Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Access, and Belonging

Covered premiums for vision, dental, basic life, and disability insurance, and OPERS retirement. The Columbus Zoo is fully committed to DEIAB, and in 2023 we created new DEIAB strategic plan for all of our parks and programs.  In order to successfully execute our new plan, we are seeking an experienced and passionate individual to fill the role of Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Access, and Belonging (“DEIAB”) at the Columbus Zoo Family of Parks. As Director of DEIAB, they must have a genuine passion for promoting diversity and inclusion and be a strong advocate for underrepresented groups within the organization and the community we serve. As the conductor of all aspects of Family of Parks' DEIAB initiatives, programs, and culture, this position plays a crucial role in shaping the organization's DEIAB strategy and ensuring alignment with our mission, Empowering People. Saving Wildlife.

• The Director of DEIAB will be trusted to build strong relationships and collaborate with key stakeholders, including community leaders, employees, the leadership team, and external partners in Central and Southeastern Ohio.
• The Director of DEIAB will serve as the CZFP’s overall DEIAB point of contact with the full support and active involvement of the CZFP’s leadership, President & CEO, the CZFP’s executive leadership team, and volunteer board to educate and integrate DEIAB into all aspects of our business.
• The Director will be tasked to review, track, and synthesize data on established metrics and potentially create new ones to measure progress, identify areas of opportunity to effectively integrate DEIAB into the structure, strategy, and function of the organization through areas like organizational goals, strategic planning, and departmental planning.
• Be a part of shaping the future of the CZFP by working the park leadership on insights and current or innovative initiatives, activities, practices to embed DEIAB into the recruitment, retention, compliance, marketing, communications, external relationships and partnerships, events and sponsorships, grants, and supplier diversity.
• You can expect to be actively involved in the zoo and aquarium industry, serving as a member of the Association of Zoos and Aquarium’s Diversity Committee, and working with organizations such as the Association of Minority Zoo and Aquarium Professionals (“AMZAP”).
• The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of diversity and inclusion principles, best practices, and current trends to develop and implement effective strategies and initiatives.
• They will possess and constantly strive to improve upon their cultural competence and ability to navigate and understand diverse perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds.

Experience Required

• Bachelor's degree in related field or equivalent experience required.
• Three to five years of experience leading Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion efforts, preferably within a highly matrixed organization.
• Experience with and knowledge of applicable laws, regulations, policies, guidelines, and innovation related to DEIAB. 
• Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing, with specific emphasis on the ability to facilitate complex and difficult discussions about DEIAB topics.
• Demonstrated ability to translate organizational needs into DEIAB strategies.
• Ability to create and deliver effective training and programming to CZFP Team
• High emotional intelligence and the ability to communicate in a clear and concise manner.

Further Comments

• The Columbus Zoo first opened in 1927 with a small collection of animals donated by the City of Columbus.
• Today, the Columbus Zoological Park Association governs the entire 580-acre complex that includes the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, Zoombezi Bay Water Park and Safari Golf Club.
• An equal opportunity employer, the Zoo offers a wide range of career and job opportunities.

Perks

• Our mission at the Columbus Zoo Family of Parks is Empowering People.
• Saving Wildlife.
• When you are a part of our full-time Columbus Zoo and Aquarium team, you are helping us achieve that mission!
• We offer competitive wages, paid time off, excellent benefits including covered premiums for vision, dental, basic life, and disability insurance, and OPERS retirement.
• Did we mention the perks? Company provided tuition reimbursement, Zoo family membership, free admission, and discounts at all our parks, team member appreciation events, wellness program, and more.
• Plus, as a nonprofit organization, our employees can take advantage of the student loan forgiveness through the Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program

Salary

• $109,000-$142,000