VP Planning & Design

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Job Summary

The Vice President of Planning & Design (VP) of the National Aquarium (NA) provides strategic vision and leadership for campus-wide planning, capital project development, experiential and exhibit design, and exhibit fabrication and operations. This dynamic and innovative leader drives the evolution of the National Aquarium’s facilities and guest experience, ensuring it remains a world-class institution while advancing fiscal responsibility, conservation priorities, and social equity initiatives. The VP collaborates with executive leadership and department teams to align strategies and execute projects that enhance the Aquarium’s mission and impact.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee campus-wide planning, capital project execution, and experiential exhibit design, ensuring alignment with the Aquarium’s strategic vision and Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) accreditation standards.
• Lead the Experiential Design and Exhibit Fabrication & Operations Teams, fostering collaboration and efficiency.
• Drive the development and execution of capital and non-capital projects, implementing streamlined, effective processes to engage internal and external stakeholders.
• Manage a portfolio that includes National Aquarium Pier 3 & Pier 4 buildings and campus, Candler office suite, and Animal Care and Rescue Center, with an annual capital budget ranging from $4M to $15M and a total portfolio value of $600M+.
• Develop and oversee multi-year campus construction plans and provide leadership for major capital projects.
• Collaborate with Facilities, Life Support Systems, IT, Animal Care & Welfare, and other teams to ensure seamless project execution and facility maintenance.
• Partner with NA leadership, internal teams, and external resources to align planning initiatives with the Aquarium’s comprehensive campus plan.
• Advocate for design excellence in projects that balance animal welfare, guest engagement, operational efficiency, and sustainability.
• Integrate sustainability efforts, including the development of the Net Zero 2035 Plan.
• Champion diversity, equity, and inclusion in internal staffing and vendor partnerships, ensuring engagement with MBE and WBE design and construction firms.
• Serve as a cross-functional leader, working across departments to enhance the on-site guest experience and operational effectiveness.
• Collaborate with the Vice President of Financial Planning & Analysis on the capital budget process, ensuring alignment between financial planning and project execution.
• Serve as a key representative of the Aquarium, fostering positive relationships with planning, design, and engineering professionals, construction contractors, and government agencies.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations regarding the use of public funds and project execution.
• Perform additional responsibilities as assigned to support the Aquarium’s mission and operations.

Leadership Qualities

• Visionary Leadership: Ability to navigate and innovate within the unique demands of an urban, guest-serving institution.
• Strategic Execution: Balances long-term planning with direct project management and operational efficiency.
• Operational Excellence: Implements effective processes and prioritization strategies for capital and experiential projects.
• Innovation & Financial Stewardship: Drives forward-thinking solutions while ensuring financial sustainability.
• Collaboration & Relationship Building: Builds strong partnerships across departments and with external stakeholders.
• Commitment to Equity & Inclusion: Fosters a culture of transparency, trust, and belonging, internally and externally.
• Team Leadership & Development: Mentors and empowers staff to achieve their highest potential.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in architecture, design, engineering, planning, construction management, or a related field; master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum of 15 years’ experience managing design and execution of major capital and exhibition programs in an institutional setting (zoo, aquarium, museum preferred).
• Expertise in public funding guidelines and regulatory compliance.
• Strong knowledge of building maintenance procedures, infrastructure systems, and sustainability practices.
• Proven experience in experiential and exhibit design, fabrication, and operations.
• Demonstrated leadership managing large, cross-functional teams and fostering a collaborative culture.
• Outstanding communication, interpersonal, and strategic planning skills.
• Highly organized and detail-oriented, with the ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines effectively.

This role offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of the National Aquarium, leading transformative projects that enhance guest experience, promote conservation, and ensure the institution’s continued excellence. If you are a visionary leader with a passion for planning, design, and sustainability, we invite you to join us in driving innovation and impact at one of the world’s premier aquariums.

Total Compensation Information

Salary range: $118,000 to $165,499 annual

National Aquarium provides an excellent benefits package, including flexible paid leave and up to four weeks of paid family leave. Employees are eligible for health care (single and family) after 30 days of full-time work. Conservation day leave and 401(k) plan with employer match available.

About the National Aquarium

Established in 1981, the National Aquarium in Baltimore, Maryland, is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to connect people with nature to inspire compassion and care for our ocean planet. The Aquarium’s award-winning habitats are home to thousands of animals representing hundreds of species of fish, birds, amphibians, reptiles and mammals. We are proud to be accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and exceed industry standards in all aspects of animal care and welfare.

More than 1.2 million people visit the Aquarium each year to experience our immersive exhibits, and we reach far more through our science-based education programs and hands-on field conservation work. The National Aquarium is one of the top three aquariums in the United States and the largest paid cultural attraction in Maryland.

Our Mission and Goals

The Aquarium’s mission—to connect people with nature to inspire compassion and care for our ocean planet—begins within the walls of its buildings, but it does not end there. The Aquarium protects, enhances and restores natural resources through education and engagement, habitat restoration, animal rescue and sustainable business practices, with its conservation work guided by three overarching goals—to combat climate change, save wildlife and habitats, and stop plastic pollution.

Our Values

At the National Aquarium, our core values form the basis for our beliefs about our organization, our colleagues and ourselves, and serve as the framework to guide our behaviors and actions to achieve our mission.

Connection: We take the time to build lasting connections with each other, our guests, the animals in our care and the nature that surrounds us. We communicate clearly and collaborate readily within and across teams. We engage thoughtfully with our partners. We practice shared accountability.

Curiosity: We center learning and growth in all that we do. Our people are empowered to explore new approaches. We support taking risks. We value diverse perspectives and bold ideas. We embrace change.

Optimism: We celebrate the power of positive moments and shared experiences. We seek out opportunities to have fun. We reconnect with our purpose through sharing successes with our colleagues.

Service: We are in service to each other, our guests and our communities. We make intentional decisions and actions for the benefit of the people and animals within our organization.

Wellbeing: We ensure our people and animals have what they need mentally and physically to thrive. We are committed to improving the wellbeing of communities and sharing the healing power of natural for all.

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Justice

National Aquarium values an inclusive and diverse environment for all employees, volunteers, and interns. Our goal is to recruit, develop, and retain the most talented people from a candidate pool representative of the variety of communities we serve. With a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice, the Aquarium is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and promotes an environment free from all discrimination and harassment.

In the selection and retention of employees, volunteers, and interns, we do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion or belief, national, social, or ethnic origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, physical, mental, or sensory disability, sex (including pregnancy or childbirth), marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, arrest record, family or caregiver status, HIV status, socioeconomic status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Our organization is dedicated to this policy with respect to all terms and conditions of employment, including but not limited to recruitment, training, promotions, performance management, and separation, and general treatment during time of employment.

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