Job Description
TITLE: Chief Animal Conservation Officer (CACO)
DEPARTMENT: Executive Leadership
REPORTS TO: President & CEO
STATUS: Full-time, Exempt
SALARY: $250,000 - $280,000
POSITION OVERVIEW: Shedd Aquarium is seeking a strategic and visionary Chief Animal Conservation Officer (CACO) to lead the organization’s animal husbandry, conservation research, and animal health efforts. The CACO will be a key member of Shedd’s Executive Leadership Team, shaping and executing initiatives aligned with the Centennial Commitment—Shedd’s bold strategic plan for impact and growth.
Shedd’s annual budget is approximately $70 million, with an additional $10-15 million in capital expenses. In addition, hundreds of millions of dollars are currently being deployed as part of the strategic plan, the Centennial Commitment, which includes the recently completed $25 million Center for Animal Care and Sustainability. The Shedd team comprises 343 full-time and 120 part-time staff, as well as 400 volunteers. In addition, approximately 400 partner employees work full-time at Shedd. Shedd has a 45-member Board of Trustees. Specific to the CACO, the Animal Care and Science Division is comprised of over 120 team members and has a Division budget of approximately $15.5 million.
This role requires a dynamic leader with a deep understanding of animal operations and conservation, a proven record of executive leadership, and the ability to build strong, collaborative teams across departments. The CACO will drive innovation, elevate care standards, and represent Shedd’s mission across diverse scientific, public, and policy arenas.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. Provide visionary leadership across animal care, animal health, and conservation research departments.
Drive strategic initiatives and organizational priorities in alignment with Shedd’s Centennial Commitment.
Develop and support high-performing teams with a focus on collaboration, innovation, and accountability.
Ensure the highest standards of animal well-being, including continuity of care and guest engagement.
Represent Shedd Aquarium to external audiences, funders, national and international partners, and scientific bodies.
Oversee complex resource planning, including staffing, budgeting, and long-term sustainability goals.
Advance Shedd’s visibility and influence in regional, national, and international conservation networks.
QUALIFICATIONS: The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
Education: A bachelor's degree is required.
Advanced degrees (DVM, VMD, Ph.D.) in veterinary medicine, marine biology, zoology, conservation science, or related fields are preferred.
Experience: 10+ years of executive leadership experience in a zoo, aquarium, conservation organization, research institution, or similar entity with complex animal operations and public engagement.
Demonstrated expertise in animal husbandry, animal health, and applied conservation.
Strategic thinker with strong operational execution skills.
Exceptional interpersonal, leadership, and communication abilities.
Deep commitment to Shedd’s mission, values, and community.
Ideal Candidate Will Be: A bold, adaptive leader with a proven track record of driving innovation and aligning teams.
An effective external representative with experience in public speaking, policy advocacy, and scientific communication.
A mission-driven professional with a passion for animal welfare, conservation, and inclusive leadership.
A collaborative partner who thrives in a cross-functional, high-performance environment.
BENEFITS OF WORKING AT SHEDD: We offer competitive compensation packages and opportunities for professional growth within our organization. Medical Insurance, including FSA and HSA plan options
Vision and Dental Insurance
Accrued Paid Time Off
Up to 12 Paid Holidays
Life Insurance
Parental Leaveand Adoption Assistance
401(k)
Discounted Parking and Public Transit Subsidies
Employee Assistance Program
Employee Wellness program, including Preventive Care Incentive
Employee Discounts
Employee Tickets
How to Apply: Russell Reynolds Associates, the global leadership advisory and executive search firm, has been exclusively engaged to lead this search. All inquiries and discussions will be considered strictly confidential.
Interested candidates are invited to visit the Russell Reynolds Engage platform, accessible through this LINK(copy & paste - ).
Candidates will first be asked to register and create a profile. From the home page, navigate to “Job Post” and enter the following career code: 2505-019NA to submit a resume and cover letter for consideration.
The Russell Reynolds team can be contacted directly at SheddCACO@russellreynolds.com for nominations or with any questions.
Reasonable Accommodations:
Shedd Aquarium is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you need reasonable accommodations for any part of the employment process, please email us at jobs@sheddaquarium.org.
We strongly encourage people of color, LGBTQ+ community, veterans and active duty military, parents, individuals with disabilities, and individuals from all cultural backgrounds to apply. Shedd Aquarium is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes everyone to our team.
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Job Tags
Full time, Part time,