About Monterey Bay Aquarium
With a mission to inspire conservation of the ocean, the Monterey
Bay Aquarium (the Aquarium) is the most admired aquarium in the
United States, a leader in science education, and a voice for ocean
conservation through comprehensive programs in marine science and
public policy. Everything we do works in concert to protect the
future of our blue planet.
Founded in 1984, the Aquarium is known for our focus on local and
global research and conservation efforts, excellence in exhibits
and educational programs, and animal husbandry techniques.
Frolicking sea otters, fast-swimming sharks, pulsating jellies and
waddling penguins – the Aquarium’s world-class exhibits and
breathtaking scenery instill a love of the ocean in their visitors.
With nearly 2 million visitors a year and over 200 exhibits and
80,000 plants and animals, the Aquarium is a window to the wonders
of the ocean.
Scientists at the Aquarium are rebuilding sea otter populations,
transforming fisheries and aquaculture around the world, and working
to protect California’s ocean. Our policy experts are moving the
needle on legislation to address climate change and end plastic
pollution. The Aquarium’s Seafood Watch team is shifting the global
marketplace to make seafood more sustainable.
Education is a top priority at the Aquarium. Since 1984, more than
2.5 million students have visited for free. Our life-changing
teacher and youth development programs are helping young people find
their voices as ocean conservation leaders and will ensure a healthy
future for the ocean.
The Monterey Bay Aquarium has taken a strong, public stance and made
a significant investment in promoting diverse voices in ocean
science and conservation. For too long, Black people, Indigenous
people, and people of color, as well as LGBTQIA+ people, have been
underrepresented in marine science and conservation fields.
Learn more about Monterey Bay Aquarium at
https://www.montereybayaquarium.org/
The Opportunity
The Vice President of Animal Care is a visionary leader who champions
the highest standards of marine life well-being, scientific
excellence, and conservation impact. This role drives the strategic
development of our Animal Care Division, inspiring a culture of
continuous learning, innovation, and collaboration. The ability to
work closely with your colleagues in education, conservation &
science, exhibitions, and guest experience will be critical to
succeeding in this role. Working together is the only path to
fulfilling our mission to inspire conservation of the ocean.
This role is an extraordinary opportunity to shape the Aquarium’s
animal care programs, ensuring that they reflect the organization’s
values, uphold the highest standards of welfare, and inspire both
our team and our guests. The VP will work cross-functionally with
leaders across the organization, ensuring that all programs align
with the
Aquarium’s long-term strategic plan
and its mission to inspire conservation of the ocean.
***This role is being recruited by a third party agency, Koya.
To be considered for this role,
you must apply via the Koya website.
Applications submitted to the Monterey Bay Aquarium website will
not be considered.***
Core Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership & Divisional Management
Lead the Animal Care Division through comprehensive strategic
planning, divisional goal-setting, and administration of a $12M+
budget. Supervise key department directors, fostering a culture of
excellence, continuous learning, and professional development across
Dive Programs, Collections, Veterinary Services, and Husbandry
Operations.
Living Exhibit & Aquarium Innovation
Lead the development of dynamic and compelling living exhibits, in
close collaboration with Exhibitions, with an emphasis on scientific
accuracy, superlative aesthetic standards, and the highest standards
of animal wellbeing practices. Partner with cross-functional teams
to support a world-class and transformative guest experience that
aligns with conservation goals, cutting edge and innovative animal
care discoveries, and scientific advancement.
Scientific & Organizational Integrity
Maintain rigorous accreditation standards, agency compliance permits
and licensing, and animal wellbeing, human safety, and exhibit
protocols. Lead and participate in critical institutional
committees, ensuring the highest levels of scientific accuracy,
ethical animal management, and research oversight.
Cooperation & Engagement
Develop strategic partnerships with marketing, conservation and
science, education, exhibitions, and guest experience teams to
amplify our public engagement, scientific communication, and
conservation impact. Support research initiatives, including
critical programs like sea otter rehabilitation and MBARI
collaborations.
Equity & Belonging Leadership
Champion a workplace culture of belonging, trust, and continuous
growth. Promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility
principles throughout the Animal Care Division and institution-wide,
creating an environment that attracts and develops exceptional
talent.
Additional Required Duties and Responsibilities
- Co-Chair of the Animal Welfare Committee
- Co-Chair of the Research Oversight Committee
- Chair of the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee
- Member of the Diving Control Board
Candidate Profile
The ideal candidate will have the following professional and personal
qualities, skills, and characteristics:
-
Ten years of senior management experience in a large aquarium
setting.
-
Expert-level understanding of marine animal husbandry across
diverse temperate eastern Pacific ecosystems.
-
Proven ability to manage complex, multi-project environments with
shifting priorities.
-
Comprehensive knowledge of animal well-being science and public
aquarium best practices.
-
Demonstrated leadership in AZA and relevant professional
organizations.
- Exceptional written and oral communication skills.
-
Proven track record of developing high-performing, collaborative
teams.
-
Deep commitment to maintaining organizational core values and
leadership competencies.
Preferred, but not required:
-
Experience in marine conservation research and rehabilitation
programs.
-
Background in complex life support system design and management.
- Publication record in peer-reviewed marine science journals.
- International experience in marine ecosystem management.
Compensation & Benefits
Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience. The salary
range for this role is $210,000 - $260,000 with a generous benefits
package. The exact salary that will be offered to the Vice
President of Animal Care will be determined based on a consideration
of the successful candidate’s skills, experience, and geography and
aligned with Monterey Bay Aquarium’s compensation policies.
Contact
Koya Partners l Diversified Search Group has been exclusively
retained for this engagement, which is being led by Erin Reedy and
Christy Farrell. Submit a compelling cover letter and resume by
filling out our Talent Profile. All inquiries are strictly confidential.
Monterey Bay Aquarium is an equal opportunity employer and strongly
encourages applications from people of color, persons with
disabilities, women, and LGBTQ+ applicants.
