Assistant Director of Conservation Action

TITLE: Assistant Director of Conservation Action
DEPARTMENT: Conservation Action
REPORTS TO: Sr. Director, Conservation Action
STATUS: Full-time, Exempt
SALARY: $75,000 - $85,000
LOCATION: Chicago - Hybrid

The Assistant Director of Conservation Action oversees the planning, operations, and evaluation of Shedd’s conservation action efforts that activate people and communities to act for animals. Shedd’s conservation action work utilizes an equity lens to restore and protect natural areas, prevent future environmental degradation, and mobilize various stakeholders and communities to act for a healthier future.

The assistant director is responsible for managing all aspects of implementing environmental restoration projects and delivering conservation action outreach programs. Working closely with other Shedd departments, the assistant director will contribute to interdepartmental collaboration, coordinate training and education on key conservation issues, centralize important resources for conservation messaging, and track outputs and outcomes. The assistant director also manages external partnerships, playing a key role in developing new relationships and delivering on collaborative efforts with nonprofits, elected officials, businesses, community groups, and others.

• Demonstrate commitment to Shedd’s vision, mission, and values.
• Annual Planning and Budget Oversight
  • With the senior director, set the direction for the conservation action team to develop, manage, and execute implementation of the strategic plan, including all programmatic, budget management, and evaluation goals.
  • As part of the Learning & Community leadership team, contribute to developing strategic long‑range plans, including annual and multi‑year plans and budgets, professional development activities, and evaluation strategies.
  • Build consistent strategies, metrics, and resources across the conservation action department and seek alignment with other Shedd teams.
  • Manage the annual team calendar to document and plan the conservation action department’s various restoration projects and outreach programs.
  • Oversee program budgets and ensure accurate spending and tracking of program expenses. Contribute to fundraising efforts, including grant applications, and ensure all funding obligations are met, and work with the Development department on funding reports.
• Program, Project, and Team Management
  • Supervise and coach team members for continued growth and development. May include direct reports, external consultants, and team members who report to other supervisors.
  • Oversee planning and delivery of environmental restoration activities and conservation action outreach programs.
  • Track and report on all metrics associated with restoration and engagement efforts and ensure all funding and partner deliverables are met.
  • Work with Learning & Community and other Shedd teams on collaborative program development and delivery.
  • With an innovative and creative mindset, identify and cultivate additional opportunities for both onsite and offsite conservation action engagement.
  • Work closely with Shedd’s Government Affairs and Policy team to strategically lead cross‑team conservation advocacy efforts.
• Conservation Engagement Planning
  • Collaborate with aquarium‑wide teams to ensure conservation engagement is integrated across programs, exhibits, projects, and initiatives.
  • Develop new and nurture existing internal and external partnerships to advance conservation engagement goals. Maintain strong relationships with local, national, and international conservation organizations/influencers, including NGOs, funders, and associations.
  • Maintain and build expertise in conservation issues. Serve as a reliable, knowledgeable source of current, relevant information and provide content and input for Shedd messaging and communications needs. Serve as Shedd spokesperson for media and other public appearances. Provide counsel to SVP and others.
  • Support development of training on conservation engagement for staff and One Shedd partners as appropriate.
• Deepen Shedd’s DEAI efforts internally and externally
  • Advance institutional and…