Vice President & Deputy Director of San Diego Zoo Safari Park

Vice President & Deputy Director of San Diego Zoo Safari Park

Impact Our Mission

The Vice President and Deputy Director helps to craft and execute the vision for the San Diego Zoo Safari Park while supporting the team of directors. This position partners with outside agencies such as police, fire, and AZA as a critical part of the organization’s success. The Deputy Director reports to the Executive Director.

What You Will Do

• Collaborate with the Executive Director to craft and execute the vision for the San Diego Zoo Safari Park.
• Lead and direct the day‑to‑day operational excellence of the San Diego Zoo Safari Park.
• Develop and manage budgets for the entire organization to drive the highest possible financial contribution to the mission.
• Oversee deferred maintenance and capital budgets, including long‑term strategy, and partner with architecture and construction management teams on habitat creation and construction.
• Work with Risk Management, local law enforcement, and first responders as well as government agencies to assure readiness, safety and regulatory compliance, protecting the safety of guests, team and wildlife at all times.
• Act on behalf of the Executive Director as needed.
• Represent the organization in a wide range of settings including with government agencies, other zoos and aquariums, donors, interactions with guests, media and the general public.

What We Are Looking For

This position will be located and supporting the San Diego Zoo Safari Park in Escondido, CA.

Experience

• Minimum of 10 years of leadership experience with increasing responsibility.
• 10 years of experience in theme park, zoo, hospitality or related operations.

Education and Certifications

Business, recreation management, related field or equivalent job‑related experience preferred.

Skills and Knowledge

• Demonstrated ability to lead highly effective, diverse teams and influence key stakeholders.
• Able to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Able to operate moderately complex computer software programs.
• Able to prepare and deliver presentations to large audiences.

Benefits

• Free admission to the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park.
• Family passes.
• Complimentary tickets.
• Free parking at the San Diego Zoo & San Diego Zoo Safari Park.
• Local and in‑house discounts.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Wellness Program.

Important Details

Position Type: Salary, Full‑Time, Exempt Position.

Salary Range: $201,819 to $227,406.

The posted salary range represents the full compensation potential for this role over time. Initial hiring offers are typically made within the lower to mid portion of the range and are based on relevant experience, skills, qualification, internal equity, and organizational considerations. Placement near the top of the range is generally reserved for individuals who demonstrate sustained performance, growth, and expanded responsibilities over time.

Fraudulent Recruiting

Beware of fraudulent recruiting. Legitimate San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance contacts will use an {@code @sdzwa.org} email address. We do not request money, checks, equipment orders, or sensitive personal data during the recruitment process. San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance only conducts interviews via phone, Zoom, Teams, or in‑person.

If you have been asked for any of the above, or believe you have been contacted by someone posing as a San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance employee, please email e‑ If you feel that you have been the victim of fraud, please contact your financial institution(s) immediately.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected status.

If you require a reasonable accommodation to complete an application, please email your request to and provide the job title and location to which you are applying.

As a Federal Contractor, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is required to participate in the E‑Verify Program to confirm eligibility to work in the United States. We are not offering sponsorship for this position at this time.

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is a drug‑free workplace.

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