Director, Zoological and Aquarium Operations

The Director, Zoological and Aquarium Operations is an executive leadership role within Disney Experiences, responsible for providing vision, direction, and integrated leadership for zoological and aquarium operations across multiple Disney locations. Reporting to the Vice President, Animals, Science & Environment, this leader translates strategy into safe, effective, and measurable operational results. The Director advances exceptional animal wellbeing, compelling Guest experiences, Cast and Guest safety, scientific excellence, and strong business performance while building a high-performing, inclusive organization.

Key Responsibilities

Inspirational Leadership & Business Results

• Partner across Disney Experiences and The Walt Disney Company to strengthen animal and conservation-related outcomes, advance business priorities, and foster a safe and inclusive culture.

• Lead the development and operation of high-quality Guest animal experiences across multiple locations that are labor-efficient, highly utilized, financially responsible, and grounded in exceptional animal wellbeing and the safety of Cast and Guests.

• Identify and implement revenue-generating opportunities and business optimization practices that support operational goals and conservation impact.

• Leverage Disney’s creative content, operational footprint, and cross-functional partnerships to strengthen animal-related storytelling and connect Guests with wildlife and nature.

• Protect and build Disney’s reputation by proactively identifying operational, animal wellbeing, and Guest experience risks and partnering with the Vice President, Animals, Science & Environment on timely response and resolution.

Zoological & Aquarium Operations

• Provide vision, leadership, and direction for animal care, animal health, scientific operations, life-support systems, and Guest engagement across the assigned zoological and aquarium portfolio including Walt Disney World, Disney’s Castaway Cay, and Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa.

• Lead integrated zoological and aquarium operations across Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, EPCOT’s The Seas with Nemo & Friends and Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa.

• Provide direction and oversight for animal populations, animal transfers, population planning, and operational practices within the assigned portfolio, consistent with strategy and governance established by the Vice President, Animals, Science & Environment.

• Ensure high standards of animal wellbeing, Animal, Cast, and Guest safety, regulatory compliance, operational readiness, and accreditation performance.

• Balance day-to-day operational needs with continuous improvement, innovation, change leadership, and long-term planning.

Science, Welfare & Guest Experience Integration

• Integrate animal care, animal health, animal wellbeing, behavioral science, nutrition, water science, and other scientific disciplines into evidence-based animal management decisions.

• Build strong partnerships among operational teams and Animals, Science & Environment functions, including Education, Science, Conservation, and Planning & Integration.

• Advance compelling Guest experiences and educational engagement that inspire conservation action while maintaining appropriate animal wellbeing and operational standards.

• Use performance data, animal welfare assessments, Guest insights, and operational metrics to inform priorities and improve outcomes.

Collaboration, Reputation & Industry Leadership

• Serve as a senior subject-matter expert on animal operations and animal use across The Walt Disney Company, in alignment with the Vice President, Animals, Science & Environment.

• Partner with Public Affairs, Communications, Legal, Risk Management, Security, and other stakeholders on animal-related issues, media inquiries, and crisis response; support the Vice President in high-profile or enterprise-level matters.

• Serve as a member of the Animals, Science & Environment and Disney’s Animal Kingdom steering committees.

• Establish and maintain strong relationships with leading zoological and aquarium organizations, professional associations, regulatory agencies, and external partners.

• Represent Disney at relevant industry events, conferences, committees, and professional forums, as appropriate.

People Leadership & Culture

• Lead, develop, and hold accountable a diverse, multidisciplinary team of animal care, animal health, science, and Guest engagement professionals.

• Build leadership capability and succession strength through clear expectations, coaching, development, and disciplined talent planning.

• Create an inclusive culture characterized by trust, collaboration, empowerment, accountability, and open communication.

• Model and reinforce Disney’s Five Keys—Safety, Courtesy, Inclusion, Show, and Efficiency—in leadership decisions and operational practices.

Required Qualifications & Experience

• At least 10 years of progressively responsible zoological or aquarium experience in an Association of Zoos and Aquariums-accredited zoological or aquarium organization, including a minimum of 7 years experience leading leaders, including direct management of senior managers or equivalent leadership-level talent.

• Demonstrated leadership of large, multidisciplinary operations with accountability for animal wellbeing, safety, people, budgets, and Guest or public-facing experiences.

• Proven ability to translate strategy into operational plans, measurable results, and sustained organizational performance.

• Demonstrated understanding of the role of science, animal health, welfare assessment, and evidence-based decision-making in animal management.

• Strong business acumen, including experience developing, operating, or optimizing revenue-generating programs and managing labor and financial resources.

• Exceptional influence and collaboration skills, including the ability to reconcile diverse or opposing perspectives and drive decisions without creating lasting friction.

• Proven written and verbal communication skills and the ability to establish credibility with a broad range of internal and external stakeholders.

• Demonstrated strategic planning, project management, and change leadership skills, including the ability to balance multiple priorities in a complex environment.

• Experience building high-performing teams, developing leaders, and strengthening succession pipelines.

• Ability and willingness to travel as required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated leadership role within the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums, or another relevant professional organization.

• Media training and experience supporting sensitive or high-profile issues.

• Experience leading operations across multiple locations or business units.

• MBA and/or advanced degree with practical experience in zoological medicine, animal husbandry, animal science, marine or aquatic animal management, or a related field.

Required Education

• Bachelor’s Degree or advanced technical degree in animal science or related field is required.

The hiring range for this position in Florida is $194,700 to $261,100 per year. The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity and also may vary depending on the candidate’s geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors. A bonus and/or long-term incentive units may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to the full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered.