Vice President of Education and Conservation

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Job Title:
Vice President of Education & Conservation

Department:
Education and Conservation Date Updated:
December 2025

Reports To:
Chief Operating Officer Status:
Full Time, Exempt

Supervises:
Curator of Education;
Conservation Science Coordinator

SUMMARY OF POSITION:

The Vice President of Education and Conservation provides strategic and visionary leadership for all education and conservation initiatives at Zoo Knoxville. This position leads a talented, multidisciplinary team of educators and conservation professionals to design, implement, and evaluate innovative programs and experiences that engage guests, strengthen community partnerships, and advance the Zoo’s mission.

The Vice President serves as a member of the Zoo’s senior leadership team and plays a key role in shaping the guest experience, driving programmatic growth, and positioning Zoo Knoxville as a leader in conservation education locally, regionally, nationally, and globally.

The Vice President of Education and Conservation will be an active ambassador for Zoo Knoxville, building relationships with community leaders, schools, conservation organizations, and supporters. This position requires a dynamic leader who can inspire teams, engage audiences, and promote Zoo Knoxville’s mission with passion and purpose.

Mission Alignment and Guest Engagement

• Actively supports Zoo Knoxville’s mission, vision, and core values in all work and interactions.
• Champions and models the ideals of the Zoo by:
  • Welcoming and engaging guests at every point of interaction.
  • Inspiring guests to learn more, care more, and take action to save wildlife and wild places.
  • Leading in the delivery of exceptional, memorable guest service experiences that align with Zoo Knoxville’s mission and brand.

Leadership and Strategic Direction

• Leads the strategic development, implementation, and evaluation of all education and conservation initiatives, both on and off Zoo grounds.
• Develops and manages a comprehensive work plan for Conservation and Education, including goals, objectives, timelines, budgets, and revenue projections.
• Provides vision and leadership to ensure Zoo Knoxville’s education and conservation programs achieve institutional goals and make measurable conservation impacts.
• Oversees the management and strategic direction of the Zoo’s volunteer program, as well as the on-grounds school field trips and access programs for Knox County schools.
• Serves as a core member of the exhibit design team, guiding the creation of engaging, mission-driven experiences and interpretive messaging.
• Works closely with the Chief Operating Officer on conservation communications and partnerships with organizations such as AZA SAFE and the IUCN SSC.
• Partners with the Zoological Department to ensure all animal chats, presentations, and ambassador programs are accurate, engaging, and impactful. Leads the interpretation of our animal exhibits.

Program Development and Community Partnerships

• Designs and evaluates innovative education programs that reach diverse audiences using a variety of media, methods, and technologies.
• Builds strong relationships with schools, teachers, and youth-serving organizations (e.g., YMCA, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts) to expand educational reach and impact.
• Collaborates with local and regional education partners to align Zoo Knoxville’s programming with community and curriculum needs, particularly with Knox County Schools.
• Partners with the Public Relations/Communications, Marketing and Zoological teams to develop interpretive media, digital resources, and educational content.
• Investigates and forges partnerships with external organizations to advance the…