Join the Columbus Center for Wildlife Conservation as the Manager of Conservation Programming!

In this role, you will collaborate with global partners, lead impactful conservation initiatives, and engage communities through education and outreach. From developing strategic programs to representing the organization at national and international events, you’ll help advance our mission of empowering people and saving wildlife. If you’re ready to make a measurable difference for wildlife and habitats worldwide, we invite you to be part of our team.

Empowering People. Saving Wildlife.
Join the Columbus Zoo Family of Parks and support the Columbus Center for Wildlife Conservation (CCWC) in advancing impactful conservation initiatives. This role plays a vital part in building partnerships, engaging communities, and driving measurable outcomes for wildlife conservation.

Responsible for the coordination and maintenance of local, national, and international conservation programs including stewarding relationships with partners. 

Partnership & Program Development

• Work with VP of Columbus Center for Wildlife Conservation (CCWC) to develop and maintain relationships with partner organizations related to Columbus Zoo and The Wilds’ current and new signature conservation projects.
• Work with the VP of CCWC to evaluate, manage, and potentially expand current Partners in Conservation (PIC) initiatives.
• Apply PIC philosophy to other CCWC projects.
• Retain close contact with conservation initiatives and partner organizations, including identifying ongoing capacity and resource needs.

Project Monitoring & Reporting

• Monitor progress of all CCWC projects, including developing program reports.
• Work closely with the Manager of Conservation Impact and Measurement to develop logic models and measurable outcomes for all conservation programs.
• Maintain necessary records and statistics on programs for reports.

Community Engagement & Outreach

• Present engaging lectures relating to conservation at other zoos, schools, universities, social and business groups.
• Develop opportunities for the Columbus Zoo Family of Parks (CZFP) staff and volunteers to participate in active conservation work.
• Represent the Columbus Zoo Family of Parks at a variety of events, such as conferences, meetings, and community engagements.
• Develop conservation outreach program working cross-departmentally with other team members.
• Write brief conservation articles for general audiences within the Zoo or for the local community.
• Share speaker duties with the VP of CCWC and Impact Manager, when needed at CZFP facilities or in the community.

Operational Support & Sustainability

• Manage and organize photographic, video, and publication/materials related to and generated by field projects.
• Work with the Conservation Coordinator to plan and prepare resources for special events, meetings, presentations, and other activities related to increasing awareness of Zoo and Wilds conservation activities.
• Manage program budgets for sustainable and efficient financial operations.
• Implement sustainable practices in daily tasks whenever possible.
• Represent or accompany the VP of CCWC at meetings, field trips, and other activities when needed.
• Constantly strive to further the mission of the organization and avidly support the Columbus Zoo Family of Parks.

Education & Experience

• BA/BS in conservation, education, natural resources, animal related science required (equivalent experience and knowledge may be substituted for degree).
• Experience in developing and leading conservation programming in collaboration with partners.
• Experience creating logic models and program outcomes.
• Experience creating and managing program budgets.

Communication & Relationship Building

• Excellent and engaging verbal, oral, and written communication skills.
• Ability to develop and maintain cooperative working relationships with CZFP staff, volunteers, and conservation partners.
• Ability to provide excellent guest service by positively interacting with guests and upholding the guest service standards.

Travel & Scheduling

• Ability to travel nationally and internationally on an occasional basis (approximately 11–33%) to represent the Columbus Zoo Family of Parks (CZFP) at formal meetings, conferences, and lectures.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule including occasional evenings, weekends and holidays as needed.

Compliance & Operational Requirements

• Ability to plan and organize work in an efficient and cost-effective manner and without direct supervision.
• Ability to adhere to standard operating procedures including but not limited to safety protocols.
• Proof of negative TB screening prior to placement and annually thereafter.
• Possession of valid paperwork (i.e. Passport) to allow travel internationally.
• Possession of a valid state issued motor vehicle operator’s license and a good driving record required.
• Ability to adhere to the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium’s drug-free workplace policy including but not limited to pre-employment, random, post-accident, reasonable suspicion and follow-up treatment.
• Ability to successfully complete a criminal history background check annually.