Executive Director - Junior Museum & Zoo (JMZ)

The City of Palo Alto is seeking a visionary leader to serve as Executive Director of the Junior Museum & Zoo (JMZ). This role involves strategic management of an accredited institution featuring a zoo, children's museum, and educational programming. The Executive Director manages over 35 staff members and a budget generating over $3 million annually, with responsibilities spanning operations, conservation, financial management, stakeholder engagement, and AZA accreditation compliance.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide strategic leadership, operational oversight, and long-range planning.
• Lead and support multidisciplinary teams focusing on safety, accountability, and innovation.
• Manage budgets, financial resources, grants, and capital improvement projects.
• Supervise staff, coordinate day-to-day operations, ensure regulatory compliance, and perform regular safety inspections of the facility.

Key Requirements:

• Education/Experience: Bachelor's degree in a related field and five years of progressively responsible, directly related experience, or an equivalent combination. A Master's degree is preferred.
• Desired Fields: Recreation, Museum Studies, Zoology, Biology, Education, Public Administration, or Environmental Science.
• Skills: Strong operational and people management skills; experience leading multidisciplinary teams; ability to lead through change and foster a positive workplace culture.
• Licensing: Valid California Driver's License and First Aid/CPR Certification (to be obtained within the first 6 months).

Application Deadline: July 1, 2026, 11:59 PM Pacific.