Zoo Project Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is an international, nonprofit conservation organization with two front doors: the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. We integrate wildlife health and care, science, and education to develop sustainable conservation solutions.
HOW YOU WILL IMPACT OUR MISSION
The Senior Executive Assistant provides high level administrative support to the CEO and COO, ensuring seamless executive operations. This role requires a high degree of independent judgment, discretion, and decision-making in handling executive communications, project management, and workflow coordination. This position reports to the Chief of Staff.
WHAT YOU WILL DO

• Provide direct administrative support to the CEO and COO, including managing complex calendars, coordinating appointments, and serving as a liaison with the executive team, team leaders, and external VIPs on scheduling and administrative matters.
• Anticipate needs and ensure the CEO/COO are well informed of upcoming commitments and responsibilities by gathering, drafting, and proofreading meeting details, agendas, correspondence, and reports, and recording accurate meeting notes when needed.
• Provide comprehensive administrative support to the executive office, including research, project coordination, reservations, and managing ad hoc requests.
• Prepare expense reports for executive office staff and assist in tracking shipments and materials to and from the executive office.
• Serve as the primary greeter for headquarters and executive offices, supporting the executive office while maintaining the utmost discretion and confidentiality.
• Independently plan, coordinate, and execute high-level meetings, engagements, and special events involving executive leadership and external stakeholders.
• Prepare and support materials for executive meetings and engagements, including developing presentations, briefing materials, executive summaries, and speeches.
• Operate, support, and train others on conference room A/V equipment in the building, and assist with meeting setup as needed.
• Support preparation and coordination of Board of Trustees materials and presentations, including assisting with the creation and organization of board-level content.
• Ensure proper record keeping, organizational systems, and policy compliance for executive documents, expenses, and agreements.
• Continuously evaluate and improve executive office procedures and coordinate office logistics, including safety coordination, office supply management, and other operational needs, to ensure efficiency and the smooth functioning of the executive office.
• Assist with planning and coordination of executive office travel, including building itineraries, coordinating schedules, and booking flights, hotels, and rental cars.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
This is a temporary position for up to 6 months.
JOB EXPERIENCE

• Minimum 5 years of experience providing executive-level or equivalent support, with experience in decision-making, project management, and customer service required.
• Exceptional travel arrangement experience with proven success working across multiple time zones required.

EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in related field preferred.

SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE

• Proven experience in managing and overseeing critical executive functions.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with the highest level of professionalism and integrity.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to interact with executives, board members, and high-profile stakeholders.
• Ability to analyze situations, anticipate challenges, and independently develop solutions that align with executive priorities.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, project management tools, and executive-level reporting software.
• Positive attitude and energy, team-oriented, and a deep desire to learn are essential to success.
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex situations with a high level of tact and diplomacy.
• Must have superior organizational and time management skills with the ability to multitask and prioritize effectively.

SOME OF THE REWARDS YOU WILL ENJOY AS A TEAM MEMBER

• 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

• Location: San Diego, CA
• Position Type: Temporary Salaried Full-Time Exempt Position - 6 months
• Salary Range: $99,482 to $111,917

About The Salary Ranges
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 a combination of relevant experience, skills, qualifications, 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 in the role over time.
Fraudulent Recruiting
Beware of fraudulent recruiting. Legitimate San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance contacts will use an @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 e-mail sdzwacareers@sdzwa.org. If you feel that you have been the victim of fraud, please contact your financial institution(s) immediately.
At San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, we celebrate our differences and foster a culture of belonging. Diversity strengthens our employees, enriches our guests' experiences, deepens our connection to our community, and supports the wildlife we serve.
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 other legally protected status.
If you require a reasonable accommodation to complete an application, please email your request to sdzwacareers@sdzwa.org 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.