1

Zoo Manager Salary Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Zoo Hospital Manager is responsible for administrative and practice management for the ... Position Type/Expected Hours of Work: Full-time salary positions are defined as positions scheduled ...

Zoo Assistant Director

El Paso, TX · On-site

$100K - $135K/yr

Salary : $100,494.78 - $135,667.96 Annually Location : Various Locations within the City of El Paso ... Bachelor's Degree or higher in Zoo Management, Veterinary Medicine, Business or Public ...

Salary: $19.52 Essential Job Functions Responsible for the daily care and continuous improvement of ... Interacts with and answers questions of zoo guests by providing information about zoo animals and ...

Associate- Veterinarian Milwaukee County Zoo Salary Range: $89,107.20 - $100,000 Job Posting will close on 08/17/2026 Job Summary: Assists in the management of the Zoo Animal Health subdivision and ...

Associate- Veterinarian Milwaukee County Zoo Salary Range: $89,107.20 - $100,000 Job Posting will close on 08/17/2026 Job Summary: Assists in the management of the Zoo Animal Health subdivision and ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Zoo Manager Salary information

How much money does a zoo manager make?

A zoo manager typically earns between $50,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the size of the zoo. Higher salaries are common in larger or more prominent institutions, and management roles often require relevant certifications and leadership skills.

What is the difference between Zoo Manager Salary vs Zoo Curator?

AspectZoo ManagerZoo Curator
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in zoology, biology, or related field; management experienceBachelor's or master's degree in zoology, biology, or related field; specialized animal care knowledge
Work EnvironmentOversees entire zoo operations, staff management, and visitor experienceFocuses on animal collection, care, and exhibit development
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in zoo administration, often in larger institutionsCommonly employed in zoological collections and research facilities

While both roles require zoological knowledge, Zoo Managers oversee overall operations and staff, often earning higher salaries. Zoo Curators specialize in animal care and exhibit development, with salaries typically slightly lower but still competitive within the industry.

What does a zoo manager do?

A zoo manager oversees daily operations of a zoo, including staff management, animal care, exhibit maintenance, and visitor services. They ensure compliance with safety and conservation standards and often coordinate with veterinarians and conservation programs.
More about Zoo Manager Salary jobs
What cities are hiring for Zoo Manager Salary jobs? Cities with the most Zoo Manager Salary job openings:
What states have the most Zoo Manager Salary jobs? States with the most job openings for Zoo Manager Salary jobs include:
Infographic showing various Zoo Manager Salary job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Manager of Major and Planned Gifts - Full Time

Saint Louis Zoo

Saint Louis, MO

$77K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 14 hours ago


Saint Louis Zoo rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

12th of 37 rated wildlife parks and zoos


Job description

Reports to: Director of Major and Planned Gifts
Salary: Starting at $77,252 annually 

Position Summary:

The Manager of Major and Planned Gifts helps implement and manage a comprehensive planned giving program that advances the Saint Louis Zoo’s philanthropic priorities. This position builds and stewards relationships with donors, prospects, professional advisors, and volunteers to secure significant outright, deferred, and blended gifts in support of the Zoo’s mission, conservation efforts, endowment growth, capital projects, and strategic initiatives.

Reporting to the Director of Major and Planned Gifts, the Manager of Major and Planned Giving manages a portfolio of major and planned gift prospects helping donors accomplish their philanthropic goals by providing them with gift opportunities that align with the Zoo’s funding priorities.

Essential Responsibilities:

Planned Giving Program Support

  • Help manage the Saint Louis Zoo’s planned giving program, including marketing and management of bequests, charitable gift annuities, beneficiary designations, and other non-cash and deferred gift vehicles
  • Implement strategies to identify, qualify, cultivate, and solicit planned gift prospects and promote legacy giving opportunities to support the Zoo
  • Manage and promote the Zoo’s Heritage Society program; identify, qualify, and welcome new members; and steward pool of unassigned members
  • Ensure planned gift documentation, tracking and stewardship are maintained according to organizational policies and legal requirements
  • Create effective communications and collateral to make the case for endowment and to recognize and steward donors
  • Assist with the estate settlement process
  • Support the Zoo’s Planned Giving Advisory Committee
  • Manage planned giving events

Endowment Building

  • Implement fundraising strategies for endowment growth and long-term sustainability
  • Manage recognition and stewardship of endowed fund donors
  • Manage acknowledgement of endowment gifts including tributes

 

Major Gift Fundraising

  • Manage a portfolio of 125 – 150 major and planned gift prospects and donors
  • Develop and implement individualized cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies to secure major and planned gifts ($25,000+)
  • Meet or exceed annual fundraising goals and activity metrics

Inter- and Cross- Department Collaboration

  • Collaborate with and oversee functions done by administrative and gift processing staff as appropriate
  • Work with Data Analyst/Prospect Researcher to identify and qualify major and planned giving prospects
  • Coordinate with stewardship and Creative Services staff to develop and deliver digital and print communications
  • Coordinate with Events team to plan and implement Heritage Society Breakfast and other planned giving events
  • Other responsibilities as deemed appropriate

Qualifications:

Required: 

  • Bachelor’s degree
  • 5+ years of experience in major and planned gift fundraising with a proven track record of success
  • Excellent verbal and written communication and relationship-building skills
  • Strong project management/organizational skills with attention to detail
  • Professional maturity, credibility, honesty, and integrity
  • Computer literate; experience working with Microsoft Office, Raiser’s Edge NXT, and Crescendo or other planned giving marketing platforms or software preferred

Key Competencies:

  • Relationship building
  • Strategic thinking
  • Donor-centered
  • Financial and philanthropic acumen
  • Collaborative
  • Results oriented
  • Organized with the ability to manage multiple priorities

All successful candidates for this position will be required to undergo a criminal background check


What Saint Louis Zoo employees say

Pay

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom