Chief Administrative Officer

Seneca Park Zoo Society•Rochester, NY

1d•$110,000 - $125,000

About The Position

Seneca Park Zoo Society's Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) will guide and oversee the systems and processes that support the organization's culture and enable people to do good work, with a focus on maximizing organizational effectiveness. The ideal candidate will have experience in both driving change and managing it, with proven competencies around process improvement and working with teams through change. The CAO is primarily an internally facing position, managing day-to-operations and guiding the implementation of key elements of the Zoo Society's Long-Range Plan. This is a new position for the Zoo Society, created in response to the Long-Range Plan adopted by the Board of Trustees in 2025. In addition to leading and developing administrative staff members, the CAO's main duties and responsibilities will include:

Requirements

Bachelor's degree required; master's degree preferred
Eight to ten years of nonprofit management experience, with a focus on overseeing business operations and knowledge of nonprofit business practices
Proven experience as a Chief Administrative Officer or similar administrative role, including oversight of Human Resources, Operations, and Finance
Excellent leadership and organizational abilities
Strategic planning and business development skills, with proven leadership implementing long-range plans.
Experience in budgeting and financial management
Excellent understanding of administrative management theory and practice
Knowledge of MS Office and CRMs
Commitment to the Zoo and Zoo Society's mission is paramount, as is a sense of humor and the ability to be flexible and adaptable.
Commitment to uphold the workplace values of the Zoo Society: Transparency, Accountability, Innovation, Team Above Self, Partnerships and Collaboration, Inclusion, and Hope

Nice To Haves

Financial Edge and Questica experience a plus
Salesforce experience preferred

Responsibilities

Long Range Plan Oversight and Implementation
Oversee and drive the organization's progress toward achieving its Long-Range Plan
Coordinate and assign work of individuals and teams toward Plan fulfillment
Develop goals and implement annual work plan
Manage cross-functional teams and monitor progress to ensure objectives are met
Track performance and identify potential roadblocks
Work with different departments to ensure effective communication and coordination
Optimize Business Processes, and create and implement operational policies and procedures
Work with team members to develop ROI's for all events and programs, considering both revenue and mission impact
Work closely with the Chief Financial Officer to manage the financial planning and risk management processes of the Society.
Provide guidance for employees on administrative procedures and processes
Drive performance management throughout the organization, including monitoring performance metrics and implementing improvements when necessary.
Monitor performance metrics and implement improvements when necessary
Oversee the recruitment, training, and development of staff
Provide guidance to the Volunteer Manager for the recruitment, training, and development of volunteers
Develop and implement HR policies and procedures that are aligned with organizational goals and legal requirements
Create succession plans for key leadership roles and personal development plans for full-time staff
Provide HR functions for the team, including annual employee handbook updates, open enrollment, and benefits management
Oversee the information technology function, including the selection and implementation of new technology systems
Ensure the organization complies with relevant laws and regulations, including those related to privacy and data security
Oversee space planning for the functions of the Zoo Society
Coordinate with various departments to ensure the smooth functioning of all operations
Serve as a key member of the executive leadership team and contribute to the company's strategic planning
Report to the Board of Trustees on administrative issues and progress on Long Range Plan implementation