: education, biology, facilities management, business administration, or design. PROCESS

The St. Louis Zoological Park Subdistrict Commission has retained Shelli Herman and Associates, Inc., an executive search firm, to assist in this search. Inquiries, nominations, and applications should be directed to the search firm; all contact will be held in the strictest confidence.

A review of applications will commence immediately. Applications received by July 19, 2021, will be given priority. Interested individuals are encouraged to submit their credentials as soon as possible for full consideration. Complete applications should be submitted electronically via email and should include: a cover letter that articulates a commitment to the mission and outlines relevant experience tied to the job description, and a current resume reflecting all work experience from college forward. CONTACT

Shelli Herman, President Krista Haley, Associate Shelli Herman and Associates, Inc. Shelli Herman and Associates, Inc. 11693 San Vicente Blvd., Suite #104 11693 San Vicente Blvd., Suite #104 Los Angeles, California 90049 Los Angeles, California 90049 Office: (800) 396-0595 ext. 5 Office: (800) 396-0595 ext. 7 E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected]

For more information about our firm, please visit our website at: www.shellihermansearch.com

Position Specification: Dana Brown President & CEO 23