San Diego Zoo Safari Park · California · posted today
HOW YOU WILL IMPACT OUR MISSION The Senior Director of In-Park Revenue & Experiences leads the strategic vision, development, and performance of the Safari Park’s in-park revenue portfolio to increase mission contribution while delivering exceptional, conservation-centered visitor experiences. The position is directly accountable for revenue-generating experiences and for achieving key financial, operational, guest-experience, and wildlife care standards. Working collaboratively across SDZWA, the Senior Director establishes a disciplined approach to product development, portfolio optimization, and campus-wide initiatives that strengthens financial performance, visitor engagement, and conservation impact. This position reports to the Executive Director, San Diego Zoo Safari Park. WHAT YOU WILL DO • Leads the design, development, and continuous evolution of mission-aligned programs, products, and experiences that increase visitor engagement, drive topline revenue, improve operating income, and generate greater financial contribution to SDZWA’s conservation mission. • Provides strategic leadership and direct oversight of Safari Experiences, including premium tours and overnight experiences. Establishes departmental cohesive vision, develops leaders, builds accountable teams, and ensures safe, efficient, financially sustainable, and guest-centered operations. • Collaborates across SDZWA with Marketing, Revenue Management, Finance, Merchandising, Business Development, and other partners to develop products and align business capabilities, resources, and priorities in support of Safari Park key performance indicators. • Leads business planning, budgeting, forecasting, pricing, capacity management, and portfolio evaluation. Uses financial, operational, and visitor data to identify opportunities, optimize performance, allocate resources, and inform strategic decisions. • Establishes standards that create a cohesive, accessible, and authentic visitor experience across in-park revenue channels. Ensures products and programs consistently reflect the Safari Park’s identity, conservation mission, wildlife care standards, and commitment to world-class service. • Develops productive relationships with vendors, industry partners, and internal stakeholders; monitors emerging trends and best practices; and identifies innovative opportunities that strengthen the Safari Park’s competitive position, operational capabilities, and long-term financial sustainability. WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR JOB EXPERIENCE • 8-9 years of progressively responsible leadership experience in revenue-generating operations, hospitality, attractions, retail, food and beverage, premium experiences, or a related guest-serving industry. • Experience must include responsibility for financial performance, strategic planning, product development, cross-functional collaboration, and leadership of complex teams or multiple operating functions. • Senior leadership experience within a zoo, aquarium, cultural institution, theme park, resort, or other high-volume visitor destination is preferred. • Experience within zoo, theme park, or other high-volume guest-serving environment is highly desirable. EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATIONS • Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration/Management, Hospitality, Marketing, Finance, or related field preferred. SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE • Ability to use word processing, financial spreadsheets, and desktop publishing systems. • Must have basic mathematical aptitude to manage complex budgets. • Demonstrated ability to work with teams and manage effectively within a diverse environment. • Able to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. • Able to craft a vision and purpose and drive it with the team. SOME OF THE REWARDS 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 • Free Parking at the San Diego Zoo & San Diego Zoo Safari Park • Local and In-House Discounts • Employee Assistance Program • Wellness Program IMPORTANT DETAILS • Location: Escondido, CA • Position Type: Salary Full-Time Exempt Position • Salary Range: $173,982 to $195,730 About The Salary Ranges The posted salary range represents the full compensation potential for this role over time. Initial hiring offers are typically made within the lower to mid portion of the range and are based on a combination of relevant experience, skills, qualifications, internal equity, and organizational considerations. Placement near the top of the range is generally reserved for individuals who demonstrate sustained performance, growth, and expanded responsibilities in the role over time. Fraudulent Recruiting Beware of fraudulent recruiting. Legitimate San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance contacts will use an @sdzwa.org email address. We do not request money, checks, equipment orders, or sensitive personal data during the recruitment process. San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance only conducts interviews via phone, Zoom, Teams or in-person. If you have been asked for any of the above, or believe you have been contacted by someone posing as a San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance employee, please e-mail sdzwacareers@sdzwa.org. If you feel that you have been the victim of fraud, please contact your financial institution(s) immediately. At San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, we celebrate our differences and foster a culture of belonging. Diversity strengthens our employees, enriches our guests’ experiences, deepens our connection to our community, and supports the wildlife we serve. 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. We are not offering sponsorship for this position at this time. San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is a drug free workplace.
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