Director of Engagement and Entertainment
Association Of Zoos & Aquariums, Denver, CO, United States
Director of Engagement and Entertainment
Denver ZooConservation Alliance (DZCA)is a leader in animal care, wildlife conservation, and education. We are passionate about our commitment to excellence in support of our mission of Inspiring Communities to Save Wildlife for Future Generations.
DZCAhonors our animals, staff, and guests by conducting ourselves at the highest level of integrity through our Core Actions -- Inspire Awe: Safety, Care, Connect, and by embracing our Core Values of: Welcoming, Curious, United, Courageous, and Transformative in all that we do.
The Director ofEngagement and Entertainmentadvances DZCA’smission and goals byshaping how guests emotionally connect with wildlife and conservation through personal engagement, immersive storytelling, live interpretation, entertainment, events, and technology-enabled experiences. The Director of Engagement and Entertainment leadslargeteams of interpretive, entertainment, and audio-visual/technology professionals, providing strategic direction for onsite interpretation, seasonal experiences, public programs, and traveling exhibits. This ensures thatexperiences are fun, inclusive, accessible, mission-driven, and financially sustainable.
Our team is made up of passionate and diverse professionals dedicated to providing excellent care for our animals while creating meaningful experiences for our guests. Ifyou'reexcited to contribute your skills in a collaborative and innovative environment, DZCAis the place for you!
Essential Duties and Responsibilities Vision and Strategy
Collaboratively, develop and steward a multi-year vision and strategic roadmap for guest engagement, entertainment, interpretation, and immersive experiences across campus.
Define how DZCA creates moments of connection, joy, curiosity, and empathy, translating mission and values into engaging guest-facing experiences.
Ensure engagement strategies align with broader organizational priorities, campus planning, operating calendars, and major milestone celebrations.
Staff Leadership and Development
Lead, coach, and develop large teams of interpretive,event, and AV/technology professionals,fosteringa collaborative and inclusive environment that supportsprofessional growthand innovative thinking.
Build scalable team structures, training pathways, and performance expectations that support both daily operations and long-term innovation.
Review department organization to ensure staffing levels, schedules,and staffing structure provide for the organization's standard operations.
Program Direction and Leadership Engagement, Interpretation, and Storytelling/Mission Connection
Lead the strategic direction for onsite interpretation, emphasizing immersive, interactive, and curiosity-driven storytelling.
Ensure conservation messages are delivered in ways that arefun,accessible, emotionally resonant,culturally relevant, andappropriate fordiverse audiences.
Partner cross-functionally to align interpretive content with animal care, conservation science, education, and brand voice.
Events, Seasonal Experiences, Traveling Exhibits
Create and oversee a multi-year strategy for signature events, seasonal programs, and traveling exhibits, balancing guest experience excellence with revenue optimization.
Identify, evaluate, and develop novel and unique engagement concepts that drive visitation, repeat attendance, and community connection.
Collaborate with Audience Development, In-park Revenue, Operations, Belonging, Communications leaders, and external partners to ensure events and exhibits are operationally sound, financially viable, and guest-focused.
Technology and Audio Visual
Set vision for audio-visual, interactive, and immersive technologies, ensuring experiences are multi-sensory and seamlessly integrated into the guest journey.
Ensure A/V operations strategically support the Zoo’s mission and enhance the guest experience by aligning technology and staff talent.
Accessibility and Audience Reach
Oversee the development ofa diverse portfolio of public programs that engage a wide range of audiences, ages, abilities, and backgrounds.
Ensure programs and experiences are designed with accessibility, inclusion, and cultural relevance at the forefront.
Use guest feedback, attendance data, and evaluation insightsto evolve offerings and expand audience reach continuously.
Other Responsibilities and Duties
Otherassistance, asdesignatedbymanager, to support the overall goals of the department and organization. DZCA retains the right to add or change duties and/or responsibilities at any time.
Acts as a good steward of the DZCA's resources.
This position will interact with managers at all levels and staff members across the organization, in addition to members of external organizations.
The nature of this position requires safeguarding against the release of confidential and proprietary information of DZCA.
Job Requirements and Experience
4-year degree inInterpretation/Education,Hospitality/Tourism,Experience Design, Non-Profit Management,or Theater/PerformingArtspreferred, or in a related field, or any equivalent combination of education and/or experience.
Requiresaminimum of7 years’experience inpublic engagement, guest experience, interpretation, entertainment, program development, event production,and/or experiential design.5+yearsof progressiveleadershipexperiencemanaging large teams (20 or more staff),multi-disciplinary programs, budget,and strategy,and cross-departmental initiatives.Experience working in a high-volume attraction such as an amusement park, zoo, aquarium, museum, or science center is preferred.An equivalent combination of professional experience,lived experience, and/orspecial skillsthatdemonstratethe ability to successfully perform the role will also be considered.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Demonstrated ability to design and lead large-scale guest engagement strategies that combine live interpretation, entertainment, storytelling, and immersive experiences to create memorable, mission-driven connections between audiences, wildlife, and conservation.
Expertisein developing and managing diverse public programs, seasonal events, traveling exhibits, and technology-enabled experiences that enhance guest satisfaction, advance conservation messaging, and support earned revenue goals.
Proven ability to lead and inspire multidisciplinary teams, including interpretive staff, entertainers, and audiovisual/technology specialists, while collaborating across departments to deliver cohesive, inclusive, and high-quality guest experiences.
Proven computer skills,includingproficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, are required.Experience withpoint-of-sale systems, CRM platforms, and AV control systemsispreferred.
Requires exemplary collaboration, organizational skills, written and oral communication skills, attention to detail, andtheability to prioritize work and tasks.
Requires adaptability to produce and meet deadlines in a fast-paced,multi-tasking,and changing environment, and the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Must have superior negotiation skills and the ability to handle sensitive information with diplomacy.
Must be a recognized communicator and considered to be a developer, coach, and mentor who is comfortable working with a broadcross-sectionof people in direct and matrixed relationships.
Experience developing and executing strategic goals preferred.
Certification or professional training from the National Association for Interpretation(NAI),such as CertifiedInterpretive Planner, CertifiedInterpretiveManager, Certified Interpretive Guide preferred.Certified SpecialEventsProfessional(CSEP) or equivalent event production certification preferred.IBCCES or comparablesensory-inclusive experience certification preferred.
Position Conditions
Ability to pass a background check and pre-employment drug and alcohol screen
Schedule Availability:Expectation to work a 5-day work week with regular availability to work weekends, evenings, and holidays, time off planned with notice.
Work Location:Onsite
Compensation Range for thisposition is$7,969to $9,961monthly.
A Truly Wild Workplace with Competitive Benefits Joinour team andenjoy a wide variety of great benefits, including:
Comprehensivemedical, vision, and dentalcoverage
403(b) Retirement Accountwith employer match
Generouspaid time off: vacation, sick leave, personal days, and holidays
AFamily DZCA Membershipwith discounted tickets tospecial events
Concession and retail discounts,plusfree parking
Andso much more!
Application Process and Timelines Application Deadline:March 27, 2026.Review of applications will beginimmediately. DZCA reserves the right to close the position before this date.
Denver ZooConservation Allianceis an Equal Opportunity Employer Denver ZooConservation Allianceis an Equal Opportunity Employer, and all qualifiedapplicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protectedstatusor any other characteristic protected by law.
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DZCAhonors our animals, staff, and guests by conducting ourselves at the highest level of integrity through our Core Actions -- Inspire Awe: Safety, Care, Connect, and by embracing our Core Values of: Welcoming, Curious, United, Courageous, and Transformative in all that we do.
The Director ofEngagement and Entertainmentadvances DZCA’smission and goals byshaping how guests emotionally connect with wildlife and conservation through personal engagement, immersive storytelling, live interpretation, entertainment, events, and technology-enabled experiences. The Director of Engagement and Entertainment leadslargeteams of interpretive, entertainment, and audio-visual/technology professionals, providing strategic direction for onsite interpretation, seasonal experiences, public programs, and traveling exhibits. This ensures thatexperiences are fun, inclusive, accessible, mission-driven, and financially sustainable.
Our team is made up of passionate and diverse professionals dedicated to providing excellent care for our animals while creating meaningful experiences for our guests. Ifyou'reexcited to contribute your skills in a collaborative and innovative environment, DZCAis the place for you!
Essential Duties and Responsibilities Vision and Strategy
Collaboratively, develop and steward a multi-year vision and strategic roadmap for guest engagement, entertainment, interpretation, and immersive experiences across campus.
Define how DZCA creates moments of connection, joy, curiosity, and empathy, translating mission and values into engaging guest-facing experiences.
Ensure engagement strategies align with broader organizational priorities, campus planning, operating calendars, and major milestone celebrations.
Staff Leadership and Development
Lead, coach, and develop large teams of interpretive,event, and AV/technology professionals,fosteringa collaborative and inclusive environment that supportsprofessional growthand innovative thinking.
Build scalable team structures, training pathways, and performance expectations that support both daily operations and long-term innovation.
Review department organization to ensure staffing levels, schedules,and staffing structure provide for the organization's standard operations.
Program Direction and Leadership Engagement, Interpretation, and Storytelling/Mission Connection
Lead the strategic direction for onsite interpretation, emphasizing immersive, interactive, and curiosity-driven storytelling.
Ensure conservation messages are delivered in ways that arefun,accessible, emotionally resonant,culturally relevant, andappropriate fordiverse audiences.
Partner cross-functionally to align interpretive content with animal care, conservation science, education, and brand voice.
Events, Seasonal Experiences, Traveling Exhibits
Create and oversee a multi-year strategy for signature events, seasonal programs, and traveling exhibits, balancing guest experience excellence with revenue optimization.
Identify, evaluate, and develop novel and unique engagement concepts that drive visitation, repeat attendance, and community connection.
Collaborate with Audience Development, In-park Revenue, Operations, Belonging, Communications leaders, and external partners to ensure events and exhibits are operationally sound, financially viable, and guest-focused.
Technology and Audio Visual
Set vision for audio-visual, interactive, and immersive technologies, ensuring experiences are multi-sensory and seamlessly integrated into the guest journey.
Ensure A/V operations strategically support the Zoo’s mission and enhance the guest experience by aligning technology and staff talent.
Accessibility and Audience Reach
Oversee the development ofa diverse portfolio of public programs that engage a wide range of audiences, ages, abilities, and backgrounds.
Ensure programs and experiences are designed with accessibility, inclusion, and cultural relevance at the forefront.
Use guest feedback, attendance data, and evaluation insightsto evolve offerings and expand audience reach continuously.
Other Responsibilities and Duties
Otherassistance, asdesignatedbymanager, to support the overall goals of the department and organization. DZCA retains the right to add or change duties and/or responsibilities at any time.
Acts as a good steward of the DZCA's resources.
This position will interact with managers at all levels and staff members across the organization, in addition to members of external organizations.
The nature of this position requires safeguarding against the release of confidential and proprietary information of DZCA.
Job Requirements and Experience
4-year degree inInterpretation/Education,Hospitality/Tourism,Experience Design, Non-Profit Management,or Theater/PerformingArtspreferred, or in a related field, or any equivalent combination of education and/or experience.
Requiresaminimum of7 years’experience inpublic engagement, guest experience, interpretation, entertainment, program development, event production,and/or experiential design.5+yearsof progressiveleadershipexperiencemanaging large teams (20 or more staff),multi-disciplinary programs, budget,and strategy,and cross-departmental initiatives.Experience working in a high-volume attraction such as an amusement park, zoo, aquarium, museum, or science center is preferred.An equivalent combination of professional experience,lived experience, and/orspecial skillsthatdemonstratethe ability to successfully perform the role will also be considered.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Demonstrated ability to design and lead large-scale guest engagement strategies that combine live interpretation, entertainment, storytelling, and immersive experiences to create memorable, mission-driven connections between audiences, wildlife, and conservation.
Expertisein developing and managing diverse public programs, seasonal events, traveling exhibits, and technology-enabled experiences that enhance guest satisfaction, advance conservation messaging, and support earned revenue goals.
Proven ability to lead and inspire multidisciplinary teams, including interpretive staff, entertainers, and audiovisual/technology specialists, while collaborating across departments to deliver cohesive, inclusive, and high-quality guest experiences.
Proven computer skills,includingproficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, are required.Experience withpoint-of-sale systems, CRM platforms, and AV control systemsispreferred.
Requires exemplary collaboration, organizational skills, written and oral communication skills, attention to detail, andtheability to prioritize work and tasks.
Requires adaptability to produce and meet deadlines in a fast-paced,multi-tasking,and changing environment, and the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Must have superior negotiation skills and the ability to handle sensitive information with diplomacy.
Must be a recognized communicator and considered to be a developer, coach, and mentor who is comfortable working with a broadcross-sectionof people in direct and matrixed relationships.
Experience developing and executing strategic goals preferred.
Certification or professional training from the National Association for Interpretation(NAI),such as CertifiedInterpretive Planner, CertifiedInterpretiveManager, Certified Interpretive Guide preferred.Certified SpecialEventsProfessional(CSEP) or equivalent event production certification preferred.IBCCES or comparablesensory-inclusive experience certification preferred.
Position Conditions
Ability to pass a background check and pre-employment drug and alcohol screen
Schedule Availability:Expectation to work a 5-day work week with regular availability to work weekends, evenings, and holidays, time off planned with notice.
Work Location:Onsite
Compensation Range for thisposition is$7,969to $9,961monthly.
A Truly Wild Workplace with Competitive Benefits Joinour team andenjoy a wide variety of great benefits, including:
Comprehensivemedical, vision, and dentalcoverage
403(b) Retirement Accountwith employer match
Generouspaid time off: vacation, sick leave, personal days, and holidays
AFamily DZCA Membershipwith discounted tickets tospecial events
Concession and retail discounts,plusfree parking
Andso much more!
Application Process and Timelines Application Deadline:March 27, 2026.Review of applications will beginimmediately. DZCA reserves the right to close the position before this date.
Denver ZooConservation Allianceis an Equal Opportunity Employer Denver ZooConservation Allianceis an Equal Opportunity Employer, and all qualifiedapplicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protectedstatusor any other characteristic protected by law.
#J-18808-Ljbffr