Department: Administration
FLSA Status: Exempt
Salary Range: $110,000 - $125,000
Working Hours: Typically 8:30 a.m. – 5 pm, Monday through Friday. Evenings and weekends are necessary at times.
Direct Supervisor's Name and Title: Pamela Reed Sanchez, President & CEO
Seneca Park Zoo Society's Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) will guide and oversee the systems and processes that support the organization's culture and enable people to do good work, with a focus on maximizing organizational effectiveness. The ideal candidate will have experience in both driving change and managing it, with proven competencies around process improvement and working with teams through change.
The CAO is primarily an internally facing position, managing day-to-operations and guiding the implementation of key elements of the Zoo Society's Long-Range Plan. This is a new position for the Zoo Society, created in response to the Long-Range Plan adopted by the Board of Trustees in 2025. In addition to leading and developing administrative staff members, the CAO's main duties and responsibilities will include:
Long Range Plan Oversight and Implementation
- Oversee and drive the organization's progress toward achieving its Long-Range Plan
- Coordinate and assign work of individuals and teams toward Plan fulfillment
- Develop goals and implement annual work plan
- Manage cross-functional teams and monitor progress to ensure objectives are met
- Track performance and identify potential roadblocks
- Work with different departments to ensure effective communication and coordination
Business Processes and Efficiencies
- Optimize Business Processes, and create and implement operational policies and procedures
- Work with team members to develop ROI's for all events and programs, considering both revenue and mission impact
- Work closely with the Chief Financial Officer to manage the financial planning and risk management processes of the Society.
- Provide guidance for employees on administrative procedures and processes
Performance Management and Personnel Development
- Drive performance management throughout the organization, including monitoring performance metrics and implementing improvements when necessary.
- Monitor performance metrics and implement improvements when necessary
- Oversee the recruitment, training, and development of staff
- Provide guidance to the Volunteer Manager for the recruitment, training, and development of volunteers
- Develop and implement HR policies and procedures that are aligned with organizational goals and legal requirements
- Create succession plans for key leadership roles and personal development plans for full-time staff
- Provide HR functions for the team, including annual employee handbook updates, open enrollment, and benefits management
Systems Oversight
- Oversee the information technology function, including the selection and implementation of new technology systems
- Ensure the organization complies with relevant laws and regulations, including those related to privacy and data security
Other
- Oversee space planning for the functions of the Zoo Society
- Coordinate with various departments to ensure the smooth functioning of all operations
- Serve as a key member of the executive leadership team and contribute to the company's strategic planning
- Report to the Board of Trustees on administrative issues and progress on Long Range Plan implementation
Reporting
The CAO formally reports to the President/CEO, working side-by-side in achieving the Zoo Society's Long-Range Plan and managing day-to-day operations of the Zoo Society. This position directly supervises the Chief Financial Officer, the Director of Innovation and Technology, and the Volunteer Manager. As the key driver of performance indicators, the CAO also has informal ("dotted line") reporting relationships with all management positions throughout the Zoo Society.
Qualifications and Experience
Bachelor's degree required; master's degree preferred
Eight to ten years of nonprofit management experience, with a focus on overseeing business operations and knowledge of nonprofit business practices
Proven experience as a Chief Administrative Officer or similar administrative role, including oversight of Human Resources, Operations, and Finance
Excellent leadership and organizational abilities
Strategic planning and business development skills, with proven leadership implementing long-range plans.
Experience in budgeting and financial management; Financial Edge and Questica experience a plus
Excellent understanding of administrative management theory and practice
Knowledge of MS Office and CRMs; Salesforce experience preferred
Commitment to the Zoo and Zoo Society's mission is paramount, as is a sense of humor and the ability to be flexible and adaptable.
Commitment to uphold the workplace values of the Zoo Society: Transparency, Accountability, Innovation, Team Above Self, Partnerships and Collaboration, Inclusion, and Hope
Both cover letter and resume are required when applying
Seneca Park Zoo Society is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
