Director of Conservation Biotechnologies - San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is an international, nonprofit conservation organization with two front doors: the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. We integrate wildlife health and care, science, and education to develop sustainable conservation solutions.

HOW YOU WILL IMPACT OUR MISSION The Director of Conservation Biotechnologies is responsible for the overall direction, planning, coordination, and implementation of a scientific research program that supports and is aligned with the conservation objectives and strategy of the SDZWA. The Director will oversee an integrated scientific group, encompassing our conservation genetics, reproductive sciences, and biodiversity banking teams. The Conservation Biotechnologies department takes an integrative and innovative approach; applying an array of scientific disciplines to support strategies (e.g., genetic rescue, population assessment and management, assisted reproduction) designed to safeguard and restore biodiversity and to manage wildlife populations in situ and ex situ. Scientific disciplines practiced within the Biotechnologies department include cryogenic biobanking of living cells and gametes (which comprise the SDZWA Frozen Zoo ), advanced population genomics, advanced reproductive technologies, cell biology, endocrinology, stem cell biology, bioinformatics and more. The Director of Conservation Biotechnologies is a subject-matter expert in either conservation genetics/genomics, reproductive sciences, cellular biology, or biodiversity banking, with a high level of fluency in the other disciplines. This position requires a proven track record of innovating, applying, and critically evaluating scientific approaches for biodiversity conservation, as well as a strong record of collaboration across sectors.

As a leadership position in the Conservation Science Wildlife Health (CSWH) department, the Director of Conservation Biotechnologies communicates the SDZWA conservation vision and strategy to their team, identifies and prioritizes projects that strengthen connections with other teams in CSWH, departments within SDZWA, external partners, and has a working knowledge of approaches/tools used by the SDZWA to ensure activities support conservation outcomes (e.g., The Conservation Standards). The Director of Conservation Biotechnologies will develop and steward strategic collaborative relationships with diverse stakeholders, including government agencies, NGO's, academic institutions, and local communities. The Director will have a proven track record for successful grant writing and team leadership. Working knowledge of regional, national, and international conservation frameworks and conventions is essential.

The Director is a member of the Conservation Science leadership team, and is responsible for monitoring, reporting, and communicating the Conservation Biotechnology team's conservation and science outcomes. The Director will contribute to organizational conservation strategic planning and fundraising, including securing grant funding through various sources.

Additional responsibilities of the Director of Conservation Biotechnologies include budget development and oversight, internal and external communications, ensuring that the team complies with ethical, safety and other guidelines as defined by SDZWA policies and procedures. The Director drives team cohesion and morale and serves to effectively connect the team to the broader CSWH department and with our strategic conservation objectives. This position will report to the Vice President of Wildlife Conservation Science.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

• Leads the development of broad-scale scientific research programs for the department that are aligned with the strategic conservation goals of the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance
• Ensures relevant scientific innovations are incorporated into research programs and that scientific activities support larger-conservation objectives
• Responsible for the productivity, mentorship and morale of department staff, ensuring that staff activities are effectively directed to meet organizationally aligned conservation goals
• Oversee operations and budget of multiple field and/or lab research programs
• Serves as departmental liaison within the organization and oversees all relevant compliance areas, including animal welfare, legal, financial, human resources, and grant deliverables
• Promotes organizational reputation externally through partnership cultivation and professional service, including presentations to diverse audiences and participation in committees, conferences, working groups, and academic institutions

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

We are seeking a visionary conservation science leader who brings deep scientific expertise, a track record of innovation, and the ability to translate integrative science into transformative conservation outcomes. The ideal candidate will inspire and lead a multidisciplinary team, build strategic partnerships and shape the future of conservation biotechnology through scientific excellence, collaboration, and strategic leadership.

JOB EXPERIENCE

• Must have 7 or more years of experience directing and conducting scientific research in genetics/genomics, reproductive sciences, cellular biology, biodiversity banking, or related scientific field required
• Must have 5 or more years of experience managing a team required.
• Must have a noteworthy publication record in peer-reviewed scientific journals.
• Successful track record of grant writing required.

EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATIONS

• PhD in genetics/genomics, reproductive sciences, cellular biology, biodiversity banking, or related field required.
• Valid California Driver's License in good standing required.
• Valid Passport

SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE

• Plan and develop strategic conservation science projects and programs
• Working knowledge of multiple scientific disciplines to foster transdisciplinary approaches to conservation
• Productive engagement across geography and cultures in the development of collaborative initiatives
• Navigate federal and local regulatory agency environments, rules, and compliance
• Travel as needed to manage diverse projects and teams
• Prepare and review grant applications and administer grants
• Develop, administer, and monitor budgets
• Manage and create a team dynamic
• Communicate effectively, verbally and in writing to scientific and lay audiences
• Prepare papers for publication in scientific journals

SOME OF THE REWARDS YOU WILL ENJOY AS A TEAM MEMBER

• Free admission to the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park
• Family Passes
• Complimentary Tickets
• Free Parking at the San Diego Zoo & San Diego Zoo Safari Park
• Local and In-House Discounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellness Program

IMPORTANT DETAILS

• Location: Escondido, CA
• Position Type: Salaried Full-Time Exempt Position
• Salary Range: $173,982 to $195,730

About The Salary Ranges

The posted salary range represents the full compensation potential for this role over time. Initial hiring offers are typically made within the lower to mid portion of the range and are based on a combination of relevant experience, skills, qualifications, internal equity, and organizational considerations. Placement near the top of the range is generally reserved for individuals who demonstrate sustained performance, growth, and expanded responsibilities in the role over time.

Fraudulent Recruiting
Beware of fraudulent recruiting. Legitimate San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance contacts will use an @sdzwa.org email address. We do not request money, checks, equipment orders, or sensitive personal data during the recruitment process. San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance only conducts interviews via phone, Zoom, Teams or in-person.

If you have been asked for any of the above, or believe you have been contacted by someone posing as a San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance employee, please e-mail sdzwacareers@sdzwa.org. If you feel that you have been the victim of fraud, please contact your financial institution(s) immediately.

At San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, we celebrate our differences and foster a culture of belonging. Diversity strengthens our employees, enriches our guests' experiences, deepens our connection to our community, and supports the wildlife we serve.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other legally protected status.

If you require a reasonable accommodation to complete an application, please email your request to sdzwacareers@sdzwa.org and provide the job title and location to which you are applying.

As a Federal Contractor, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is required to participate in the E-Verify Program to confirm eligibility to work in the United States. We are not offering sponsorship for this position at this time.

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is a drug free workplace.