Job Description

GENERAL SUMMARY

Lincoln Park Zoo inspires communities to create environments where wildlife will thrive in our urbanizing world. The zoo is a leader in local and global conservation, animal care and welfare, learning, and science. A historic Chicago landmark founded in 1868, the not-for-profit Lincoln Park Zoo, is a privately-managed, member-supported organization and is free and open 365 days a year. Visit us at lpzoo.org.

Lincoln Park Zoo is seeking a full-time Director to lead its Animal Welfare Science Program. This program takes a strategic, science-driven approach to advancing animal welfare and maximizing positive outcomes for animals in our care and beyond. Reporting directly to the Senior Vice President, the Director will provide visionary leadership and oversee all aspects of the program’s operations. This includes strategic visioning in collaboration with senior leadership, implementation and evaluation of program activities, integration with animal care, scientific oversight, authoring scientific publications, managing scientific staff, budgeting, public speaking, engaging with donors, maintaining leadership within the AZA community, and collaborating with the zoo’s accredited sanctuary and animal advocacy partners. This position is in-person a minimum of 3 days per week; fully in-person preferred.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• In alignment with the zoo’s strategic plan, leads the development and implementation of objectives for the Animal Welfare Science Program by identifying priorities and creating plans to ensure successful outcomes
• Research experience or interest in: Capacity building and tool development; understanding the human-animal influence; impact of choice and agency on animals, and advancing welfare science of understudied species.
• Builds and maintains collaborative relationships with internal and external partners to advocate for science-based practices in policy and legislation
• Supervises and supports the team, including Ph.D.-level scientists, a research assistant, and interns, fostering professional development and scientific growth
• Prioritizes, supervises and conducts research that serves to advance scientific understanding of animal welfare across taxa
• Collaborates with animal managers and care staff to co-develop and implement research that generates actionable knowledge regarding animal welfare at Lincoln Park Zoo.
• Recruits, mentors, and develops staff, students and volunteers to build capacity in the design and execution of rigorous animal welfare research.
• Manages program budgets, ensuring responsible financial oversight and alignment with strategic priorities
• Ensures efficient and effective on-grounds data collection by trained volunteers in the ZooMonitor program
• Ensures timely data analysis and dissemination of information that can support animal management decisions to continue advancing animal welfare
• Ensures the establishment, implementation and regular review/revision of animal welfare assessment protocols as required by AZA
• Disseminates research findings through scientific publications and presentations
• Disseminates and translates research findings in an accessible manner to zoo staff from various departments including Animal Care and Horticulture, Learning, Conservation and Science, and Development
• Delivers presentations to general audiences, including donors and the public, to promote awareness of animal welfare science and zoo initiatives
• Partners with the Development Department to secure funding in support of the Animal Welfare Science Program, including drafting grant proposals, meeting with donors, attending events, and preparing reports
• Serves on institutional committees such as the Research Committee, IACUC, and others
• Tracks and summarizes program activities, outcomes, and impact for internal and external reporting
• Encouraged to serve on the AZA Animal Welfare Committee to maintain national leadership in animal welfare
• Encouraged to hold adjunct or faculty appointments at local academic institutions to foster education and research collaborations

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Performs other duties as required. May be called on to substitute for other staff at the zoo during temporary absences by performing specified duties and responsibilities necessary to maintain continuity of operations and similarly performing duties of direct reports or coworkers, if required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES

• PhD in Psychology, Biology or closely related scientific discipline, with a strong record of peer-reviewed research.
• Demonstrated leadership in developing and delivering strategic, goal-driven scientific programs.
• Strong emotional intelligence and ability to convene scientists with animal management and keeper teams around shared goals
• Experience supervising and mentoring scientific staff, with a commitment to collaborative and inclusive team culture.
• Advanced knowledge of animal welfare assessment, behavioral research methods, and data analysis.
• Familiarity with and interest in animal advocacy, policy and/or legislative efforts
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to engage diverse audiences—from scientific peers to zoo staff, donors, and the public.
• Proven ability to build partnerships, navigate differing perspectives, and advocate effectively for science-based animal welfare practices.
• Skilled in budget management, grant writing, and strategic planning in support of program sustainability and growth.

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

A Ph.D in the biological sciences or a related field (Psychology, Physiology, Biology, Animal Behavior, Veterinary Sciences or other)

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

A minimum off 5 years conducting relevant research and directing independent research programs at a management level required.

Note: A comparable combination of education, experience or training that would provide the level of knowledge, skills and ability required may qualify an individual

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to work at computer for long periods of time
• Ability to traverse zoo grounds
• Ability to stand for stretches of time for year-round data collection in a variety of environments, including public spaces and behind-the-scenes
• Ability to publicly address audiences of varying sizes

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Available to work special events that may occur outside of regular work schedule, including evenings, weekends or holidays, as assigned

OUR PROMISE

Lincoln Park Zoo is committed to an environment that is inclusive and welcoming. We celebrate the diverse qualities, perspectives, values, and experiences of all people. For Wildlife. For All.

LINCOLN PARK ZOO BENEFITS

In addition to such standard benefits ( Blue Cross Blue Shield) as medical, dental, vision, life, and disability coverages, and a 403(b) savings plan with an institutional match, benefits of working at the zoo include (benefits are for regular full time employees):

• Free admission to many other Chicago cultural institutions
• Free on-site parking anytime with access to Lincoln Park, Lakeshore Trail, and North Avenue Beach
• Discounts on event tickets (free admission to select events), attractions, dining, and retail at the zoo
• Quarterly staff mingle events and “LPZooU” training and educational sessions about the zoo, wildlife, ecology, and related subjects
• Company contribution to Health Savings Account (Medical PPO only)
• A working environment with green spaces and regularly available visits with wildlife!

Salary: $85k-100k

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