Chief of Staff - San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is a nonprofit international conservation leader, committed to inspiring a passion for nature and creating a world where all life thrives. Empowering people from around the globe to support our mission to conserve wildlife through innovation and partnerships, we support cutting-edge conservation, and bring the stories of our work back to our two world-famous front doors — the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park — giving millions of guests, in person and virtually, the opportunity to experience conservation in action. The deep and extensive knowledge gained from more than a century of experience in wildlife care, health, veterinary services, nutrition and conservation makes us invaluable in the global effort to save species. Our team members play a crucial role in driving our conservation efforts forward and bringing us closer to a world where all life thrives.


HOW YOU WILL IMPACT OUR MISSION
As a key member of the Executive Office, the Chief of Staff is responsible for supporting the effectiveness of the President & CEO and the overall impact of the organization.
The Chief of Staff serves as a strategic advisor to the President & CEO, driving organizational priorities, ensuring operational excellence, and optimizing executive decision-making. This role requires leadership, cross-functional coordination, and the ability to anticipate challenges, align stakeholders, and execute complex initiatives with precision.
This role also serves as the primary liaison to the SDZWA Board of Trustees.
The position requires a deep understanding of the President & CEO’s vision, priorities, and working style—and the ability to act strategically alongside or on their behalf. Success in this role depends on strong relationship-building skills, as well as fostering close, collaborative partnerships.

WHAT YOU WILL DO
Strategic Leadership & CEO Alignment:
• Ensure the CEO’s time is strategically allocated, identifying priorities, tracking progress, and aligning efforts with key objectives.
• Support and direct CEO communications including speechwriting, presentations, messaging, and correspondence with individuals, the Board of Trustees, government officials, and key stakeholders—working closely with the Communications team and Sr. Executive Assistant.
• Prioritize schedules, agendas, and workflows to ensure efficient and purposeful meetings.
• Drive strategic projects to improve organizational effectiveness.
• Streamline executive office operations in partnership with the Sr. Executive Assistant.
• Work closely and collaboratively with the COO and the Sr. Executive Assistant building and prioritizing workflows.

Lead Organizational Collaboration:
• Lead and manage high-impact, cross-organizational projects and strategic initiatives that drive long-term success.
• Organize and escalate critical issues, equipping the CEO with necessary insights for effective decision-making.
• Coordinate and optimize executive leadership meetings, ensuring agenda preparation, prioritization of time-sensitive topics, and executive readiness.
• Provide guidance for cross-organizational initiatives, including government affairs, conservation strategy, philanthropy, and marketing.
• Support and align organization-wide annual planning, ensuring clarity of goals and execution in line with the CEO’s vision.
• Collaborate with the COO on budgeting and financial planning, ensuring alignment with strategic priorities.
• Partner with executive leaders and team members to enhance organizational effectiveness, drive measurable business outcomes, and foster alignment, engagement, and collaboration across all levels.

Board Liaison:
• Serve as the primary liaison to the Board of Trustees on behalf of the President & CEO.
• Oversee board and committee meeting preparation, including scheduling, agenda development, pre-meetings with chairs, presentation creation, and logistics coordination.
• Oversee the creation of the Board Digest, ensuring Trustees are regularly updated on organizational priorities.
• Coordinate and execute Board of Trustees Retreat and New Trustee Onboarding to ensure seamless engagement and governance.
• Responsible for taking board minutes at board meetings as well as committee meetings.
• Work in tandem with CEO, COO, Sr. Executive Assistant, Executive Assistant, and Events teams on all Board related activities.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
JOB EXPERIENCE
• Five to ten years of experience leading, coordinating and managing projects under senior executives required.
• Must have at least four years' experience in corporate governance and compliance.

EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATIONS
• Master's Degree preferred.
• Bachelor's Degree in related field required.