Description

The Executive Director of the Zoological Society of New Jersey (ZSNJ) leads the public/private partnership which fuels private support for Essex County Turtle Back Zoo. This is a high-impact opportunity for an accomplished executive with proven development and fundraising expertise. You will manage a relationship-driven advancement and modern membership program in support of a treasured asset and conservation leader in Northern New Jersey.

Turtle Back Zoo is a well-recognized destination and has seen tremendous growth, in attendance and more, over the last decade. All of this is a result of major investments by the County to deliver a high-quality guest experience and build innovative animal habitats. Building on its existing momentum in philanthropy and membership, the Society is poised to scale an already successful platform into a sophisticated major-gift and membership operation. The Executive Director will be the architect for this next chapter.

• For a mission-driven professional, this role offers:
• A large, loyal audience of Zoo visitors and members who can be invited into deeper philanthropic engagement.
• Partnership with a Zoo that has experienced tremendous growth and continuing accreditation by AZA and American Humane Association
• A compelling, tangible case for support—the highest standards of animal care, demonstrated through a new state-of-the art hospital; high impact conservation programs; expansive education offerings; and innovative capital improvements that donors can see and experience.
• The opportunity to lead a comprehensive campaign in the next three to five years tied to the Zoo’s new master-plan and Essex County’s continued investment.
• A committed public partner in Essex County, whose investments in the Zoo provide a strong foundation and credibility with donors.
• The chance to elevate the Society’s fundraising and membership systems, culture, and team, building off a strong foundation of success and grow the existing endowment into a larger, perpetual funding arm for the ZSNJ.
• High visibility across the County and region, with regular interaction with civic, corporate, and community leaders.
• Being part of a network of AZA professionals and fellow partner organization leaders, all of whom will share information and resources to support your success.

Key Responsibilities

1. Fundraising & Development – 
    Design and execute a multi-year development strategy to grow contributed revenue from individuals, corporations, foundations, and special events.
    Personally manage a portfolio of major donors and prospects, including cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.

2. Membership Growth & Engagement
    Transform current membership base and a meaningful recurring revenue stream into a major-gift pipeline.
     Lead the strategy for membership acquisition, retention, and upgrades, aligning membership offerings with Zoo visitation and programming.

3. Partnership with Essex County & Turtle Back Zoo
    Build and maintain excellent working relationships with:
    – Essex County leadership and relevant departments.
    – The Zoo’s Director and senior Zoo staff.

4. Staff Leadership & Organizational Culture
    Recruit, supervise, and develop Society staff and/or key contractors (development, membership, events, communications, operations) as resources grow.

5. Board Relations & Governance
    Serve as the principal liaison to the Board of Directors of the Zoological Society of New Jersey.

6. Financial & Operational Management
    Oversee financial management, reporting, and audit processes; ensure compliance with applicable laws and nonprofit best practices.

7. Marketing, Communications & Community Engagement
   Oversee Society-focused communications that support fundraising and membership (newsletters, impact stories, digital content, donor and member messaging).
Coordinate closely with Turtle Back Zoo’s and Essex County’s communications teams to ensure consistent branding and messaging.

Requirements

Experience

•       10+ years of progressively responsible leadership experience in the nonprofit or public sector, ideally in a cultural, environmental, educational, or community-focused organization.
•       Demonstrated success in fundraising, including personally soliciting major gifts and managing donor relationships.
•       Experience growing membership, subscription, or recurring revenue programs strongly preferred.
•       Proven ability to work effectively with public agencies and elected or appointed officials, or within a public–private partnership context.
•       Experience working with or supporting a governing or advisory Board.
•       Demonstrated experience in budgeting, financial oversight, and organizational operations.

Skills & Competencies

•       Strategic and analytical thinker with the ability to convert vision into practical plans and measurable outcomes.
•       Polished executive presence with excellent communication skills; comfortable presenting to groups and representing the organization publicly.
•       Proven relationship builder with experience cultivating and deepening connections with donors, County officials, Zoological Society staff, members, visitors, and community leaders.
•       High degree of financial acumen and comfort with data and metrics (fundraising pipelines, membership trends, ROI of initiatives).
•       Politically savvy, diplomatic, and able to manage complex, multi-stakeholder situations with discretion.

Personal Attributes

•       Deep commitment to conservation, animal welfare, education, and community impact consistent with the missions of Turtle Back Zoo and the Zoological Society of New Jersey.
•       Ethical, transparent, and trustworthy; maintains confidentiality and good judgment.
•       Collaborative, inclusive leadership style that values diverse perspectives.
•       Results-oriented and entrepreneurial, comfortable working in a growing organization where the ED balances strategy with hands-on execution.