Chief Executive Officer

Chief Executive Officer
Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo
Calgary, Alberta, Canada

The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo (“WICZ”), a renowned institution that aspires to capitalize on its unique position to influence conservation on a global scale, seeks an innovative, visionary, and courageous Chief Executive Officer. Since its founding, the Calgary Zoo has been educating generations of visitors about the need for conservation locally while also pursuing innovative conservation action that goes beyond its gates, the province of Alberta, and Canada. With the launch of the Wilder Institute in 2021, a bold conservation organization was born, specifically dedicated to research-based, collaborative work that engages local people and governments to influence policy and advance global conservation practices. This is an exceptional opportunity to lead a world-class zoo and revolutionary conservation organization in redefining approaches to saving endangered species across the world.

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) reports to the Board of Directors and provides strategic leadership to the two arms of this vibrant organization- the Wilder Institute and the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo. The CEO will champion the work across the organization, which is anchored by three critical and interconnected cornerstones: Conservation and Sustainability, Engaging Others, and Inspiring Change, and Care for Endangered and At-Risk Species. The opportunity for the new CEO will be to define the pace of change and strategic plans to continue to evolve the delicate balance between the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo’s conservation ambition and operating a world class Zoo.  Supported by a committed and accomplished board and exceptional leadership team, the CEO will be positioned to make a significant impact in defining what it means to be a modern conservation organization and zoo.

The new CEO must be an experienced and agile leader who is passionate about the mission of the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo and especially driven by the conservation mission that underpins all endeavors across the organization. The CEO will champion the work and mission of WICZ externally, on local, national, and global stages, and strategically position the organization to achieve the growth in conservation impact to which it aspires. Additionally, the CEO will work with the talented team at the Zoo to continue to nurture a world-class guest experience and maintain exceptional animal welfare for the over 100 species for whom the Zoo is home. This position requires an astute ability to influence and persuade, determination to achieve goals, the capacity to inspire vision, and a firm commitment to supporting WICZ’s high-performing staff in their ongoing exceptional work and professional growth. The successful candidate should bring significant leadership experience in a complex organization and demonstrate the ability to lead with vision and unite internal and external stakeholders to achieve common goals.

Review of candidates will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Inquiries, nominations, and applications, including a resume and letter of interest, should be directed electronically in confidence to:

 Natalie Leonhard, Partner

Sharon Hansen, Senior Associate

Alexandra Lolavar, Associate
Isaacson, Miller

https://www.imsearch.com/open-searches/wilder-institutecalgary-zoo/chief-executive-officer