Vice President, Animal, Science & Environment

The Walt Disney Company • Lake Buena Vista, FL

3d • $236,000 - $316,500 • Onsite

About The Position

The Vice President, Animals, Science & Environment is a highly visible global leadership position within Disney Experiences, responsible for setting and executing the company’s vision for animal wellbeing, environmental sustainability, and conservation impact. This leader is a strategic partner across The Walt Disney Company, optimizing synergies, protecting and building Disney’s reputation, and delivering exceptional Guest experiences across theme parks, resorts, cruise lines, and signature experiences worldwide.

Requirements

• Proven experience with at least 7 years of demonstrated executive leadership in animal science, environmental sustainability, or related fields—ideally within a global, high-profile organization.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and execute large-scale environmental and conservation strategies.
• Strong experience with cross-functional team leadership and external stakeholder management.
• At least 15 years of deep experience with zoological operations, animal welfare, and Guest experience delivery with proven business results.
• Track record of building organizational reputation and managing sensitive media/agency relationships.
• Success in leveraging brand and intellectual property for social and environmental good.
• Bachelor’s Degree or advanced technical degree in animal science or related field is required.

Nice To Haves

• Board-level or executive experience with leading industry or conservation organizations preferred.

Responsibilities

• Inspirational Leadership & Business Results: Partner across all levels of The Walt Disney Company to drive business growth, foster environmental sustainability, and champion diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Develop and operate high quality Guest Experiences across multiple locations that are efficient in labor, provide excellent animal welfare, and are highly utilized.
• Identify and implement new revenue-generating opportunities and business optimization practices.
• Optimize business unit synergies—leveraging our creative content and operational footprint to protect wildlife and habitats while sharing compelling stories with Guests.
• Protect and build Disney’s reputation, both proactively and reactively.
• Environmental Sustainability: Partner with Disney Global Public Policy to development and implement environmental goals and targets for The Walt Disney Company and Disney Experiences.
• Lead strategy development for environmental goals across Disney theme parks, resorts, cruise ships, and consumer products.
• Lead Environmental Governance process for Disney Experiences.
• Collaborate on sustainability tactics relating to infrastructure and operations across all global parks and resorts.
• Conservation & Philanthropy: Co-develop and implement meaningful conservation strategies with Enterprise Social Responsibility.
• Align conservation initiatives with corporate philanthropic priorities.
• Leverage Disney Intellectual Property for conservation impact.
• Develop and maintain partnerships with leading external zoological and conservation organizations.
• Serve as a board member and representative with key conservation entities.
• Reputation Management & Content Integrity: Serve as primary executive contact for animal welfare agencies, external partners, and media on animal and nature issues.
• Oversee responsible and accurate portrayal of animals and nature in Disney productions across all platforms (Disney+, National Geographic, Marvel, Pixar, etc.).
• Lead risk management for animal and nature-related issues, including content assessment and environmental impact of new developments (e.g., Shanghai Disney Resort, Disney Lookout Cay).
• Oversee assessment of third-party animal and nature experiences for Guest excursions.
• Animal Care, Welfare & Guest Experience: Provide strategic vision and direct leadership for all animal areas in Disney Parks & Resorts, ensuring safety, inclusion, and exceptional Guest experiences.
• Lead two AZA-accredited zoological institutions, and ensure Disney’s recognized leadership status in the zoological profession (AZA/WAZA).
• Represent Disney on relevant boards and industry associations.
• Oversee the production of key nature-focused media content to drive awareness and advocacy and build the Disney brands.
• Collaboration & Business Integration: Liaise with film studios, National Geographic Partners, and related channels to align content, partnerships, and business opportunities.
• Align National Geographic excursions and Adventures by Disney Guest offerings with animal wellbeing best practices and conservation impact.

Benefits

• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive