Year-Round Employment Opportunities

Position Summary

POSITION REPOSTED - NEW SALARY RANGE ($120,000 - $140,000)

The Executive Director serves as the chief executive and strategic leader of the Friends of the Zoo and is responsible for advancing the Zoo’s mission through visionary leadership, operational excellence, community engagement, and financial stewardship. This position oversees all administrative, fundraising, marketing, financial, human resources, and strategic planning functions of the Friends organization in collaboration with Zoo leadership, the Board of Directors, community stakeholders, and county leadership.

The Executive Director will foster an inclusive, mission-driven culture that values teamwork, innovation, accountability, and strong community partnerships while supporting the Zoo’s long-term sustainability and growth.

Reporting Relationship

Reports To: President and Board of Directors, Friends of the Zoo

Direct Reports

The Executive Director directly supervises:

Director of Human Resources

Director of Finance

Director of Marketing and Communications

Director of Education

Director of Food and Beverage

Director of Philanthropy

Director of Development

Membership Manager

Gift Shop Manager

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Organizational Leadership & Strategic Planning

• Provide strategic leadership and direction for the Friends of the Zoo organization in alignment with the Zoo’s mission, vision, and long-term goals.
• Develop, implement, and evaluate strategic initiatives in partnership with the Zoo Director and Board of Directors.
• Foster a positive, inclusive, and collaborative workplace culture that supports employee engagement, innovation, volunteerism, and professional growth.
• Lead organizational planning efforts and ensure operational priorities support long-term sustainability and community impact.
• Serve as a visible and engaged ambassador for the Zoo throughout the community and regionally.
• Promote a culture of accountability, communication, collaboration, and continuous improvement across all departments.

Financial Management & Operational Oversight

• Oversee all financial operations of the Friends organization, including budgeting, forecasting, financial planning, and revenue generation strategies.
• Prepare and present annual operating budgets in collaboration with the Finance Committee and Board of Directors.
• Ensure sound fiscal management practices and achievement of organizational financial objectives.
• Identify and implement opportunities for earned revenue growth, operational efficiencies, and entrepreneurial initiatives that support the organization’s mission.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations, including maintaining the organization’s 501(c)(3) status.
• Oversee organizational policies, procedures, and operational standards to ensure effective and efficient operations.

Fundraising, Development & Community Engagement

• Lead and support all fundraising initiatives, including annual giving, membership development, grants, sponsorships, capital campaigns, donor cultivation, and special events.
• Develop and execute comprehensive short- and long-term fundraising strategies to sustain and grow organizational impact.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with donors, sponsors, foundations, community partners, public officials, and key stakeholders.
• Partner with staff and volunteers to identify and pursue grant opportunities and additional funding sources.
• Serve as a compelling spokesperson and advocate for the Zoo and Friends organization through public speaking, media engagement, and community outreach activities.
• Strengthen the organization’s visibility and reputation within the community and industry.

Human Resources & Team Leadership

• Provide leadership, coaching, mentorship, and professional development opportunities for staff and leadership team members.
• Oversee organizational staffing, recruitment, performance management, employee relations, and succession planning efforts.
• Approve hiring, disciplinary actions, and terminations in accordance with organizational policies and employment laws.
• Support the development of high-performing teams within a collaborative and mission-focused environment.
• Ensure volunteers are effectively engaged, supported, recognized, and aligned with the Zoo’s mission and goals.

Board & Stakeholder Relations

• Maintain strong and transparent communication with the Board of Directors regarding organizational operations, strategic priorities, and emerging issues.
• Support Board development, committee engagement, and governance initiatives.
• Collaborate effectively with Zoo leadership, Onondaga County leadership, community stakeholders, and partner organizations.
• Provide regular updates to members, staff, volunteers, and stakeholders regarding organizational initiatives, accomplishments, and goals.

Additional Responsibilities

• Attend and participate in Board meetings, committee meetings, leadership meetings, and organizational events as required.
• Lead regular meetings with directors and managers to support communication, accountability, and organizational alignment.
• Maintain appropriate professional memberships and affiliations, including AZA and other relevant industry organizations.
• Ensure adherence to organizational policies, procedures, and Zoo protocols.
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of the organization’s mission and operations.

Qualifications & Preferred Experience

• Demonstrated senior leadership experience in nonprofit management, fundraising, operations, public administration, or a related field.
• Proven success in strategic planning, financial management, fundraising, and team leadership.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and relationship-building skills with the ability to engage diverse audiences and stakeholders.
• Experience leading and developing high-performing teams within a collaborative environment.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, projects, and deadlines effectively.
• Knowledge of nonprofit governance, compliance, and 501(c)(3) operations preferred.
• Grant writing and grant management experience preferred.
• Passion for the mission of zoological, educational, conservation, and community-based organizations.

Education Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management, business administration, public administration, communications, finance, or a related field required. Master’s degree preferred.

Position Details

This is a full-time, on site, exempt position.

Salary range $110-121,500/yr

Evening, weekend, and event attendance may be required based on organizational needs.

Employment is contingent upon successful completion of criminal background and driver history checks.

Friends of the Zoo is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and welcoming workplace for all employees, volunteers, and community members.

To Apply: Click here

Position Summary

The Director of Education provides visionary, strategic, and hands-on leadership for the development, execution, and evaluation of all mission-driven, science learning and conservation education initiatives for the Friends of the Rosamond Gifford Zoo. This role serves as the lead of the zoo's educational programming, transforming the guest learning journey into an immersive, story-driven experience that deepens curiosity and inspires personal conservation action across guest of all age groups.

The Director of Education oversees a year-round calendar of on-site and digital classes, seasonal camps, and youth development pipelines. This position manages a dedicated team of professional educators and ensures all curriculum aligns with AZA and New York State learning standards.

Essential Duties & Specific Program Responsibilities

Camp Administration & Seasonal Programming

• Summer Zoo Camp Oversight: Direct the operational planning, curriculum design, and safe execution of the zoo's Summer Zoo Camp program, spanning nine themed weeks for ages 4–12.
• Advanced Youth & Specialized Camps: Oversee the specialized, career-oriented Animal Care and Conservation Camp for grades 7–12, ensuring strict adherence to safety protocols (including mandatory TB testing validation), and manage the Counselor-in-Training (CIT) leadership programs.
• Logistics & Camp Management Systems: Supervise the camp software system (CampBrain) to ensure streamlined online registration, secure medical/emergency record keeping, and high-quality customer service, while managing extended care (Before/After Care) and collaborative weekly camper meal plans.

Multigenerational Classes & Public Engagement

• Early Childhood & Youth Classes: Lead the development of early-stage learning and family programs, and interactive events.
• Adult & Community Learning: Oversee specialized adult learning workshops, community science initiatives, and education programs that deep-dive into conservation psychology, wildlife habitats, and the ecological frameworks of an AZA institution.
• Guided Visitor Experiences: Manage the booking, logistics, and content frameworks for the zoo's public Guided Tours, ensuring educational docents deliver accurate messaging on species conservation, animal adaptations, and habitat management.

School District, Group, & Virtual Education

• Uniquely Adapted Partnerships: Cultivate and expand collaborative relationships with regional school districts and teachers, delivering impactful learning experiences across in-person classrooms, project-based learning units, and specialized Teacher Professional Development sessions.
• Virtual Programs: Drive the growth and continuous innovation of the zoo's live, interactive Virtual Programming, expanding the zoo's reach to distance learners and classrooms far beyond physical zoo attendance.

Teen Pathways & Workforce Development

• Paid Internship Pipelines: Champion the ZooGuides program (ages 16–18), managing the recruitment, training, and scheduling of local high school and college youth to build real-world communication, responsibility, and STEM career skills.
• Youth Governance & Leadership: Guide the Teen Leaders for Conservation (TLC) youth council, mentoring members ages 14–18 as they create interactive guest materials, support fundraising events, learn nonprofit governance, and act as liaisons to zoo leadership.
• Educational Equity: Manage the strategic allocation of the Zoo Camp Scholarship program to remove financial barriers and ensure equitable access to nature for underserved youth across Central New York.

Technical Compliance & Institutional Alignment

• Ambassador Animal Collaboration: Work directly with veterinary and animal teams to assist in care, handling, and strict safety/welfare protocols for the outreach and ambassador animal collections utilized across public, camp, and digital programs.
• Build a strong collaborative partnership with animal care team and zoo leadership staff to ensure alignment with current AZA practices and education curriculum.
• Fiscal & Philanthropic Excellence: Generate and maintain the education department's operating budget. Work closely with other departments to secure educational grants, scholarship funding, and identify fresh revenue streams via educational programming.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Experiences & Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Education, Biological Sciences, Environmental Studies, or a closely related field. A Master's degree or equivalent advanced study is preferred.
• Experience: Minimum of 5–7 years of progressive leadership experience in science learning, camp administration, or mission-driven public engagement, with at least 3 years in a formal supervisory/management role within a zoo, aquarium, nature center, or museum setting.
• Program & Industry Literacy: Deep operational understanding of camp safety regulations (NYS Children's Camp codes), database management systems, and a solid working knowledge of AZA accreditation standards.
• Strategic & Collaborative Mindset: Demonstrated success in balancing the operational needs of public/county partners with the mission-driven goals of a nonprofit organization. Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills are mandatory.

Physical & Work Environment Requirements

• Must be able to work a flexible schedule, including weekends, holidays, and evening events, to support peak camp seasons, community outreach schedules, and public programming.
• Must be able to traverse a large, multi-terrain physical campus in all Central New York weather conditions and occasionally lift up to 50 lbs.

To Apply Click HERE

Position Description: The primary duty of the Sous Chef is to assist the Executive Chef in overseeing and directing the menu preparation and execution for Catering at the Zoo events. Must lead by example and guide the team in a professional demeanor.  

Responsible to: Executive Chef   

Oversees: Kitchen Utility and prep staff

Essential Job Functions:

• Functions as the co-lead for the preparation and execution of the banquet event order
• Ability to execute recipes, supervise and train, adjusting as necessary
• Maintain and follow all food handling guidelines in accordance with Department of Health regulations; ensures that others do the same
• Maintains sanitary conditions of equipment and work area in line with Department of Health regulations
• Evaluate food before serving to ensure quality of taste, consistency and visual presentation

• Fulfill line level kitchen duties

• Oversee kitchen utility and prep staff in tasks and direction
• Manage closing duties including end of day kitchen inspection
• Performs other duties as assigned
• Adheres to Zoo policies and protocols

Desired Training/Experience:

• Culinary degree/certification or 2-3 years of directly related experience
• Leadership experience
• Understanding of Health and Safety standards/laws

Skills/Knowledge Required

• Strong communication skills, must be adept at directing/instructing others
• Committed to quality of product and service
• Respects others, must employ strong team skills
• Demonstrates flexibility and self-motivation; Organizational skills
• Able to lift moderate to heavy items (50 – 100 pounds)
• Shifts include days, nights, late nights and/or weekends and holidays
• Requires standing, walking and lifting heavy items
• Working hazards include, but not limited to, hot surfaces, wet floors, hot surfaces and sharp objects

To Apply Click HERE

Position Description: Responsible for supporting all aspects of catered events – including setup, execution, and teardown – while working collaboratively with the CATZ team to ensure seamless operations and provide an exceptional guest experience.

Responsible to: Event Manager

Essential Job Functions

· Set up event spaces, including tables, chairs, linens, décor, buffet stations, and service areas.

· Review and execute all event details outlined in the Banquet Event Order (BEO).

· Follow the direction of the Event Lead while working independently to complete assigned responsibilities.

· Prepare for events by polishing glassware and silverware, folding napkins, rolling silverware, cleaning equipment, and organizing event supplies.

· Deliver exceptional, attentive service to clients and guests throughout each event.

· Anticipate the needs of guests, clients, and teammates, stepping into different roles as needed to ensure event success.

· Serve food and beverages in accordance with all applicable laws, regulations, and company policies.

· Prepare and serve alcoholic beverages in compliance with all applicable laws and company policies.

· Maintain buffet stations, assist with food running, clear tables, and keep event spaces clean and presentable throughout service.

· Maintain clean, organized, and fully stocked service areas.

· Collaborate with front-of-house, back-of-house, and management teams to ensure seamless event execution.

· Break down event spaces by removing tables, chairs, linens, décor, equipment, and restoring the venue to company standards.

· Maintain a professional appearance and adhere to company uniform and grooming standards.

· Follow all Zoo policies, procedures, and safety protocols.

Additional Responsibilities:

· Performs other duties as requested by Event Manager and/or Event Lead.

Education/Experience Requirements:

· Two years’ serving experience.

· Food and beverage experience preferred.

· Customer service oriented; Team player; Self-motivated; Able to work in fast paced environment; Able to handle difficult customers.

· Able to lift moderate to heavy items (50-75 pounds); Continuous standing and walking while carrying items; Shifts may include days, nights and / or weekends

To Apply: Please submit resume via email to [email protected].