Program Assistant, Wildlife Trafficking Alliance; WTA

AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums, Related Facilities, Commercial Members, Conservation Partners and Society Partners may post free unlimited online job listings as a member benefit. Non-members can purchase job listings. How to post a job

Interested in a career in AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums? Learn more about types of zoo and aquarium jobs and relevant education programs in our career center .

The Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) is seeking a Program Assistant, Wildlife Trafficking Alliance (WTA) to support the implementation of AZA’s Wildlife Trafficking Alliance and related initiatives. This role provides administrative, communications, and programmatic support that helps contribute to partner engagement, internal and external communications, meeting coordination, and data tracking that advance AZA’s efforts to combat wildlife trafficking.

This position is based in our Silver Spring, MD headquarters and reports to the Senior Advisor on Wildlife Trafficking. This position is eligible for a hybrid schedule with a minimum of 2 days per week in the office.

Responsibilities

• Provide administrative and programmatic support for the Wildlife Trafficking Alliance’s core operations, including maintaining records, tracking action items, coordinating communications, and supporting meetings through scheduling, agendas, materials, and minutes.
• Support wildlife trafficking programs and initiatives at the program-management level by tracking activities and deliverables, maintaining reporting schedules, compiling program updates, and assisting with internal and external reporting.
• Support demand‑reduction and public‑engagement initiatives at the project‑delivery level—including campaigns and transportation‑hub outreach—by coordinating deployments, managing materials, working with partners, and collecting participation and reach data.
• Manage WTA communications, partner engagement, and resources, including shared inboxes, newsletters, toolkits, databases, and responses to general inquiries.
• Support data management, internal tracking systems, website updates, and provide limited administrative and data support for confiscations‑related activities, including maintaining databases and supporting vetting or review committee meeting logistics.
• Provide administrative support to WTA working groups, advisory committees, and partner networks, including posting documents, administering surveys, maintaining governance records, and supporting virtual and in‑person meetings and events.
• Assist with special projects, data compilation, basic reporting, conference and event support, and other clerical or programmatic duties as assigned.

Education and Experience

• High school diploma or GED required.
• BS/BA is preferred.
• Previous experience with zoos and aquariums or related organizations is a plus.

• Strong organizational, time‑management, and task‑tracking skills in a fast‑paced, multi‑stakeholder environment
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to draft, edit, and proofread professional correspondence, reports, and outreach materials
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) and online collaboration tools (e.g., SharePoint, Teams, Google Drive, or similar)
• Experience working with databases, shared drives, mailing lists, and content management systems
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, track deliverables, and meet deadlines across multiple projects
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work professionally with a wide range of partners, committees, and external stakeholders
• Ability to handle sensitive or confidential information with discretion and professionalism
• Ability to travel required.

AZA offers a comprehensive benefits package, including but not limited to health insurance…