Director Of Guest Services - San Diego Zoo Safari Park

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is a nonprofit international conservation leader, committed to inspiring a passion for nature and creating a world where all life thrives. Empowering people from around the globe to support our mission to conserve wildlife through innovation and partnerships, we support cutting-edge conservation, and bring the stories of our work back to our two world-famous front doors — the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park — giving millions of Guests, in person and virtually, the opportunity to experience conservation in action. The deep and extensive knowledge gained from more than a century of experience in wildlife care, health, veterinary services, nutrition and conservation makes us invaluable in the global effort to save species. Our team members play a crucial role in driving our conservation efforts forward and bringing us closer to a world where all life thrives.
HOW YOU WILL IMPACT OUR MISSION
The Director of Guest Services is responsible for the Guest Services Department by leading and inspiring the team and providing high quality guest experiences at Admissions, Guest Ambassadors, Tours and Transportation, Attractions, and Volunteer Services. In addition, this position assures the readiness, safety, and appearance of all facilities. This position reports to the Deputy Director at assigned location.
WHAT YOU WILL DO

• Responsible for the safety, readiness, appearance, efficiency and quality of all programs and products in the assigned areas. Develops processes and strategic plans to improve product and program efficiency and profitability.
• Assesses the quality and appropriateness of assigned activity that impacts the guest experience. Cultivates and develops relationships across all departments to support SDZWA's mission and vision by creating an outstanding guest experience.
• Builds collaborative and engaged teams, focused on excellent internal and external customer service. Develops, trains and coaches team members using performance standards, and strategizing measurable goals and growth objectives.
• Oversees budget development and administration of assigned functions. Ensures targets are met.

WHAT ARE WE LOOKING FOR
We are looking for an inspirational leader to bring our values to life in support of our conservation mission. Someone leading the charge on our guest experience to ensure all visitors have a feeling of belonging.

• JOB EXPERIENCE
• At least seven years of specialized training/or experience related to business administration or recreation management - experience in high volume theme park operations, zoo, operations, or similar experience required.
• Experience working with volunteers.
• Experience with union labor preferred.
• EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATIONS
• Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Recreation Management or related field preferred.
• Current valid California Driver's License in good standing preferred.
• SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE
• Demonstrated ability to lead highly effective teams in a diverse environment required.
• Ability to develop and administer budgets required.
• Ability to manage internal and external customer interactions with a high level of tact and diplomacy required.
• Ability to effectively communicate both verbally and in writing required.
• Ability to operate moderately complex computer software programs required.
• Ability to prepare and deliver presentations required.
• Ability to develop and maintain strong working relationships with all departments required.
• Knowledge of managing volunteers and volunteer programs preferred.
• Knowledge of complex scheduling and labor management preferred.
• Knowledge of theme park, zoo, or recreation operations preferred.

SOME OF THE PERKS 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
• Local and In-House Discounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellness Program

IMPORTANT DETAILS

• Location: Escondido, CA
• Position Type: Salaried Full-Time Exempt Position
• Salary Range: $114,800 to $126,920

Be an ally for wildlife by joining our team!
At San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, we thrive on celebrating our differences. Diversity is vital for the benefit of our team members, our guests, our community, and our wildlife.
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.
San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is a drug free workplace.