Chief Animal Conservation Officer (CACO)
Chief Animal Conservation Officer (CACO)
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$ 250000 - 280000
1 Vacancy
Job Description
DEPARTMENT: Executive Leadership
REPORTS TO: President & CEO
STATUS: Full-time Exempt
SALARY:$250000 - $280000
POSITION OVERVIEW:
Shedd Aquarium is seeking a strategic and visionary Chief Animal Conservation Officer (CACO) to lead the organizations animal husbandry conservation research and animal health efforts. The CACO will be a key member of Shedds Executive Leadership Team shaping and executing initiatives aligned with the Centennial CommitmentShedds bold strategic plan for impact and growth.
Shedds annual budget is approximately $70 million with an additional $10-15 million in capital expenses. In addition hundreds of millions of dollars are currently being deployed as part of the strategic plan the Centennial Commitment which includes the recently completed $25 million Center for Animal Care and Sustainability. The Shedd team comprises 343 full-time and 120 part-time staff as well as 400 volunteers. In addition approximately 400 partner employees work full-time at Shedd. Shedd has a 45-member Board of Trustees. Specific to the CACO the Animal Care and Science Division is comprised of over 120 team members and has a Division budget of approximately $15.5 million.
This role requires a dynamic leader with a deep understanding of animal operations and conservation a proven record of executive leadership and the ability to build strong collaborative teams across departments. The CACO will drive innovation elevate care standards and represent Shedds mission across diverse scientific public and policy arenas.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned. To perform this job successfully an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.- Provide visionary leadership across animal care animal health and conservation research departments.
- Drive strategic initiatives and organizational priorities in alignment with Shedds Centennial Commitment.
- Develop and support high-performing teams with a focus on collaboration innovation and accountability.
- Ensure the highest standards of animal well-being including continuity of care and guest engagement.
- Represent Shedd Aquarium to external audiences funders national and international partners and scientific bodies.
- Oversee complex resource planning including staffing budgeting and long-term sustainability goals.
- Advance Shedds visibility and influence in regional national and international conservation networks.
Education:
- A bachelors degree is required.
- Advanced degrees (DVM VMD Ph.D.) in veterinary medicine marine biology zoology conservation science or related fields are preferred.
- 10 years of executive leadership experience in a zoo aquarium conservation organization research institution or similar entity with complex animal operations and public engagement.
- Demonstrated expertise in animal husbandry animal health and applied conservation.
- Strategic thinker with strong operational execution skills.
- Exceptional interpersonal leadership and communication abilities.
- Deep commitment to Shedds mission values and community.
- A bold adaptive leader with a proven track record of driving innovation and aligning teams.
- An effective external representative with experience in public speaking policy advocacy and scientific communication.
- A mission-driven professional with a passion for animal welfare conservation and inclusive leadership.
- A collaborative partner who thrives in a cross-functional high-performance environment.
- Medical Insurance including FSA and HSA plan options
- Vision and Dental Insurance
- Accrued Paid Time Off
- Up to 12 Paid Holidays
- Life Insurance
- Parental Leaveand Adoption Assistance
- 401(k)
- Discounted Parking and Public Transit Subsidies
- Employee Assistance Program
- Employee Wellness program including Preventive Care Incentive
- Employee Discounts
- Employee Tickets
Russell Reynolds Associates the global leadership advisory and executive search firm has been exclusively engaged to lead this search. All inquiries and discussions will be considered strictly confidential.
Interested candidates are invited to visit the Russell Reynolds Engage platform accessible through this LINK(copy & paste - will first be asked to register and create a profile. From the home page navigate to Job Post and enter the following career code: 2505-019NA to submit a resume and cover letter for consideration.
The Russell Reynolds team can be contacted directly at for nominations or with any questions.
Reasonable Accommodations:Shedd Aquarium is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you need reasonable accommodations for any part of the employment process please email us at
We strongly encourage people of color LGBTQ community veterans and active duty military parents individuals with disabilities and individuals from all cultural backgrounds to apply. Shedd Aquarium is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes everyone to our team.
Required Experience:
Chief
Employment Type
Full Time
