Zoo Project Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Description

Note: This is a full-time temporary position that is expected to start on September 14 2026 and end on September 30 2027, with potential to extend to a temporary or regular position depending on the needs of the organization. 

Pay rate: To maintain internal equity, we have identified the starting range for this position at the Oakland Zoo as $71,700 - $85,450 annually. An offer within this range will be determined by the experience and qualifications of a candidate and will be our best and final compensation offer, in alignment with Oakland Zoo's compensation philosophy.

The application deadline is August 28 2026.

Application Process: Applicants must submit a resume and a 1-page cover letter. In your cover letter, please share:

• how your background and experience align with the role, including your experience leading and facilitating complex and dynamic cross-departmental projects across multiple stakeholders
• how your unique skills and experience can contribute to the Oakland Zoo.

Position Summary

The Project Manager, Strategy & Planning strengthens organizational alignment, efficiency, and staff engagement by advancing the development and management of cross-departmental projects and initiatives across the Zoo. This role blends project management, meeting facilitation, systems development, strategic planning support, and documentation oversight to help teams deliver on shared priorities. Project Managers shape the Zoo's long-term approach to project management and strategic planning-building the systems, practices, and culture that guide organizational priorities in collaboration with impacted teams. They are generalists who can flex between focus areas-such as operational initiatives, staff engagement projects, internal events, regulatory compliance, or long-range planning-based on evolving organizational needs and priorities. Each Project Manager will have a portfolio of assignments that may shift from year to year to meet the needs of the Zoo. 

Essential Job Duties

Project Management

• Lead project management support for organizational planning, budget alignment, and performance measurement. 
• Design and manage cross-departmental projects from ideation through completion, ensuring outcomes are delivered on time, within scope, and aligned with strategic goals. 
• Serve as a central point of contact for regulatory and compliance documentation, such as USDA inspections, AZA accreditation materials, or other licensure and certification audits. 

Systems and Tool Development

• Develop, maintain, and improve integrated organizational systems-including risk and safety tracking, centralized documentation, and tools for strategic initiative monitoring-to ensure institutional memory, alignment, transparency, and operational continuity across leadership transitions. 
• Facilitate meetings by preparing agendas, gathering background materials, leading discussions, capturing outcomes, and driving follow-up actions. 
• Collaborate with the People & Culture department to design and deliver training that equips staff to understand, adopt, and effectively use organizational systems and tools. 

Organizational Development

• Help design, refine and implement the Zoo's project management and strategic planning framework with the support of the Vice President, Strategy & Planning; contributing to the development of shared systems, practices, and culture that support organizational priorities. 
• Support the Vice President, Strategy & Planning in the design, implementation, tracking, and communication of the organizational strategic plan and long-range planning initiatives. 
• Foster a culture of inclusion, collaboration, learning, and continuous improvement. 
• Perform other related duties as required and assigned. 

Supervisory Responsibility:

None 

Who you are:

• Minimum of 7 years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience (a BA may be considered equivalent to 3 years of relevant experience; an AA may be considered equivalent to 2 years). This includes a minimum of 3 years of experience in project management. 
• Demonstrated success leading complex, cross-functional projects from initiation to completion. 
• Familiarity with project management software (e.g., Microsoft Planner, Asana, Basecamp, etc.). 
• Able to work on occasional weekends and holidays when needed. 

Bonus if you have:

• Experience in nonprofit or mission-driven organizations. 
• Project management certification (PMP, PMI, SCRUM, etc.). 
• Relevant education or training in areas such as organizational development, change management, business administration, business psychology, nonprofit management, or other related fields. 

Work Environment - Environmental or atmospheric conditions commonly associated with the performance of the functions of this job. 

• This role combines office-based work with occasional presence in the field, which may include construction sites, outdoor areas throughout the Zoo, and guest-facing spaces. 
• Work may involve exposure to varied weather conditions and uneven terrain. 
• Standard business hours with some flexibility. 
• Limited remote work may be available after an evaluation period and is dependent on ongoing performance assessments. 

Physical Considerations - The physical demands described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. 

• Ability to move through Zoo grounds. 
• Sustained computer-based administrative and analytical work, using standard or assistive technology for extended periods every day. 
• Able to bend and twist, lift and carry objects weighing up to 35 lbs., stand, kneel, sit, walk, bend, and stoop occasionally within an 8 hour shift. 

Knowledge/Skills/Qualities - May be representative, but not all-inclusive, of those knowledge, skills and abilities commonly associated with this position. 

• Collaboration - builds trusting relationships with both internal and external stakeholders across our organization and community-wide and approaches differences of opinion with curiosity and humility. 
• Communication - communicates respectfully and effectively with stakeholders across identities, both verbally and in writing. 
• Dependability - demonstrates trustworthiness and reliability, including while working with little or no direct supervision. 
• Enjoyment - finds joy in one's work, approaches tasks with thoughtfulness & intentionality, and fosters collective well-being by embracing the unique skills and qualities of colleagues. 
• Flexibility - nimbly adapts to evolving priorities and urgent needs; handles intervals of high pressure while maintaining perspective and humor. 
• Inclusive Culture - fosters a culture of mutual respect, transparency, collaboration and belonging which allows all employees to feel appreciated, included, and valued. 
• Organization - strong attention to details and able to build and/or maintain efficient systems. 
• Project management - effectively prioritizes commitments, driving forward multiple high-profile and complex projects simultaneously with flexibility, resourcefulness, and agility to adapt to shifting organizational needs. 
• Time management - strong capabilities with a demonstrated ability to effectively prioritize multiple commitments. 
• Self-motivated - effectively navigates multiple, simultaneous tasks with excellent attention to detail and deadlines. Enthusiastically identifies and approaches opportunities without regular supervision. 
• Solution-oriented - utilizes an open-minded and strengths-based approach to finding solutions for complex challenges. 
• Sustainability - oriented toward the mission and values of the Oakland Zoo and able to put those into practice by finding creative and resourceful ways to develop sustainable practices within your role and department. 
• Passion - wholeheartedly believes in, represents, and models Oakland Zoo's mission and PRIDE values at all times. 
• Wildlife Aware - understands mission to support the conservation and welfare of animals at The Zoo, locally and globally. This is demonstrated by a willingness/passion to reflect this mission in all actions and to continue to learn how to take action for wildlife.

Benefits

Oakland Zoo offers a comprehensive benefits package, including Health insurance, Dental insurance, Vision insurance, Flexible spending account, Retirement plan, Paid time off, Employee Assistance Program, and Zoo Membership options.