Immediate opening!

Are you a strategic thinker with exceptional organizational skills and a talent for driving results? The Santa Barbara Zoo is hiring an Executive Business Partner to support the CEO and executive team, manage key initiatives, and drive operational excellence. Join us in advancing our mission of conservation and education while fostering meaningful stakeholder relationships!

Position Status: Full-time, Regular, Non-exempt, Hourly
Compensation: $40.12 - $43.00 per hour

*You must also complete the Zoo's Official Employment Application on the next page in order to be considered for the position*

SUMMARY:

The Executive Business Partner serves as a strategic and operational partner to the CEO and executive team, ensuring smooth execution of organizational priorities and the advancement of the Santa Barbara Zoo’s mission. This role combines high-level administrative expertise with strategic insight to enhance the CEO’s effectiveness, oversee key initiatives, and foster stakeholder relationships.

The Executive Business Partner is also responsible for providing high-level administrative support to the CEO and Zoo's executive team, ensuring smooth operations and effective communication within the organization.

The Executive Business Partner will contribute to creating a collaborative, forward-thinking environment, emphasizing operational excellence, confidentiality, and strategic impact.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

Executive Support Functions
1. Strategic Administrative Support

Serves as a primary point of contact for the CEO and executive team, managing internal and external communications with professionalism and discretion
Coordinates complex calendars, travel arrangements, and correspondence to ensure alignment with strategic priorities and organizational goals
Prepares agendas, briefing documents, presentations, and post-meeting action plans to optimize decision-making and the efficient use of the CEO’s time
Acts as a liaison between the CEO’s office, the Board of Directors, and other committees, ensuring effective communication and timely follow-up

2. Operational and Project Management

Oversees cross-departmental initiatives and special projects, ensuring timely execution and alignment with the zoo’s mission and objectives
Manages office logistics, including supplies, equipment maintenance, and record-keeping, to ensure seamless operations
Develops and implements workflows and processes to enhance organizational efficiency, communication, and reporting
Collaborates on financial planning, budget oversight, and the use of data-driven insights to support strategic decisions

3. Stakeholder and Donor Relations

Represents the CEO’s office in interactions with board members, donors, and community stakeholders, fostering positive and professional relationships
Coordinates donor engagement events, internal awards programs, and fundraising campaigns, contributing to the zoo’s development efforts
Supports public relations and communication strategies, maintaining the highest level of professionalism in all stakeholder engagements

4. Meeting Facilitation and Documentation

Plans and coordinates logistics for meetings, including room bookings, agenda preparation, and distribution of materials
Provides administrative support during meetings, including note-taking, action item tracking, and follow-up
Produces weekly internal communications, such as “What’s New at the Zoo,” and ensures all documentation is accurate and professional

5. Confidentiality and Crisis Management

Handles sensitive information and executive discussions with the utmost discretion, ensuring confidentiality and integrity
Acts as a problem solver during crises or unplanned events, ensuring continuity of leadership and organizational operations

6. Technology and Innovation

Coordinates IT-related functions, including server maintenance and interfacing with the IT contractor, ensuring efficient technology operations
Leverages modern tools for project management, data analysis, and communication to enhance productivity
Stays informed about industry trends and technological innovations to continuously improve executive support functions

7. Team Collaboration and Leadership

Fosters teamwork across departments, interacting with department heads as a member of the Zoo’s Management Team to support organizational goals
Collaborates with staff to build a positive and productive work environment, exemplifying the zoo’s

Marketing Functions

Performs product research
Handles purchasing, as assigned
Coordinates special events, as assigned

Organization

Maintains administrative records for the Zoo including official by-laws and institutional history
Adheres to the Zoo’s policies and procedures as outlined in the Employee Policy Manual
Exemplifies our Core Values and professional standards
Attends all-employee meetings
Attends bi-weekly administrative meetings

SECONDARY DUTIES:

Other duties as assigned to support the operations and management of Zoo activities
Special projects as required
Applies and exemplifies “green” (sustainable) practices whenever possible

Guest Relations:

Greets every guest with a smile
Thanks guests for supporting/visiting the Zoo
Answers phone calls, voice mails, and e-mails promptly
Ensures the Zoo’s presentation standards for cleanliness and maintenance are met by keeping the work area clean, picking up trash, and reporting unsafe or unsightly conditions
Associates with guests to share information and assist
Responds to all guest inquiries, complaints, and comments according to Zoo guest relations procedures
Maintains a clean neat appearance and adheres to the Zoo’s uniform dress code
Takes responsibility to stay informed about happenings at the Zoo such as reading employee communications and attending meetings
Reflects our core values, the qualities outlined in the Guest Relations Statement and the Employee Pledge

POSITION CRITERIA:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements and environmental characteristics described below are representative of the knowledge, skill, ability, and working and physical elements required of the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Education and Experience:

Bachelor's degree preferred (business, nonprofit management, or related field)
5-7 years of experience in executive–level

License, Certification, or Preferred Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree preferred (business, nonprofit management, or related field)
Minimum 5–7 years of experience in executive-level support or a similar leadership support role
Certifications (CAP, MOS, OM, PACE, or similar) are a plus
Experience in non-profit, conservation, or zoo-related environments is a plus
A valid Driver’s License with a good driving record is desirable

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Proficiency in cutting-edge applications and technology, including but not limited to MS Office Suite, MS Teams, Google Workspace, Dropbox, Slack, Zoom, and other scheduling software and project management tools
Outstanding organizational skills, resourceful, and good time management practices
Ability to follow oral and written directions
Effective oral and written communication skills
Ability to work independently and take initiative
Ability to exercise safe work habits
Ability to interact courteously and respectfully with supervisors, fellow employees, volunteers, and our guests
Strong analytical abilities and attention to detail
Ability to adapt to a dynamic, fast-paced environment while managing competing priorities
Knowledge of non-profit fundraising and stakeholder engagement best practices

Physical Demands & Work Environment:

Requires the ability to access all areas of the facility
Must be able to participate in operational practices; including the ability to lift 20 lbs., climb stairs, manipulate tools, and stand /walk for up to two continuous hours
Involves working out-of-doors in all weather conditions
Supportive and open employment culture

Tools Used:

Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, or Monday.com)
Communication and scheduling platforms (e.g., Microsoft Teams, Slack, Zoom)
Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
Data analysis and visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Google Analytics)
File sharing and document collaboration tools (e.g., Google Workspace, SharePoint)
Digital event coordination platforms (e.g., Eventbrite, Cvent, Whova, Tripleseat)

BENEFITS & PERKS:

Great team, beautiful grounds, amazing animal collection, sunshine & ocean view almost year-round!
Free parking M-F, free guest passes, unlimited free tea/coffee every morning, 20% discounts on food services and retail purchases
Access to the San Diego Zoo Global Academy platform, professional development events, and lunch & learn opportunities
Comprehensive benefits package for FTR staff, voluntary supplemental insurances, zoo membership, paid sick leave, paid vacation time, 403(b) and SEP retirement plans, a paid conservation day, a paid Zoo Day to visit another AZA accredited institution, paid time off to take your pet to the vet, and much more...

*You must also complete the Zoo's Official Employment Application on the next page in order to be considered for the position*

This job description is representative of the expectations of the position described. Additional duties, reporting relationships, and/or position criteria may be assigned as deemed necessary by the Chief Executive Officer/President, or authorized representative. No changes to this job description shall be made without written permission by the Chief Executive Officer or authorized representative.

The Zoo reserves the right to revise this job description at any time. The job description does not constitute a contract for employment and does not guarantee employment for any specified period of time. The job description does not in any way alter the at-will employment relationship.

Compensation: $40.12 - $43.00 per hour

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Do you love animals and working with people? Join the fun, caring, friendly, and energetic team at the Santa Barbara Zoo in our mission of preservation, conservation, and enhancement of the natural world and its living treasures through education, research, and recreation.

Once you apply, please make sure to check your spam folder if you do not see an email response from the Zoo.

The Santa Barbara Zoo is a private 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation and is a fully accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Known as one of the world’s most beautiful zoos, it is located on 30 acres of lush botanic gardens overlooking the Pacific Ocean. It is home to more than 146 animal species living in open, naturalistic habitats. Our wonderful collaborative team includes up to 220 employees and 50 volunteers.

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You Belong at the Zoo! Why?

It’s a great place to work!

We strive to: 1. Provide a learning environment with great benefits and advancement opportunities. 2. Work as a team. 3. Enjoy our work and have fun!

We are guest-oriented.

We strive to: 1. Be professional, engaged, warm, friendly, informed, and resourceful because we care about our guests’ experience. 2. Ensure safe, clean, and injury-free facilities. 3. Be a place of choice to visit in town.

We are goal-oriented.

We strive to: 1. Set competitive goals that involve our entire staff. 2. Focus on our mission and the best ways to deliver our care and services to our animals, our staff, and our guests. 3. Be the best place to visit in Santa Barbara!