Job Description

The Zoological Society of Milwaukee (the Society) is seeking a Conservation Projects Coordinator to join a fun and talented team of professionals in supporting one of the most cherished community assets – the Milwaukee County Zoo. This role supports our conservation strategy to save wildlife and wild places locally and across the globe by leading and partnering on projects. Specifically, this position coordinates projects that raise public awareness of wildlife conservation, convenes partners to deliver effective conservation actions and enhances our role as a wildlife conservation leader. This position provides operational and administrative support for conservation projects, including tracking and communicating detailed information about partners, project needs, annual work plans, timelines, results, funding requirements, protocols, schedules and other critical information that aid in effective project coordination. As part of the programs department, this position works closely with the Milwaukee County Zoo to inspire and empower all members of our community to take conservation action.

This is a full-time position eligible for a competitive benefits package, including health insurance, complimentary dental, vision, life, STD and LTD coverage, 401k with up to a 5% match, PTO, paid holidays, and a complimentary Zoo Pass, up to the Household level.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Partner Cultivation

• Stakeholder Liaison: In collaboration with Zoo conservation staff, act as a coordinator in support of a diverse coalition, including the Zoological Society of Milwaukee, Milwaukee County Zoo, nonprofits, municipal governments and other stakeholders.
• Relationship Development: Identify, research and cultivate new public, non-profit, governmental and private-sector partnerships to advance the Zoo's conservation goals and staff engagement in field conservation.
• Signature Project Support: Convene conservation partners for a coordinated effort, identifying unmet needs and opportunities to apply zoo-specific competencies, starting with Wisconsin statewide partners.
• Network Building: Work with diverse community members and groups on conservation project planning, representing the zoo at external planning meetings and conferences to identify new collaboration opportunities.

Impact Communications

• Conservation Storytelling: Translate conservation research projects and data into compelling narratives for grants, social media, websites and annual reports to inspire community action.
• Internal Alignment: Working with internal stakeholders, support consistent conservation messaging across departments by coordinating with marketing, conservation and education teams, making conservation part of the coalition’s “DNA”.

Project Coordination

• Resource Development: Serve as a resource to conservation staff, leaders and other stakeholders by developing, reviewing, managing, and tracking partner information, internal policies, standard protocols, research papers, public and private grants, and ensuring alignment with goals and internal requirements.
• Independent Collaborator: Work independently within a team setting.
• Effective Efficiency: Apply strong project management practices for timely, results-oriented planning.

Conservation Programs Support

• Provide technical and logistical support for field work activities in Southeastern Wisconsin including, but not limited to acoustic bat monitoring, prairie butterfly and bumble bee surveys, and monarch tagging.
• Support financial administration of conservation budget, grants, and reporting.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in conservation or a related degree (ecology, wildlife biology, zoology, etc.).
• Two years of experience organizing and sharing detailed, complex information.
• Ability to read and understand scientific papers.
• Demonstrated experience coordinating projects.
• Proven ability to work independently and in teams.
• Proven ability to prioritize and plan work activities and use time efficiently to meet deadlines.
• Demonstration of excellent verbal and written communication and presentation skills; Spanish or second language fluency a plus.
• Knowledge of zoo, aquarium, or museum education and related accreditation processes a plus.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite; proficiency in additional collaboration platforms and/or resource scheduling tools preferred.
• Ability to frequently travel off-site to program sites, meetings and professional opportunities (with occasional out-of-town and overnight commitments).
• Ability to work flexible hours based upon performance requirements, including occasional weekend, late afternoon, and/or pre-designated holiday hours.

The Zoological Society of Milwaukee believes diversity, equity, access, and inclusion (DEAI) are the hallmarks of a robust, vibrant community and have adopted DEAI as foundational to our organizations’ priorities and values. A successful candidate will embrace these values and incorporate a similar commitment within their scope of work to foster an inclusive culture that celebrates diversity, which is demonstrated through actions and words.

The Society provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

The Zoological Society of Milwaukee is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in all its services. If you need accommodation in the application or interview process, please contact our Human Resources department at hr@zoosociety.org.

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