Chief Financial Officer Zoo and Gardens

About San Francisco Zoo & Gardens The San Francisco Zoo is designed with the underlying belief that nature-focused interaction leads to conservation action. Learning about animals inspires visitors to care for all wildlife.

Nestled against the Pacific Ocean, the San Francisco Zoo is an urban oasis. It is home to over 2,000 exotic, endangered, and rescued animals representing more than 250 species and lovely peaceful gardens full of native and foreign plants.

The Opportunity The San Francisco Zoo & Gardens seeks a Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to serve as a strategic financial partner to CEO Cassandra Costello and a key member of the senior leadership team during a pivotal period of stabilization and growth. The CFO will be responsible for transforming the Zoo’s financial operations — building real-time visibility, strengthening internal controls, and positioning the organization to achieve long-term financial sustainability.

The incoming CFO will join at an exciting moment as the Zoo is undergoing a renewed commitment to institutional excellence under new leadership. This is an opportunity for a solutions-oriented finance leader who is energized by complexity and committed to the mission of connecting people with wildlife.

Reporting to the CEO, the CFO provides leadership across all financial functions and serves as the primary financial advisor to the board. The CFO will manage a finance team of four, including a Controller and Finance Manager. The organization operates with an annual budget of approximately $31 million.

Compensation & Benefits Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience. The salary range for this role is $200,000 - $225,000 with a generous benefits package Zoo employees enjoy healthcare benefits, vacation and sick leave, and a retirement program. In addition, all Zoo employees enjoy a complimentary Zoo Membership and a 30% discount in the Zoo’s gift shops and cafés.