Vice President of Animal Care

***This role is being recruited by a third party agency, Koya. To be considered for this role, you must apply via the Koya website. Applications submitted to the Monterey Bay Aquarium website will not be considered.***

About Monterey Bay Aquarium

With a mission to inspire conservation of the ocean, the Monterey Bay Aquarium (the Aquarium) is the most admired aquarium in the United States, a leader in science education, and a voice for ocean conservation through comprehensive programs in marine science and public policy. Everything we do works in concert to protect the future of our blue planet.

Founded in 1984, the Aquarium is known for our focus on local and global research and conservation efforts, excellence in exhibits and educational programs, and animal husbandry techniques. Frolicking sea otters, fast-swimming sharks, pulsating jellies and waddling penguins – the Aquarium’s world-class exhibits and breathtaking scenery instill a love of the ocean in their visitors. With nearly 2 million visitors a year and over 200 exhibits and 80,000 plants and animals, the Aquarium is a window to the wonders of the ocean.

Scientists at the Aquarium are rebuilding sea otter populations, transforming fisheries and aquaculture around the world, and working to protect California’s coastal ecosystem. Our policy experts are moving the needle on legislation to address climate change and end plastic pollution. The Aquarium’s Seafood Watch team is shifting the global marketplace to make seafood more sustainable.

Education is a top priority at the Aquarium. Since 1984, more than 2.5 million students have visited for free. Our life-changing teacher and youth development programs are helping young people find their voices as ocean conservation leaders and will ensure a healthy future for the ocean.

The Monterey Bay Aquarium has taken a strong, public stance and made a significant investment in promoting diverse voices in ocean science and conservation. For too long, Black people, Indigenous people, and people of color, as well as LGBTQIA+ people, have been underrepresented in marine science and conservation fields.

Learn more about Monterey Bay Aquarium at https://www.montereybayaquarium.org/

The Opportunity

The Vice President of Animal Care is a visionary leader who champions the highest standards of marine life well-being, scientific excellence, collaboration, and conservation impact. This role drives the strategic development of our Animal Care Division, inspiring a culture of continuous learning, innovation, and collaboration. The ability to work closely with your colleagues in education & guest experience, conservation & science and exhibitions will be critical to succeeding in this role. Working together is the only path to fulfilling our mission to inspire conservation of the ocean.

This role is an extraordinary opportunity to shape the Aquarium’s animal care programs, ensuring that they reflect the organization’s values, uphold the highest standards of well-being, and inspire both our team and our guests. The VP will work cross-functionally with leaders across the organization, ensuring that all programs align with the Aquarium’s long-term strategic plan and its mission to inspire conservation of the ocean.

Core Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Divisional Management

Lead the Animal Care Division through comprehensive strategic planning, divisional goal-setting, and administration of a $12M+ budget. Supervise key department directors, fostering a culture of excellence, continuous learning, and professional development across Dive Programs, Veterinary Services, and Husbandry Operations.

Living Exhibit & Aquarium Innovation

Lead the development of dynamic and compelling living exhibits, in close collaboration with Exhibitions, with an emphasis on scientific accuracy, superlative aesthetic standards, and the highest standards of animal well-being practices. Partner with cross-functional teams to support a world-class and transformative guest experience that aligns with conservation goals, cutting edge and innovative animal care discoveries, and scientific advancement.

Scientific & Organizational Integrity 

Maintain rigorous accreditation standards, agency compliance permits and licensing, and animal well-being, human safety, and exhibit protocols. Lead and participate in critical institutional committees, ensuring the highest levels of scientific accuracy, ethical animal management, and research oversight.

Involve Animal Care Team in Conservation Programs

Support the animal care team's involvement in conservation programs both run by the Aquarium and with outside partners. Our talented husbandry team has much to contribute to conservation programs.

Cooperation & Engagement

Develop strategic partnerships with marketing, conservation and science, education, exhibitions, and guest experience teams to amplify our public engagement, scientific communication, and conservation impact. Support research initiatives, including critical programs like sea otter rehabilitation and MBARI collaborations.

Equity & Belonging Leadership

Champion a workplace culture of belonging, trust, and continuous growth. Promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility principles throughout the Animal Care Division and institution-wide, creating an environment that attracts and develops exceptional talent.

Additional Required Duties and Responsibilities

• Co-Chair of the Animal Welfare Committee


• Co-Chair of the Research Oversight Committee


• Chair of the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee


• Member of the Diving Control Board

Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate will have the following professional and personal qualities, skills, and characteristics:

• Ten years of senior management experience in a large aquarium setting.


• Expert-level understanding of marine animal husbandry across diverse temperate eastern Pacific ecosystems.


• Proven ability to manage complex, multi-project environments with shifting priorities.


• Comprehensive knowledge of animal well-being science and public aquarium best practices.


• Demonstrated leadership in AZA and relevant professional organizations.


• Exceptional written and oral communication skills.


• Proven track record of developing high-performing, collaborative teams.


• Deep commitment to maintaining organizational core values and leadership competencies.


• Experience in marine conservation research and rehabilitation programs.

Preferred, but not required:

• Background in complex life support system design and management.


• Publication record in peer-reviewed marine science journals.


• International experience in marine ecosystem management.

Compensation & Benefits

Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience. The salary range for this role is $220,000 - $270,000 with a generous benefits package. The exact salary that will be offered to the Vice President of Animal Care will be determined based on a consideration of the successful candidate’s skills, experience, and geography and aligned with Monterey Bay Aquarium’s compensation policies.

Contact

DSG | Koya has been exclusively retained for this engagement, which is being led by Erin Reedy and Christy Farrell. Submit a compelling cover letter and resume by filling out our Talent Profile. All inquiries are strictly confidential.

Monterey Bay Aquarium is an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourages applications from people of color, persons with disabilities, women, and LGBTQ+ applicants.

About DSG | Koya

DSG | Koya, a DSG Global company, is the nation’s premier search firm dedicated to mission-driven leadership. Since its founding in 2004, DSG | Koya has had an exclusive focus on mission-driven clients and was founded on the belief that the right leader can transform an organization and have a deep and measurable impact on our world. DSG | Koya works with nonprofits & NGOs, responsible businesses, and social enterprises in local communities and around the world.

DSG Global is consistently recognized by Forbes on its top 10 list of “America’s Best Executive Recruiting Firms” and is an industry leader in recruiting transformational leaders for a changing world. The firm is deliberately different in its approach, with best-in-class teams who have decades of experience in cultivating inclusive leaders, understanding the dimensions of diversity, and building equitable teams.

Learn more about DSG | Koya via the firm's website.